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News of tournament teams

Age Is Only A Number

two former pro golfers, one basketball player on team

By Michael Rardon/USTA Southern intern


Nikki Luckhurst
Trey Love/All American Imaging

As USTA League players near the age of 50 they typically begin dreaming about the opportunity to play in the senior division. Throughout their late forties the players are forced to compete against players who are in their mid-twenties, but once they hit fifty they will be the young players in their new age group. Having youth on their side once again, they cherish their new advantage … this is unless you are the women’s 4.0 team from Athens, Ga.

The team consists of 21 registered players, 14 of which could qualify for the senior division. These ladies are not ready to give up their adult playing days and know they can still keep up with the younger players. After posting a 7-1 regular season record, the team won the Georgia State Championship, securing a trip to the USTA League Southern Section Championships. This was the team’s second year playing together and they have united around the pride of still being able to compete in the adult division.

Despite their age, the team has one significant advantage: three of the team’s players are former professional athletes in sports other than tennis. One of these former pro athletes is Nikki Luckhurst, who previously played basketball on a team in Great Britain until 2008. After her successful basketball career in Europe, Luckhurst moved home to Georgia and began playing tennis.

Blessed with a pedigree of athletic genes, Luckhurst was able to quickly develop into a remarkable tennis player. Her English-born father, Mick, was a kicker for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and her current USTA League tennis teammate and mother Terri Hancock is listed as a former LPGA golfer. Using her natural athleticism the young Luckhurst, has carried the weight of singles play for the team throughout the season and has dropped only one set throughout her undefeated season.

Also on the team is former LPGA golfer Pam Gietzen. She played on the LPGA tour from 1981 to 1986. Her best year was 1982 when she recorded three top-ten finishes, which was highlighted by a third place finish at the LPGA Championships.

The team has rallied together behind their efforts to compete against the younger crowd. However with a dominate singles player in Luckhurst and two former professional athletes on their team, they have proved that age is merely a number.

 Team

 Georgia Women’s 4.0

 Home Courts

Athens Academy

 Captain

 Barbara Rice

 Fun Fact

Three players were professional athletes..