Laurie Smith, Co-President
Laurie and her husband George moved to The Villages in 2015 from Westchester County, NY (where Platform Tennis was born). "I've been playing paddle for almost 40 years, and just love this game. I'm hoping to continue the legacy and enthusiasm of our past officers, Cyndi DeLapp and Melinda Lloyd, by trying to bring some fun events and socials to the membership. I think the overall goal is to try to get our game back to the pre-pandemic participation levels and camaraderie, all while having fun, improving our skills, and getting to know our fellow paddlers. Hope you're all in too. See you on the courts!"
Bev Gates Co-President
Bev has been playing Platform Tennis for about 25 years. She and her husband moved to The Villages from Cincinnati (where Bev learned the sport) in large part because there are platform tennis courts here. Bev is an instructor for platform tennis and also teaches beach tennis.
Bev is looking forward to serving the members of our Platform Tennis Club, and helping to grow the sport in The Villages. "We have some big shoes to fill following the exceptional work of Cyndi and Melinda. Please share any suggestions for events/activities or ways that we can better help you enjoy playing platform tennis— best sport ever!"
Sue Cameron, Vice President
Sue and her husband Joe relocated to The Villages 2 years ago. She had never played racket sports until 1 1/2 years ago when she began to play platform tennis. She finds the game very challenging and a great source of exercise.
Sue has been able to improve her game by both taking the lessons provided by the instructors and with the help of other experienced players.
"I'm looking forward to being your Vice President and working to provide fun and friendship. Hopefully we will be able to continue to grow our membership, and teach others to play."
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Patricia Blewett, Secretary
Patricia and her husband Chandler purchased a home in The Villages in 2014 and she spends most of her time here but goes back to her home state of Kentucky for a couple of summer months. Patricia had never heard of platform tennis until arriving in TV. She had played tennis in college (too long ago to remember much) and racquetball for several years Finding a sport that was similar to both was exciting.
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Patricia has served as Secretary of PTC since 2019.
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Keith Bashaw, Treasurer
As a varsity tennis letter winner in high school and college, Keith learned to play platform tennis at Bowling Green State University in 1968. After college Keith continued with tennis and won over a hundred tournaments in singles, doubles and mixed. In 1978 he won the Western NY circuit as well as the Grand Prix circuit.
Platform was played on more of a social and business level. Since moving to The Villages, platform tennis as well as tennis, continued on a regular basis.
With his wife, Maryellen, they were runners up in the 2013 National Senior Mixed Tournament as well as many club tournaments.
Both Keith and Maryellen are certified instructors providing lessons to The Villages residents and club members. Keith has served as the treasurer for the Club since 2017, and as the liaison between the instructors and the Board.