Member Spotlight: Meet Lucy Holtz, a Ten-Year Member of Court 16
Tennis is a lifelong sport that can play more than one role in our lives. This is especially true for Lucy Holtz, a longtime member of the Court 16 community. She started playing tennis ten years ago, back when the former Gowanus club first opened its doors. Now 16 years old, Lucy continues playing the sport she loves, while giving back to the club that was such an important part of her childhood.
Ten years ago, six-year-old Lucy Holtz walked into the brand-new Court 16 club for her first tennis lesson. Her parents grew up playing tennis and were excited about the prospect of making it a family sport.
“I remember when I first started coming to tennis classes at Court 16, and I instantly fell in love with the sport. The coaches, like Coach Nick and Coach Matty, made the classes so much fun - I couldn’t wait to play Fruit Salad with them each week.”
The club became such a special space for Lucy that she wanted to share it with all her friends andfamily. To celebrate her 7th birthday, Lucy held the first ever Court 16 birthday party. Everyone showed up in their tennis whites, ready to learn, play, and laugh on the court.
“My 7th birthday is definitely one of my favorite memories at Court 16. I loved that I could bring my friends and family together to play tennis. I think this is still one of my favorite parts of tennis - being able to play and enjoy this sport with those closest to me.”
Nowadays, Lucy plays tennis on her high school team. Her years in the Court 16 Kids Academy helped her prepare physically and mentally for the competition - from weekly classes and summer camps to the club’s red ball tournaments that introduced her to competitive tennis.
“Court 16 helped me become both a great tennis player, teammate, and competitor. In addition to learning the technique and on-court strategy, my coaches instilled in me the importance of respect and sportsmanship for both my teammates and my opponents. I bring the values I’ve learned on the tennis court - including respect and hard work - to other parts of my life, including other sports, school, and relationships.”
When asked what her favorite part about playing high school tennis is, she quickly remarked on how close she’s become with her team.
“Tennis is not your typical team sport. A lot of times, you’re out on the court alone, and you have to stay mentally strong through all the ups and downs of a match. Being on a team allows us to be there supporting and cheering for each other through it all.”
Lucy still stays heavily involved in Court 16. In addition to taking private lessons at our Downtown Brooklyn location, she loves giving back to the club that helped her first fall in love with tennis.
“Court 16 has always been a big part of my childhood. Some of my fondest memories were going to tennis camp during the summers. During the summer, I’ve been a Coach-in-Training, and I love helping create amazing tennis experiences for these kids.”
In addition to her on-court help, Lucy works behind the scenes with her mom on the many corporate events and celebrations that happen at Court 16.
“I’d love to say I pioneered the tennis party when I had my 7th birthday at Court 16. Now, there’s tennis and pickleball events happening every week! By assisting my mom, I get to help make sure people’s experiences at Court 16 are just as special as mine have been.”
Lucy is starting to look at her next chapter in life - where she’d like to go to college.
“Yeah, I’m starting to think about college. Right now, I want to keep an open mind, but I’m leaning toward somewhere not too small, but not too big, with a good mix of school spirit, sports teams, and academics. I definitely see tennis continuing to play a big role in my life - it’s a great way to connect with people. I think it’d be really fun to play tennis in college, maybe on a rec or club team.”
Wherever she may end up in the next few years and beyond, Lucy knows that Court 16 will continue to be there for her.
“Court 16 will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve met a lot of really cool people here and have had the chance to learn and play a sport I love. No matter where I go next, Court 16 will always be a second home for me.”