Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – After decades of dedicated service to the City of Pelham, the Pelham Racquet Club announced the retirement of Head Tennis Pro Ann Etheredge on Thursday, July 9.

“Ann dedicated her life to the sport. She is a decorated athlete, and her passion for the sport is unmatched in the eyes of many,” said Chaney Mills, Assistant Director of the Racquet Club. “We will miss her tremendously.”

Etheredge’s experience and accomplishments are exceptional. She is a two-time All-American, she won 23 National Championships, achieved a #1 ITF World Ranking, and is a member of both the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame and the Alabama Tennis Hall of Fame. Those are just a FEW of the highlights in addition to passing her passion for tennis along to future stars.

“Being able to teach at such a beautiful club, alongside an amazing staff, has been so special,” Etheredge said. “From teaching lessons to coaching USTA teams, I have met so many wonderful people. I’ve gotten so much joy and gratification from watching them strive to improve their tennis game and accomplish their goals.”

While we are sad to see her start this new chapter, Etheredge is very much looking forward to it, and she’s not the only one. “I’m going to enjoy getting up each day and doing whatever I want with my time. My Goldendoodle, Gracie, will be VERY happy,” she said.

Etheredge’s retirement is effective August 1.

“We send this announcement with mixed emotions. We are incredibly happy for Ann and her family, as she deserves all the good things in life,” shared the Racquet Club’s staff. “On the other hand, we are certainly sad to see her go. Pelham Racquet Club will not be the same without Ann.”

The club will also host a socially-distanced retirement party for Etheredge with details to come at a later date.