Tennis player honoured for 52 year club membership

Sandra Kock (63) is a Springs Tennis Club honorary member. The Selcourt resident has been part of the club for 52 years.

“I have been playing tennis for as long as I can remember.

“From about the age of five, I used to go down to Springs Park Tennis Club with my father and spend the afternoon playing against the wall.”

She says her father was her inspiration and she would excitedly anticipate all the times they would play together.

“The tennis bug bit and that was all I wanted to do.”

Sandra became a member of the club at a young age, but had to wait until the age of 12 to play competitively.

“We played against many clubs in the East Rand and many in Springs.”

Sandra talks about her favourite moments while being a member of the club.

“Some of my best memories are playing tough league matches with some great players, narrowly beating the opposition and, of course, the celebrations afterwards.

“You build up relationships with people at the club over the years, some last a lifetime.”

She also talks about her earlier achievements.

“Possibly the memory that sticks in my mind is the first time I won the ladies’ singles.

“I was 15 years old and the champion at that stage had won the title for many years.

“Our club chairman at the time said to me before the match today is the day, and he was right.”

Despite tennis sounding like a great sport, Sandra laments its decline.

“We are the last remaining club in Springs. Our membership is probably less than half of what it used to be years ago.

“As a club, we are trying very hard to attract new players, irrespective of age and ability.”

Despite it all, Sandra firmly cannot imagine playing any other sport.

“It was all I wanted to do, and it still is.”

She encourages the young and old to take up the sport.

“Tennis is a very competitive sport. Everyone wants to win, but there are always losses.

“You learn early on how to accept defeat, get back up and try your hardest again.

She adds that tennis teaches people skills.

“You also learn to interact with a host of different people, people who you probably would not otherwise encounter.

“I would love to see more people come to the courts to play or learn to play.

“You are out in the sunshine trying to master something, which is difficult at times. Persevere as it’s great fun being on a tennis court.

“It’s also a great way to make new friends and something the whole family can do.”