Sunday Women: Ann Balthazor and Laura McMichael, The Club at Spalding Corners B2
Nominated by: Geri McMenomy, North Forke
I have been playing ALTA tennis for over 30 years, but (this spring) I experienced the kindest, classiest sportsmanship ever in all my years on the court. My partner, Trina Peavy and I play out of North Forke in Snellville. We were playing against Laura and Ann from The Club at Spalding Corners. We had a long, fun first set and were in the second set when I went for a shot, lost my balance, and came down hard on my left hand. My partner and our opponents immediately came rushing over to check on me. I could not continue, so we had to retire the match.
I went on to the ER for X-rays, and they confirmed that my wrist was broken. My surgery was scheduled for Thursday of that week. On Wednesday, I received a beautiful floral arrangement from Laura and Ann. The card read, “Geri, we are so sorry that you were hurt today, and we hope you heal quickly! We really enjoyed playing with you! Sending good thoughts of quick healing! Laura and Ann.” I was truly touched that they would do that for me. What a beautiful, kind gesture. It is a total bummer to be out of tennis for 10-12 weeks, but kindness like that surely put a smile in my heart. No one is going to remember someone for winning all their matches, but I will surely remember these two very kind, thoughtful women who truly reflect the spirit of ALTA.
Sunday Women: Machelle Rybicky, Apalachee Farms B4
Nominated by: Stacy Anders, Apalachee Farms
I would like to nominate my partner for the Sportsmanship Award for her extraordinary act of courage and selflessness. We were scheduled to play a match on Easter Sunday, but it ended up being rained out and rescheduled for Monday. We arrived at the courts and had just started warming up when someone ran by looking for a doctor or nurse. Machelle, a nurse with years of experience in cardiac ICU, dropped her racquet and ran to the nearby pickleball court where a man had collapsed. He had no pulse and was completely unresponsive. Without hesitation, Machelle began chest compressions and used the AED until she revived him. The paramedics arrived shortly after, but her quick thinking, skills, and level head saved his life. What is so striking is that if our original match had not been rained out, Machelle wouldn’t have been there that evening. After the paramedics arrived, she washed her hands and just played our match — never seeking praise or attention. A couple of days later, Machelle got a text from someone she played years ago saying, “I understand I have you to thank for saving my husband’s life!” Talk about full circle! Machelle embodies the very best in sportsmanship — courage, humility, compassion, and grace under pressure!
Senior Day Women: Rowena Keen and Renee McKown, Riverside S&T C1
Nominated by: Karen Christian, Chimney Springs
I would like to nominate Rowena Keen and Renee McKown from Riverside S&T. Our match was supposed to be a home match, but due to wet courts, my partner and I agreed to play on their clay courts. However, we went to the River Club on Riverside Drive instead of their courts. When we discovered our error, we let them know we were on our way. On the way to their courts, I got stopped for speeding, which further delayed us. They were so gracious to us, and we began to play. After the first set, my partner began to feel ill from the heat. Rowena and Renee were so solicitous towards my partner, offering her extra rest time, giving her stuff to put in her water, and bringing her a popsicle because their ice machine was off. My partner finally had to retire. Rowena and Renee stayed at the courts with us even though the match was over until my partner felt well enough to leave. Rowena and Renee are what ALTA Sportsmanship is all about!
Junior Girls: Isabella Lawand, Bitsy Grant/Soft Courts 12U C5
Nominated by: Blythe Powell, Bitsy Grant/Hard Courts
I would like to nominate Isabella for the ALTA Sportsmanship Award. I played against her in a singles match that she lost 0–8, but she showed incredible courage and character the entire time. She knew going into the match that it would be tough and that she might lose, but she still chose to play for her team and gave her best effort without ever complaining.
This was her first tennis season and first time playing singles, and it was especially hard because we are friends. Even in that situation, she stayed positive, focused on her own game, and kept a great attitude. She never got upset or discouraged and handled everything with grace in front of both teams.
After the match, she was kind and social with everyone, showing true love for the sport and respect for others. I really admire how brave she was to try something new and how she carried herself throughout the match. She is always kind to everyone at school and in sports.
