Community Spotlight
Celebrating Our Community: Meet The Faces of ATC!
Club Member
What got you interested in playing tennis and how long have you played?
I played in dabbles at it in high school, then picked it up again seriously in my 30's.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
The community we enjoy, the friends I've made, plus the soft courts are so kind to your legs!
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
By providing unlimited opportunities to play and practice a lot, plus occasional lessons.
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
Too many to mention, but the special feeling you get when you first play at the club on a perfect spring day.
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
You can't be a stranger here for long. Just show up with your racquet, or join a program, and you'll soon be playing. This doesn't exist at the other facilities I've played at.
What Racket do you use and why?
A Volkl C10 at the moment. It has excellent control and feel.
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
I've been following Casper Ruud. He has a great game, but moreover his court demeanor, sense of humor and likeability are so attractive.
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
I'm a sailor. I'll bet I've spent a year, cumulatively, on sailboats on both salt and fresh water.
SUSAN BOTTClub Member
How long have you played tennis?
40 years
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
The camaraderie means a lot to me—it gives me a true sense of purpose.How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
It fills me with a reassuring confidence that I can always do better. At my current fitness level, I feel truly alive and constantly have something to look forward to.Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
When the girls and I from the tennis club went up to Lake George, we enjoyed a luncheon cruise aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrament—the largest cruise ship on Lake George.What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
The beauty of the club’s surroundings always puts a smile on my face, and the warm, friendly nature of the members makes it even more special.What Racket do you use?
Wilson
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
Roger FedererWhat is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
I love adventure.
Club Member
How long have you played tennis?
I grew up right across the street from two tennis courts in Newburgh, NY. When I was growing up, the neighborhood kids, including me, mostly played baseball with a tennis ball on those courts. I started regularly playing tennis on the courts that I grew up next to around 2011 or 2012. My brother and some neighborhood friends found ourselves playing tennis for several hours each day over one summer that first year. Then I joined a local tennis club where I took some tennis lessons and played in a few leagues for a year. I didn’t play as regularly for a while but I joined the Albany Tennis Club in 2023 and have been playing regularly again during the outdoor season since.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
I enjoy a lot of things about the Albany Tennis Club. Some of my favorites include the warm welcome from Larry and the staff at the ATC, as well as fellow members. I like that I am supporting a local organization and the care that the organization does in preserving the beautiful clay courts at the ATC. I love the community tennis events and the annual 15-Love event. I also love playing Wednesday evening singles and the annual tennis tournament.
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
The ATC gives me a chance to regularly get out and play tennis. I’ve met great people through the ATC that I can reach out to play tennis with anytime. I’ve certainly enjoyed playing some marathon matches and just playing until we can’t see the ball going over the net anymore because the sun is setting.
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
I’ve played some challenging matches at the ATC that have lasted at least two to three-plus hours. Some that come to mind include Dave Giwerc during the 2023 ATC annual tennis tournament, Derek Friedman during the 2024 annual tennis tournament, and Davis Moeckel for Universal Tennis League matches. I enjoy playing regularly with other members and participating at the community tennis events when I am able.
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
I love the staff and members at the ATC. I especially enjoy Larry’s emails with detailed information about what is going on at the ATC.
What Racket do you use?
I’ve been using a Wilson BLX Surge with a 100 sq. inch headsize for a while. I was thinking of trying something new.
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
I have a few favorites. I guess Jannik Sinner right now. I used to root for Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Novak, Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki, Serena and Venus Williams. I wish tennis was easier to watch. The Tennis Channel used to come with a basic cable subscription so I could watch and it was pretty easy to follow. It seems a bit too expensive and out-of-reach to follow these days. I’m a bit busier these days too.
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
One fun fact about myself – I’m always doing something. I enjoy peace and quiet in nature.
GEORGE DELLA ROCCO
Club Member
How long have you played tennis?
Since 1975. i joined USTA and team tennis. Our teams had 2 wins at WTT CHAMPIONSHIPS and a second place in USTA championship, and 13 national competitions.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
I enjoy the atmosphere when you go through the gates, folks of all levels playing and enjoying themselves.
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
When the ball doesn’t come to you as evenly as a hard court, you have to hustle to get. Especially those drop shots.
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
Having clay court specialist Don Castle call me to play the senior championship there. I believe we won it but can’t remember the year.
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
It’s the park setting, not like going into a country club or Forrest Hills where I played 2002.
What Racket do you use?
Wilson Sledge Hammer Stretch. I beleive It has the largest string area. Larry would know as my stringer.
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
Always rooted for Novak, while he chased Roger and Rafa. Met Rod Laver twice and admired him.
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
Many years ago, tennis magazine, had a story on the USTA rating system. I wrote a letter to the author explaining the issues many of our teams were having, as other areas had some teams with much stronger players. He sent me a letter saying he thinks I wanted to be a big fish in a small bowl. As my luck would have it, we won our section, went to nationals and the guest speaker was the author, whom I met. He remembered me and we had a few laughs about it.
Club Member
What got you interested in playing tennis and how long have you played?
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
The happy atmosphere, the new friends I’ve made, and the opportunity to play on such pretty courts. And off the court, Larry’s weekly emails always make me smile.How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
There are so many talented tennis players at the club, and I think that just getting to play against all these people who are better than me has upped my game. This season, I really want to take advantage of the clinics and lessons offered at the club to gain some more confidence on the court.Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
When I first arrived at the ATC one June morning, Larry fed me some balls as part of a little orientation session. I hit more than half of them in the net…(to be fair, I hadn’t played in a year!) Larry looked at me and said, “That’s a lot of balls in the net,” then sent me right over to play with a group of ladies in the morning mix!What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
The ATC community is so warm and welcoming. Everybody is just happy to be outside playing tennis. When I’ve played with other groups, I’ve sometimes left the court feeling kind of down because of opponents’ or even doubles partners’ attitudes or excessive intensity. I’ve never felt that way after playing at the ATC. I play tennis to have fun and de-stress, and the friendly, laid back atmosphere at the ATC guarantees that.What Racket do you use and why?
I use a HEAD Instinct racket because it was on sale at the tennis center I took lessons at before I joined my high school team…I think it’s served me well!Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
Iga Swiatek! She’s so much fun to watch, and I really admire her humility and mental toughness. I know she's been in a bit of a slump, but I’m confident she’ll make a comeback!What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
Besides tennis, one of my favorite activities is hiking. Last fall, I set out to hike a summit a Sunday. I can’t wait to keep up the tradition and explore new trails in the Catskills and Adirondacks this summer!Club Member
What got you interested in playing tennis and how long have you played?
I started playing as a kid around the 8 years old. I stopped for a while high school and college, and I've picked it back up now that I'm in grad school at UAlbany
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
I love the community! As a grad student, I spend a lot of time with other students. Its a ton of fun to play with people from around Albany who are all at different ages and stages of life, and playing at the club reminds we about the good things in life outside of school.
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
I wanted to start playing again so I had an active hobby to keep me healthy while I completed my degree--I've definitely been much healthier now that I've been playing at the club multiple times a week
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
I really enjoy the community tennis events, but I think my favorite experiences have been playing in the morning glories group and the small group I play with most Saturday mornings.
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
Everyone is friendly! I've met and feel quite close to a lot of good people, and I haven't had that closeness with other clubs I've played at.
What Racket do you use and why?
I use a Dunlop 500 hundred. I like to feel, and that's what I grew up playing with.
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
I really like Sinner, but Jabeur might be my favorite right now
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
I am a triplet! I have two brothers
ALEX NITTIClub Member
How long have you played tennis?
3 years
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
The wonderful group of fellow tennis lovers, and the Jack Curry clinics that are available.
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
I try to go to weekly clinics and participate in different club events that will push me to improve.
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
My husband and I started playing tennis together as a common hobby, and I have had the best time, not only being his doubles partner, but getting to compete against him and even sometimes get a win over him! It has given us so many fun times together and a chance to see a different side of each other we didn't usually get to see.
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
There is always someone there to say "hello" and everyone is so welcoming. It is clear it is community and player run, and by people who truly want everyone, of every level, to feel invited.
What Racket do you use?
Head Radical
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
Jasmine Paolini
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
I also take weekly ballroom dancing lessons - my favorite is a dance called West Coast Swing.
Club Member
What got you interested in playing tennis and how long have you played?
I have been playing tennis on and off for about 10 years now. I started playing my junior year of high school and my brother actually joined the tennis team at the same time so it was great to always have someone to play with!
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Albany Tennis Club?
The community at ATC is really amazing, I’ve met so many wonderful friends through the variety of programs Larry and the staff run at the club.
How has the tennis club helped you improve your game or fitness level?
The programs at the club have provided me with so many opportunities to play with different types of players and that exposure is great as someone who is always looking to improve their game. I love the clinics with Jack Curry as well, they are very fun and I always learn something new.
Can you describe any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had here?
My first day at the tennis club was the Wednesday night singles and I remember being so nervous since I was getting back into playing. I probably lost every match I played but I just remember having so much fun that night and I've never looked back!
What makes the club’s atmosphere or community special compared to other places you’ve played?
The atmosphere at the club is always very welcoming and everyone is always so happy to be playing on the clay courts.
What Racket do you use and why?
Head Prestige MP, it's the first racket I've purchased for myself and it feels great to play with.
Do you have a favorite Pro Player?
Like everyone I loved watching the Williams sisters. In this new era of women's tennis I really admire Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, both players are great athletes but they also seem very down to earth and funny as well!
What is one fun fact about yourself you are willing to share?
I am currently raising a dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind (pictured)!