Community
Member Spotlight: Golden Aces – A Journey to Nationals
March 2025
The Golden Aces, a dedicated 55+ 6.0 Mixed tennis team at Club Fit Briarcliff, has proven that commitment, camaraderie, and a love for the game can lead to incredible achievements. What started in 2022 as an extension of another team, Rush Advantage, has now become a close-knit group of talented players who not only train together but have also built lasting friendships along the way.
A Team Like No Other
Unlike other teams that pull members from various locations, the Golden Aces are composed entirely of Club Fit members: Diana Daneshvar (Captain), Kathy Thorsberg (Co-Captain), Bill Chung (Co-Captain), Alfred Rotondaro, Lee Seham, Maureen Varcasio, Richard Segal, Joanna Segal, Jodi Venuti, Michael Coelho, Karen Chung, William Chung, Evamarie Khandji, Caryn Silverman, Francisco Barahona, Swamy Sunkara, and Paul Sullivan all led by National Coach and Club Fit Tennis Pro Steve Lee. This unique bond has fostered a true sense of teamwork, where every court win is celebrated as a team victory. The players, many of whom have been playing for over 20 years, originally took up tennis for fun while their kids were in school. Over time, it became a meaningful part of their routine—a way to stay active and get out of the house, connect with others, and enjoy time for themselves. In the past five years, as empty nesters, they have embraced the sport with even greater dedication. Now, they see tennis as more than just a sport. It is a way to stay fit mentally, socially, and physically while having fun.
Training for Success
To sharpen their skills, the Golden Aces regularly participate in Club Fit’s Racquet Strength and Training with Marie Allen, Align and Define classes, yoga, water aerobics, and Pilates. Their rigorous training regimen also includes extra tennis practice on Sunday and Monday nights, added specifically for their team. Throughout the year, coaching support from their National Coach Steve Lee, as well as Tennis Pros James Koob, and Heath Hoover has played a crucial role in their development, guiding them through clinics, private lessons, and team practices.
The Road to Nationals
The Golden Aces secured their spot in the USTA Nationals after excelling in sectionals. They went into full gear in January, preparing for the biggest tournament of their journey. Their dedication paid off at the Mixed National Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona, in March 2025.
On the first day, the team dominated, winning both of their matches. Saturday brought two more victories, positioning them as the #1 seed heading into the semifinals. Facing fierce competition, they swept the Northern States 3-0 and took down Midwest 2-1. The next day they overpowered the Middle States region 2-1 and finished the day with another 3-0 sweep against Southwest. In the semi-finals, they faced Northern California but fell short in a close 1-2 match. They finished by playing against the Caribbean team to secure a #4 national ranking.
Through their journey, the Golden Aces have learned to adapt to all conditions—playing in the windiest and coldest weather while preparing for the heat of Arizona. Their experience has made them stronger, more resilient, and ready for whatever challenges come next.
More Than Just Tennis
For the Golden Aces, tennis is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect, relieve stress, and enjoy life. The team regularly participates in round robins lasting up to two hours and never misses an opportunity to celebrate with post-match tailgates and social gatherings. Their diversity in backgrounds and experiences has only strengthened their bond, making every victory even sweeter. “It took a team village to make Nationals a memorable experience on and off the courts” says Captain Diana Daneshvar.
A Home at Club Fit
The team members have long considered Club Fit their home, with many being among the first members. The club’s welcoming atmosphere, top-notch facilities, and strong sense of community make it the perfect place for them to train, compete, and grow together.
Congratulations to the Golden Aces on their incredible journey to Nationals and their well-earned success!
Community
Member Spotlight: Golden Aces – A Journey to Nationals
March 2025
The Golden Aces, a dedicated 55+ 6.0 Mixed tennis team at Club Fit Briarcliff, has proven that commitment, camaraderie, and a love for the game can lead to incredible achievements. What started in 2022 as an extension of another team, Rush Advantage, has now become a close-knit group of talented players who not only train together but have also built lasting friendships along the way.
A Team Like No Other
Unlike other teams that pull members from various locations, the Golden Aces are composed entirely of Club Fit members: Diana Daneshvar (Captain), Kathy Thorsberg (Co-Captain), Bill Chung (Co-Captain), Alfred Rotondaro, Lee Seham, Maureen Varcasio, Richard Segal, Joanna Segal, Jodi Venuti, Michael Coelho, Karen Chung, William Chung, Evamarie Khandji, Caryn Silverman, Francisco Barahona, Swamy Sunkara, and Paul Sullivan all led by National Coach and Club Fit Tennis Pro Steve Lee. This unique bond has fostered a true sense of teamwork, where every court win is celebrated as a team victory. The players, many of whom have been playing for over 20 years, originally took up tennis for fun while their kids were in school. Over time, it became a meaningful part of their routine—a way to stay active and get out of the house, connect with others, and enjoy time for themselves. In the past five years, as empty nesters, they have embraced the sport with even greater dedication. Now, they see tennis as more than just a sport. It is a way to stay fit mentally, socially, and physically while having fun.
Training for Success
To sharpen their skills, the Golden Aces regularly participate in Club Fit’s Racquet Strength and Training with Marie Allen, Align and Define classes, yoga, water aerobics, and Pilates. Their rigorous training regimen also includes extra tennis practice on Sunday and Monday nights, added specifically for their team. Throughout the year, coaching support from their National Coach Steve Lee, as well as Tennis Pros James Koob, and Heath Hoover has played a crucial role in their development, guiding them through clinics, private lessons, and team practices.
The Road to Nationals
The Golden Aces secured their spot in the USTA Nationals after excelling in sectionals. They went into full gear in January, preparing for the biggest tournament of their journey. Their dedication paid off at the Mixed National Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona, in March 2025.
On the first day, the team dominated, winning both of their matches. Saturday brought two more victories, positioning them as the #1 seed heading into the semifinals. Facing fierce competition, they swept the Northern States 3-0 and took down Midwest 2-1. The next day they overpowered the Middle States region 2-1 and finished the day with another 3-0 sweep against Southwest. In the semi-finals, they faced Northern California but fell short in a close 1-2 match. They finished by playing against the Caribbean team to secure a #4 national ranking.
Through their journey, the Golden Aces have learned to adapt to all conditions—playing in the windiest and coldest weather while preparing for the heat of Arizona. Their experience has made them stronger, more resilient, and ready for whatever challenges come next.
More Than Just Tennis
For the Golden Aces, tennis is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect, relieve stress, and enjoy life. The team regularly participates in round robins lasting up to two hours and never misses an opportunity to celebrate with post-match tailgates and social gatherings. Their diversity in backgrounds and experiences has only strengthened their bond, making every victory even sweeter. “It took a team village to make Nationals a memorable experience on and off the courts” says Captain Diana Daneshvar.
A Home at Club Fit
The team members have long considered Club Fit their home, with many being among the first members. The club’s welcoming atmosphere, top-notch facilities, and strong sense of community make it the perfect place for them to train, compete, and grow together.
Congratulations to the Golden Aces on their incredible journey to Nationals and their well-earned success!
Browse All Categories
Search Any of Our Articles
Train
Fuel
