Local Standout Player Joins Tennis Galaxy to Help Lead Kids’ Classes
College record-holder Lulu Beary teaching beginner through advanced youth players; session begins this week
A former Apopka high school tennis player who went on to set a school record while playing for her college team is now teaching youth players as part of the Tennis Galaxy kids’ program held at the Northwest Recreation Complex in Apopka.
Elizabeth “Lulu” Beary became a state quarterfinalist during her junior year at Apopka High School. She played for four years at Montreat College in North Carolina—including three years in the “line one” position—where she set a record for most wins ever for the women’s team, was recognized as a scholar-athlete and received the “coach’s award.” She graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science in Communications.
Beary started coaching for Tennis Galaxy on a visiting basis during her Spring breaks from college. She became a regular assistant coach last month and begins a new session of youth classes this week.
“I love being on the court with the kids, because they’re like sponges,” she said. “Also, they know I’m from here, that I grew up here and that I learned to play tennis on the same courts where they are learning. I hope that inspires them and reminds them they can excel in tennis if they choose to stick with it.”
At the age of nine, Beary became a student of Tennis Galaxy’s founder Peter Fazekas. She continued to train with Fazekas throughout her competitive career, including when she came home from college for summer breaks.
“Lulu is a perfect role model for the kids,” said Fazekas, who has been teaching tennis in Apopka since 2005. “She not only has a great demeanor for leading young players, but she also has a deep understanding of the method we apply to help kids learn how to move, how to connect their thoughts to their actions, how to become more skilled as athletes. And of course, it’s very gratifying to have a former player come back and help develop the next generation of local players.”
Beary, 22, aims to earn a coaching certification from the U.S. Professional Tennis Association.
Program accepting new players
Tennis Galaxy’s youth classes are offered in six-week sessions. Depending on experience level, classes are held once or twice per week, in the afternoons. Registration is open and class information can be found at www.TennisInApopka or by calling 407-782-5403.
Tennis has been found to be a relatively low-risk activity during the coronavirus outbreak, with proper precautions in place. Accordingly, the Tennis Galaxy team requires kids to store their gear at least six feet from each other, to bring their own water bottles and to bring hand sanitizer and use it during every break. The players also are organized to keep adequate space between them during drills.