In recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication to tennis, USTA Southern California has honored Suzanne Young, a Portland native and full-time resident of La Quinta, as a League Captain of the Month.

A passionate golfer for 30 years, tennis became a beloved addition to her life six years ago. Married for 32 years to Tony Young, with two daughters and a cat named Lulu, she has been an integral part of the La Quinta community for over two decades.

For the past three years, she has served as a captain and co-captain of various teams, including a 6.0 55+, 3.0 18+, 3.5 18+, 3.0/4.0 Tri-Level, and 6.5 Combo team. She has earned the affectionate moniker “Queens of the Court” for her teams at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. Her teams have achieved success in local competitions and sectionals, with the recent addition of a 3.5 18+ team this season.

She attributes her love for being a captain to the diverse and unique individuals on her teams who share a common love for tennis. While victories on the court are celebrated, she emphasizes the importance of team bonding, laughter, and friendship as her main takeaways.

Offering advice to new captains, she underscores the significance of communication, organization, and the ability to listen to players’ needs. Encouraging a team-first mindset, she suggests setting schedules early for players’ peace of mind and promoting gratitude as a crucial element in team dynamics.

Expressing gratitude for the honor, she reflects on the numerous gifts tennis has brought to her life, from enriching friendships to challenging her body and mind. As she embraces the philosophy that “60 is the new 30,” she looks forward to continuing her tennis journey and hopes to inspire others to join her on the courts.