River Ranch resident Barbara Bloomer started playing tennis when she was in her 30s. “I was a mom with young children, and I needed an outlet. The opportunity presented itself, and I grabbed it,” exclaimed Barbara.

 

Barbara, who lives on Princeton Woods Loop, enjoys all sports, but only plays tennis. She enjoys riding her bike when she isn’t playing tennis. “Most people have probably seen me peddling away around River Ranch,” she added.

 

Originally from New York State, Barbara moved to Louisiana early in her marriage. “I knew making friends was going to be the key to our success here. First, it was joining a church. That led to making friends slowly. Someone asked me to take a tennis lesson at Thomas Park. That was the beginning of my love for tennis, but it also led to life-long friendships. I ended up playing on teams at Thomas Park, Beaver Park, Vermilion Hills, Lafayette Health Club, Reds, and now the City Club. Now, living in River Ranch, City Club tennis is a perfect fit and the people and staff are fantastic!”

 

“Tennis at the recreational level is such a team sport. Our team, 'The City Club Peaches' is young, middle-aged, and seniors. We all support each other and have so much fun,” Barbara shared. “My goal is to move up to the next level with my team. For me, tennis is a team sport. I’ve been playing team tennis for years. We do it together.”

 

“I’ve had proud moments for sure,” Barbara explained. “Any win is a proud moment. I am simply proud of my team. We are 18 women on a mission. Our mission is to have fun, compete, win, and just represent each other with honesty and integrity.”

 

When asked who she admires, Barbara said, “Very hard question. So many people have crossed my path on this life journey. My dad was huge, of course, but I have to say my husband. He is by far the best person I have ever known. He never thinks of himself. God is always first for him. Me next and our girls and grandchildren next.”

 

Barbara and her husband love to travel. “We return to upstate New York every summer. We spend a month in Gulf Shores every fall. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world. However, our most important activities involve our four beautiful daughters and 10 grandchildren.”

 

Anyone interested in playing tennis can start any time. “I never had the opportunity as a child. When I found tennis as an adult, I knew it was a sport for a lifetime! I would encourage anyone to just take a few lessons. That should do the trick,” exclaimed Barbara. “At this point in my lifetime, I’m just happy to still be playing on a fantastic team, in a competitive way. I love these ladies!”

After moving to Lafayette from Marksville approximately three years ago, my first friends were made on these tennis courts. I feel extremely lucky to have joined this special team, led by our wonderful captain, Carolyn Hebert. Not only have I experienced camaraderie and great sportsmanship while having many laughs, but I have also experienced a very family-like relationship with these amazing women as we celebrate life's milestones together and enjoy friendship both on and off the courts. There is nothing like living in River Ranch and seeing your friends and teammates everywhere! I absolutely love it here! I am an Optometrist and practice with Dr. Mary Summers, MD in Province Business Center.

Although we play social tennis, our team plays to win: we have a very competitive spirit. After our matches, whether we’ve won, lost or just cheered our team on, we always enjoy lunch after to celebrate.  Most of us spend several days a week together between lessons, practice, league play and lunch we just can’t help sharing life’s ups and downs. Our team is very close, and as the captain, I’d have it no other way.

I'm originally from Morgan City, LA. My husband, Jeff, and I along with our sons, Adam & Jacob, moved to Lafayette in August of 2014 after he accepted a new job offer with a bank. After several months of getting everyone settled into our new lives, I quickly realized I needed a new “hobby." I had been teaching elementary school students for 18 years and was no longer working. We found River Ranch to be such a wonderful neighborhood for making new friends, and City Club was perfect in helping with that transition. We all enjoyed the various amenities but I fell in LOVE with the tennis facilities! I often attend cardio tennis, sign up for clinics, as well as the monthly night mixers. I soon became involved with the Lafayette Ladies Tennis League and have been part of a phenomenal team. We have had teammates come and go but the group of ladies I’ve played with has always made me feel like part of an extended family that I didn’t know I needed.