Champion, On and Off the Court

By Tamarah Strauss, special to LivingBetter50.com−

You wouldn’t know it by watching her play on the tennis court, but 61-year-old Phoenix resident Sherri Bronson is a five-time cancer survivor.

Bronson, an active senior tennis player and national and world champion, is quite the ambassador for the sport of tennis. As a cervical cancer and breast cancer survivor, Bronson’s strength and personality truly shined throughout her health hurdles over the years as she continued to stay active through tennis and even win national tournaments throughout radiation and various treatment. Even after a hysterectomy and a lumpectomy, she knew that being on the tennis court put her mind, body and soul at peace.

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As the end of the year draws to a close and New Year’s resolutions are planted, Bronson shared some of her advice on how to be more active and how to stay motivated when the going gets tough.

“When it comes to getting started with exercise, first of all get moving,” said Bronson. “If you don’t have a sport you are particularly interested in, start walking or biking. Tennis is great because it can be both a solo and a team sport. If you can’t find a hitting partner there are plenty of ball machines and walls around. The bottom line is find out what you like to do and if nothing else, walk.”

Cancer didn’t fit into Bronson’s plan but as the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, which is exactly what she did. When diagnosed, Bronson developed a plan, and a good one. She took care of herself first, getting plenty of sleep and eating right and as soon as the doctor gave her the OK to get back on the court, she did.

“I worked my way back slowly onto the court which helped me have a more complete and stronger recovery,” Bronson said. “Within five weeks I won the National Clay Court Championships. I had a goal, and it certainly was not to win [the Championships] but it was to run for every ball, compete well and most of all enjoy myself. When you’re on the tennis court you learn to block problems out of your life and it becomes a great sanctuary. I felt like nothing bad could touch me as long as I was on a tennis court. There is no cancer on a tennis court.”

Bronson is grateful for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and all of the opportunities it has provided her in the past, present and future. From competing in national championships, giving her the motivation to defeat cancer or making lifelong friends, Bronson competes for better or for worse. Whether it is a league, tournament or for fun, the USTA offers a purpose for every person who is a part of it.

Bronson’s favorite part about tennis is the feeling you get when striking the ball. “The adrenaline is there and I love the tired feeling of playing a tough match,” she said.

With the benefits of exercise being endless, Bronson shares her tips on how to get active:  

  • Get moving, start small and increase every day. Find something that sparks your interest, a dance class, a tennis racquet, walking around a lake.
  • Set goals, small or large, short-term or long-term, and know that being more active will help you in more ways than one.
  • You’ll know when you are ready for more. Don’t pressure yourself to fit in with anyone else’s exercises regime.
  • Find a friend who is interested in becoming more active and be each other’s cheerleaders.

Whether it takes a month or a year to get active and enjoy exercise, starting small, setting goals and surrounding yourself in a positive environment will likely be the recipe for success. It worked for Bronson and no matter what life threw at her, it’s easy to see that she is a champion in more ways than one.

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Champion, On and Off the Court
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