The 94-Year-Old Henrietta Speth Not Slowing Down Any Time Soon
Jun 06, 2022 03:59PM ● By Stephanie HatleyPhoto Courtesy of News Live Florida's website
When Henrietta Speth picked up a tennis racquet for the first time in 1965, she was 38 years old. She remembers, “I loved it from the start.” At Rutenberg Park in Lee County you'll still see the 94-year-old Speth keeping up with players half her age for two hours, three days a week. Lyn Bruner, Executive Director of the Lee County Tennis Association, says, "I think people take her for granted and assume that because of her age they are going to be able to over power her."
Speth's teammates say she's an inspiration, and Speth explains that she has no intention of stopping as long as her body allows her to keep moving. She even designs and sews her own tennis outfits. Born the daughter of a seamstress and dry cleaner, she learned these skills at an early age. So if you don't see her on the tennis court, she might be home perfecting her next outfit.
If you'd like to check out the classes offered by the Lee County Community Tennis Association, visit the website. Courts are available for anyone to use from 7:00am to dusk or until 9:00pm on the lighted courts.
Speth's teammates say she's an inspiration, and Speth explains that she has no intention of stopping as long as her body allows her to keep moving. She even designs and sews her own tennis outfits. Born the daughter of a seamstress and dry cleaner, she learned these skills at an early age. So if you don't see her on the tennis court, she might be home perfecting her next outfit.
If you'd like to check out the classes offered by the Lee County Community Tennis Association, visit the website. Courts are available for anyone to use from 7:00am to dusk or until 9:00pm on the lighted courts.