ANN W. SHEEDY A VISIT WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN PLATFORM TENNIS ASSOCIATION
		Photo Courtesy of Platform Tennis magazine

As reported in a “News Flash” in last month’s issue of this web site, a new Executive Director of the ruling body of the sport of platform tennis was appointed in September when George Douaire, who accepted the position in May, suddenly resigned. The new Executive Director is Ann W. Sheedy of Pittsburgh. I met Ann at a Senior Women’s National Championship many years ago when it was contested on Long Island. By e-mail, I asked her several questions to help introduce her to the APTA membership. Here are my questions and her responses.

PTN: Please tell us how, when and where you started playing platform tennis?

Ann: I was first exposed to paddle tennis as a young child at my uncle’s house in Connecticut, but didn’t start to play seriously until my children started school. Shortly thereafter, serious addiction set in.

PTN: Did you have a background in other racquet sports before taking up platform?

Ann: I play a bit of tennis but actually enjoy playing paddle in the summer.

PTN: Did you, and do you now, play any other sports?

Ann: I played five different sports in high school and golf as an adult.

PTN: What achievement in the playing of platform tennis are you most proud of?

Ann: My achievements have been modest. I have won several local tournaments and made it to the semi of the over 50’s nationals as well as to the final of a back draw of a Nationals

PTN: What has been your greatest joy in playing the game?

Ann: There are many aspects of paddle that bring me joy. Probably the best thing about paddle is the people who play it. I’ve met my best friends playing paddle. I love that the level of sportsmanship is so high. I have to admit that I enjoy paddle because sheer power is not the determinant. The ability to play the screens, patience and placement are more important than the ability to hit the ball hard. I love long points, even if I don’t win them. (Well, I don’t mind losing the point quite as much when they are long)

PTN: On the administrative side of the sport, tell us what you have been involved with, such as being chair of tournaments, etc.?

Ann: I was Co-Chair of the 1997 and 2005 Nationals in Pittsburgh as well as the 2001 Mixed Nationals. Locally, I have been President of the Western Pennsylvania Platform Tennis Association, President of the Women’s Western Pennsylvania Platform Tennis Association, scorekeeper for the Women’s league and a division representative. Over the years I have run at least 10 local tournaments.

PTN: In addition to administrative talents, what do you feel will be your most important contribution to the position of Executive Director?

Ann: Probably my biggest contribution will be a high level of enthusiasm and a willingness to work with everyone. I love being able to think and talk paddle all day long. I don’t have an agenda other than doing my best to help paddle grow.

PTN: May we have a summary of your family?

Ann: My husband is a lawyer / golfer / fly fisherman. We have three children. Matt, who plays golf and hockey, works in Washington, DC. K.C., a rider, runner and tennis player works in Chicago and Ted is a senior soccer player at Washington and Lee.

Ann concluded the questionnaire by stating, “I am thrilled to work with people who love our sport and are willing to volunteer their time, be it as a Board Director on a national level or on a local level running a tournament or starting a junior program.

I thank Ann profusely for answering my inquiry and hope that all my web site visitors will join me in wishing her well in her new position. Welcome aboard, and Best Wishes, Ann.

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