Alice Tym, Scott Lee, Becky Lamb, and Larry Roberts prove that pickleball excellence has no age limit.
Pickle for Life
Alice Tym, Scott Lee, Becky Lamb, and Larry Roberts prove that pickleball excellence has no age limit.
by TRISH ZORNIO
Fresh faces like Cam Chaffin and Kiora Kunimoto might bring raw speed and power to the pickleball court. Yet it’ s senior athletes who continue to dominate with proven strategy, discipline and attitude. To spotlight their wisdom, we’ ve featured four players who continue to shape the sport and prove that no matter how old you are, the competitive spirit remains alive.
Alice Luthy Tym
Alice Tym isn’ t just playing pickleball, she’ s helping to redefine it. At 83, the former tennis pro actively advocates for senior athletes.“ I want to establish a Heritage Cup that is an exchange similar to the Wightman Cup in tennis,” Tym says.“ 80 is the new 70.”
Tym’ s résumé is beyond inspiring. As a champion tennis player, she was ranked No. 13 in the world in 1969 and was later inducted into the Tennessee Tennis Hall of Fame for her vast success— both in playing and coaching. Today, her collection of medals across a variety of paddle and racket sports is so large, she jokes about needing a storage unit to house them.
In recent years, Tym’ s passion is fueled by a desire to see senior athletes treated with the same respect as their younger counterparts. She is currently pushing for legitimate national rankings and age-appropriate recognition. " I would like to see real national rankings so the best player can be ranked number one. I am also trying to get the older age groups offered in pickleball and table tennis."
Her advocacy has already seen results; she successfully lobbied to add an 85-plus division to the national championships next year.“ I learned long ago that if you are the good little girl, you don’ t get to play sports,” she says.“ You have to get it done yourself.”
For Tym, medals and competition are only part of the fun.“ I love the Senior Games, and playing in each state. There is a need to be social. Pickleball is welcoming and fun. Now I have friends everywhere— I’ m very lucky.”
Athlete Profile: Alice Luthy Tym Age 83 Career
Retired Geography and Geology Professor, Professional Tennis Player
Home Training Facility Chattanooga Rec Centers, Tennessee
Years Playing“ Too long to remember!”
Major Accomplishments
Bainbridge Cup, gold in 47 states
Signature Move“ Fundamentals usually prevail. Study the game and know thyself.”
Personal Advice
“ Use pickleball as a means to enrich your life.”
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