Newfound passion sometimes has a way of finding a person when they least expect it, and for Rena Verucchi, that notion proved its timelessness as she garnered over a decade's worth of memorable experiences and close friendships after picking up a tennis racket for the first time at the age of 62.
After an encounter with a fellow member of the Hot Springs Health and Fitness Club who insisted she give the new tennis team a try, Verucchi's introduction to the sport sparked a new and exciting chapter.
According to her fellow teammates and close friends, Rena fully embraced the competitiveness and camaraderie that came from her involvement with the group.
"On top of being a wonderful leader for us -- because none of us knew what we were doing -- we all started from nothing and over the years, we all became best friends," Rena's friend and teammate Mary Ann Tucker said with a laugh. "She was so sweet and such a good friend. ... She was always in a good mood and so funny."
As the first anniversary of her death nears at the end of this month, Verucchi is remembered by the legacy she left behind as a woman that loved and cared for others while never complaining about the struggles of life. Instead, she made it her mission to lighten the burdens of others while always putting God, her family and her friends first.
In addition to the many admirable traits held by Rena throughout her working life and into retirement, her ability to be competitive on a tennis court at a later stage in life while leading her team to multiple victories over a span of 12 years confirms the caliber of her good nature as well as her accommodating sense for adventure.
The inaugural chapter of the newly formed women's tennis group, the Desperate Housewives, encompassed scores of success in the first year as the team made their way to the Southern Sectional tournament in Charleston, S.C.
The journey continued on as the Desperate Housewives paved the way for years of competitive tournament-level play while representing Arkansas and readily taking advantage of the opportunity to travel the country together.
"We traveled together, and we'd get to play in state every year in Little Rock," said Tucker. "We won the state championship two times for our age group and our ranking. We got to go to sectionals in Charleston, and again several years later in Asheville, N.C."
Despite the late introduction to the sport, Tucker said Verucchi picked tennis up quickly and ultimately developed into an impressively skillful player.
"Rena had never held a racket before, and honestly, she ended up being our best player in no time," Tucker added. "She was very competitive in a good way."
As stated in a eulogy written by Verucchi's close friend and teammate Mary Harrison, Rena worked a full-time job throughout her life, and she was initially unaware of the fact that women at the age of 60 or older were able to take part in activities such as playing sports or competing on a team.
Much to her surprise, the connection she made with the game alongside her fellow tennis players resulted in a lasting chapter comprised of memorable travels, countless laughs and the profound friendship and support of a very special group of women.
"We used to have so much fun together, all the time," said Tucker. "I just can't say enough about her. ... We miss her so much. On top of being our tennis partner, we were just best friends ... all of us. We loved her."
Sports on 06/18/2019