Hadler named director of racket sports at YMCA

FINDLAY — Findlay Family YMCA and the University of Findlay have announced the promotion of Elizabeth Hadler to director of racket sports/head pro at the YMCA. Hadler, who is also an assistant women's tennis coach at UF, has been serving as head pro since November 2022, when the organization began collaborating with UF to offer more quality tennis programs. Since then, pickleball has also grown in popularity and expanded. In her new role, Hadler is responsible for coordinating court times for teams; coaching racket sport classes and drills; offering private lessons; and helping to promote racket sports. Hadler is a PTR-certified tennis instructor and has been teaching and coaching for over 30 years. She played at the University of Missouri-Rolla at #1 singles and doubles while also playing basketball and running cross country. She coached the men's and women's tennis teams at Central College in Iowa, the women's team at the University of Wisconsin — Stout and was an assistant coach for the tennis teams at Highland High School in Medina, Ohio. She also served as the vice president of the Missouri Section of the USTA. Jerry McNamee, the Y's East Branch senior program director, said Hadler's expertise and passion for racket sports have greatly benefited the Y's members. "She has an amazing talent for teaching anyone how to play," he said. "I love any sport with a racket or paddle and a ball," said Hadler. "I hope that I can convey my passion for these sports to others. And it's not just about playing those sports, but the relationships that are built both on and off the court. It's a privilege to be able to do something that I love." Neither tennis or pickleball require large up-front costs or lots of equipment and can be played at any age, she explained. Rackets and balls can be borrowed from the Y. Aside from developing physical strength and agility, tennis and pickleball also help individuals connect with others. Players often make new friends and discover serendipitous benefits. In part because of the welcoming nature of tennis and pickleball, Hadler said she can connect people with others so that everyone — even individuals who don't have playing partners — can enjoy these sports. Both sports can be addictive. Along with her decades of experience as a player and a coach, Hadler said all six of her children play tennis and have helped her teach. Hadler has a bachelor of science degree in applied mathematics, a master's degree in education, and a master of divinity degree. An Iowa native, she serves as the pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in Findlay and has been married to her husband, Gary, for over 30 years. She is also a proud grandmother. For more information about YMCA youth or adult tennis or pickleball, contact Hadler at Elizabeth_hadler@yahoo.com or McNamee at jmcnamee@findlayymca.com