Current Club News
Friday,
October 16, 2026 -
A Century of Love for Betty Sanders!
A century of memories, 100 chocolate kisses
and a celebration to remember!
What do you get when you combine a beloved tennis club member, a
patio full of friends and 100 years of wonderful memories? A
birthday celebration for the ages!
IronOaks Tennis Club turned out in a big way on Friday, Oct. 16, to
celebrate Betty Sanders' 100th birthday. And judging by the smiles,
hugs and heartfelt wishes, Betty felt every bit of the love.
There was a cake appropriately decorated with the words, "Aged to
Perfection! Happy 100th, Betty," along with a clever gift of 100
Hershey's Kisses. That's 100 chocolate kisses, of course, although
Betty received plenty of the real kind, too!
Members filled the patio with laughter, friendship and birthday
cards overflowing with warm wishes. For Betty, being back among the
friends she's made over the years was especially meaningful.
In a heartfelt message following the celebration, Betty shared:
*"It was so good to be back on that patio and see all of those
wonderful, beautiful people that I have known through the years. It
was undoubtedly the biggest, the best, the most wonderful birthday
party that I have ever had."*
She also expressed her deep gratitude to Judy Gahide for her
friendship and the kindness, generosity and care that helped make
the occasion so special.
**A huge thank-you to Judy and everyone who helped celebrate this
remarkable milestone.** You gave Betty something even sweeter than
100 Hershey's Kisses: a beautiful reminder of how much she's loved.
Happy 100th birthday, Betty! Here's to a century well-lived and a
lifetime of friendships worth celebrating! ❤️
Saturday, October
31,
2026 - No
Tricks. Just Tennis & Brunch!
Celebrate the new season with social play, good food and great
company
Friday, October
16,
2026 -
Betty’s Turning 100! Let’s Celebrate!
Cake, coffee and a century of memories. Join us October 16!
100 Years Young and Worth
Celebrating!
A century of life deserves one heck of a birthday party!
Just a friendly reminder to join us as we celebrate a very special
milestone: Betty Sanders is turning 100!
Come raise a cup of coffee, enjoy some birthday cake and help us make
Betty feel like the queen of the courts!
Friday, October 16
9:00 AM
IronOaks Tennis Club Patio
No gifts necessary. Your presence is the best present! But birthday
cards filled with warm wishes are always welcome.
One hundred years. One amazing lady. One celebration you won't want to
miss!
We hope to see you there!
Monday, October 2nd,
2026 -
Mixed Doubles Ladder Moves to October 12
Same ladder. Same fun. Just one
week later!
A
quick schedule update for everyone signed up for the
Mixed Doubles Tennis Ladder:
Our start date has
been
moved back one week.
The six-week ladder will now
kick off on Monday, October 12,
with play from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Everything else stays the
same —
just mark your calendar with the new start date and get ready for six
weeks of friendly competition, great tennis, and plenty of fun on the
courts.
NEW START DATE: Monday, October 12
TIME: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
October 1st,
2026 -
Game On! Bradshaw-Neu Registration is now open
Great tennis, daily meals, player perks and a GCU exhibition match.
Who’s in?
Grab Your Partner. Registration Is Open!
Clear your calendar. Call your partner. Maybe start working on that
serve.
Registration is officially open for the 2026 Bradshaw-Neu Charity
Tennis Classic, happening Sunday, Nov. 15 through Saturday, Nov.
21 at Cottonwood Tennis Club.
And this year, there’s even more to play for.
WHAT’S NEW:
-
Goody bags for every player
-
New Women’s 4.0 Division
-
Divisions from 2.5 to 4.0
-
Combined ratings permitted — for example, a 4.5 and 3.5 may team up
in the Women’s 4.0 Division for a combined 8.0 rating
-
Defending champs may defend their title once if both partners’ USTA
ratings haven’t increased
-
Minimum player age is 50
AND THAT’S JUST THE TENNIS.
Registration includes daily breakfast and lunch, including the
featured “O Canada Lunch Day.” Players can also look forward to a
Competitor Cocktail Party, raffle and silent auction — plus another
special exhibition match featuring the Grand Canyon University
Division I Women’s Tennis Team on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.
Best of all, your time on the court supports Neighbors Who Care, The
Arizona Food Bank, the GCU Women’s Tennis Team, and Cottonwood Tennis
Club.
Ready to play?
Visit
bradshawtennis.com to register. Want to scope out the
competition first? Select Register Now > Tournament Home > Players
to see the current player list.
Don’t get aced out. Register today!
Questions? See the tennis bulletin board or contact Barb Jorgensen at
Cottonwood Tennis Club at 208-255-9798.
Wednesday, September
30th,
2026 - Help us Spread the IOTC News
Got IOTC News? Send It Our Way!
Won a tournament? Snapped a great photo at an IOTC event? Have a member
milestone, celebration or other news worth sharing?
We want to hear about it!
We’re always looking for IOTC news to share with our members and, when
appropriate, with the broader Sun Lakes community. That might include:
-
Tournament wins and player accomplishments
-
Club events and activities
-
Member milestones and special recognition
-
Obituaries and celebrations of life
-
Photos from IOTC events
-
Other tennis news our members would enjoy
Send your news and photos to
ddkullman@gmail.com.
Sending photos? A little housekeeping, please!
Send photos as JPG files and include the full names of
everyone pictured, listed in order of appearance from left to
right and top to bottom. This helps ensure everyone is properly
identified — and keeps your communications person from playing a
very challenging game of “Who’s That Tennis Player?”
So, if something newsworthy is happening on or off the courts, don’t
keep it under your visor. Send it our way!
Tuesday, September
29th,
2026
Three IOTC Members’ Teams Are Headed to Nationals!
Three Players. Three Teams. One Big
Achievement.
It’s been quite a season for three
IronOaks Tennis Club members!
Mark Sadosky, Marv Jensen and Craig Twitchell are part
of three USTA teams that earned spots at their respective National
Championships after standout seasons and Sectional performances.
Mark Sadosky | 55+ Men’s 3.5
Mark and his Phoenix-based team, The Fellowship, captured the USTA
Southwest Sectional Championship in El Paso. Better yet, Mark and
partner Dan Filby clinched the title with a 6-1, 6-2 victory, finished
off by Filby’s overhead smash on championship point. The team advances
to Nationals Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Orlando, Florida.
Marv Jensen | 65+ Men’s 3.5
Marv is also on a Nationals-bound team, although he’ll be cheering them
on from home this time. And he’s certainly earned the right! Marv has
competed at Nationals 15 times, with an impressive 11 national
championships to his name.
“I’m proud of the team and their accomplishments this year,” Marv said.
“I’ve had my time in the limelight.”
Craig Twitchell | 55+ Men’s 8.0
Craig and his team also captured their Sectional championship in El
Paso. One of the weekend’s biggest nail-biters came when Craig and
captain Joe Desiongco saved two match points before prevailing
13-11 in a third-set tiebreaker against West Texas. The team
heads to Nationals Nov. 6-8 in Mobile, Alabama.
“We all played to our potential,” Craig said. “We won all the crucial
matches.”
Three IOTC members. Three Nationals-bound teams. A whole lot of
great tennis.
Congratulations to Mark, Marv and Craig — and good luck to their
teams at Nationals!
Friday, October
16,
2026 - Help Us Celebrate Betty's 100th Birthday
A century calls for cake, coffee and
plenty of birthday cheer.
Cheers to 100 Years, Betty!
Some birthdays are simply too special not to celebrate together.
Please join us as we honor our dear friend and fellow tennis club
member, Betty Sanders, on her 100th birthday!
Come share a cup of coffee, enjoy some cake and help us shower Betty
with all the love and good wishes a century deserves.
Friday, October 16
9:00 AM
Tennis Club Patio
Your presence is the best present, so no gifts, please. But if you’d
like to bring a birthday card with a few warm wishes for Betty, we know
she’d love it.
One hundred years. Countless memories. One very special lady.
We hope you’ll join us in making Betty’s milestone birthday one to
remember!
September 12,
2026 - Beginning Season of IOTC Tennis
IronOaks Tennis Club Serves Up a Full Season of Tennis,
Friendship and Fun
By D.D. Kullman
SUN LAKES, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2026 —
Dust off those rackets. Lace up those court shoes. The 2026-27 season at
IronOaks Tennis Club (IOTC) is shaping up to be a busy one! From
friendly mixers and club socials to competitive tournaments and special
events, IOTC has a packed calendar ahead with plenty of opportunities to
play, compete and connect. And if you’re new to tennis — or simply new
to the club — there’s a spot on the court for you, too.
Kick Off the Season at Our Welcome Back Social
One of the season's first big events is the
Welcome Back Social on Sunday, Nov. 1.
The event is a great opportunity to reconnect with
tennis friends after the summer and welcome everyone back for another
season on the courts. But you don’t have to be a current member to join
the fun.
Considering joining IOTC? Interested in learning
how to play tennis? Come out and meet us!
The Welcome Back Social is a chance to meet club
members, learn more about IOTC and discover the many ways to get
involved. Whether you’re an experienced player, haven’t picked up a
racket in years or have never played at all, we’d love to introduce you
to the club.
Save the Dates!
The 2026-27 calendar includes something for just
about everyone, from social gatherings to some of the club’s most
anticipated tournaments:
- Nov. 1: Welcome Back Social
- Dec. 19: IOTC Year-End Dinner
- Jan. 9: Cottonwood Hosts IOTC and
Robson
- Jan. 10-16: Gender Doubles Tournament
- Jan. 22-24: New Senior Tournament at
IOTC — TBD
- Feb. 1-7: Mixed Doubles Tournament
- Feb. 13: Valentine’s Mixer
- Feb. 24-28: Jason Morton Memorial
Tennis Tournament
- March 17: Spring Fashion Show
- March 20: Play It Forward Charity
Tennis Tournament
- March 27: IOTC Hosts Trilogy, SunBird,
Springfield and Encanterra
- April 3: End of Season Potluck
- April 10: IOTC Hosts All-Club Finale
Dates and details are subject to change, so watch
for club communications as each
event approaches.
More Than Tennis
Of course, the calendar is only part of what makes
IOTC special. The club offers members opportunities throughout the
season to get on the courts, meet other players, improve their game and
— just as importantly — have fun doing it. You don’t have to be an ace
to join. You just need an interest in tennis and a willingness to get in
the game. Here’s to another great season of serves, rallies, friendships
and fun at IronOaks Tennis Club. We’ll see you on the courts!
Interested in becoming a member? Contact
secretary@ironoakstennis.net for more information.
September 8,
2026 -
New
Mixed Doubles Tennis Ladder — Starts October 5!
We’re excited to introduce a new Weekly Mixed Doubles Tennis
Ladder for players of all skill levels!
The six-week ladder will run from Monday, October 5 through
Monday, November 9, with play every Monday evening from
6:00–8:00 p.m. This new drop-in format is designed to make
it easy and fun for everyone to participate, while bringing
all skill levels together on the courts.
How the Ladder Works
When: Monday evenings, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Dates: October 5 – November 9
Who: Players of all skill levels
Format: Mixed doubles, with players participating either as
a team or individually
Players may sign up as a mixed doubles team or as an
individual. We’ll create a roster of interested players
along with their stated skill levels.
Each week, players on the roster will receive an invitation
asking about their availability for the upcoming Monday.
Those who confirm they can play will be assigned to courts
based initially on skill level.
Court #1 will be the top rung of the ladder, while Court #6
will be the starting rung.
Each court will play:
- One six-game set
- A rotation of partners
- A second six-game set
- Scores will be recorded and published each week.
Players will earn individual points throughout the
six-week session, and results will determine movement up
or down the ladder from
week to week.
Prizes & Awards
At the end of the six-week session, prizes will be awarded
to:
- The top two male players who reach the top rung of
the ladder
- The top two female players who reach the top rung of
the ladder
- The players who accumulate the most individual
points during the six-week session
- We’ll also have an awards celebration at the end of
the session, just as we have done in the past. Rather
than using club funds to cover the party, we propose putting those
funds toward $25 gift cards for the prize winners.
Everyone who participates in the ladder will be invited to
the celebration. Food and drinks will be available for
everyone to order individually and pay for separately.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply looking for a fun
way to get more time on the courts, we hope you’ll join us.
The ladder format will provide an opportunity to play with
different partners, compete against players of various skill
levels, and have some fun along the way.
Stay tuned for sign-up information — and get ready to climb
the ladder!
See you on the courts,
Septemver 6,
2026 -
Bradshaw-Neu
Charity Tennis Classic
Sunday,
November 15 through Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Cottonwood Tennis
Club.
September 3, 2026
- Karen Eastmen Celebration of Life
September 2, 2026
- Live Ball At IronOaks Tennis Club
A
heartfelt thank-you to Toni Simonelli for bringing Live Ball to
IronOaks.
Dear IronOaks Tennis Club Members,
We want to let you know that Tony Simonelli will be
discontinuing the
Live Ball program at IronOaks Tennis Club.
Live Ball has been a fun and energetic part of our tennis community,
giving players an opportunity to get on the court, improve their skills,
enjoy some friendly competition, and — most importantly — have a great
time with fellow members.
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Tony for all the time, energy,
and enthusiasm he has brought
to the program and to our tennis community. His commitment to creating
an engaging tennis experience has been greatly appreciated by everyone who
has participated.
We look forward to continuing to offer new opportunities for our members
to play, compete, and enjoy tennis together.
See you on the courts!
IronOaks Tennis Club
August 27th, 2026
- Remembering Karen Eastman - A Life Well Played
Celebrating a remarkable player, longtime friend and
unforgettable personality
The
IronOaks Tennis Club community is saddened by the passing of
longtime tennis player and friend Karen Eastman, who
passed away Aug. 20 at the age of 83.
For Karen, tennis wasn't simply a
pastime. It was a lifelong passion — and one she
happened to be exceptionally good at.
Growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, Karen
began playing tennis near Byrnes Park and quickly made a name for
herself on the court. She won the Iowa girls' state singles
championship an incredible four consecutive years, from 1958 through
1961. By age 18, she was ranked among the top 10 players in the
nation and competed against some of the finest players of her
generation, including Billie Jean King. In 1980, Karen was inducted
into the Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame.
Fortunately for us, Karen brought that
love of the game with her when she moved to Arizona.
After settling in Sun Lakes, Karen
continued to play competitive tennis and later added pickleball to
the mix. Staying active was simply part of who she was. When she
wasn't holding a racquet, you might find her swimming, walking,
biking, working in the yard, crafting or scrapbooking.
But those who shared a court — or a
conversation — with Karen know that her accomplishments tell only
part of the story.
Karen was quick-witted, independent and
wonderfully mischievous, with a dry sense of humor and a knack for
delivering the perfect comment at exactly the right moment. She
wasn't one to sugarcoat things, and friends could count on getting
Karen's opinion — quite possibly accompanied by a smile and a little
sarcasm.
She and her husband, Bill,
were married for 52 years and shared a life filled with family,
friends, travel and plenty of activity. Tennis was among the many
things they enjoyed together.
Karen's final years were made difficult
by dementia, which gradually took away many of the activities she
loved. Through it all, she was surrounded by family and friends,
with Bill faithfully by her side — often arriving for his visits
with one of Karen's favorite treats: ice cream.
Karen leaves behind a wonderful legacy,
both on and off the court. We will remember the talented competitor,
the friend, the unmistakable sense of humor and, most of all, the
person behind the racquet.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bill
and Karen's entire family. She will be greatly missed by her friends
in the IronOaks tennis community.
And knowing Karen, she probably wouldn't
want us making too much of a fuss.
But for someone who lived such a full
life — and played such a great game — we think she's earned it.
Rest in peace, Karen. Game, set, match —
a life well played.
A celebration of Karen's life will be
held at a later date.
August 14th, 2026
- Meet the players joining our IOTC tennis family.
New Faces. New Friends. More Tennis!
There’s
nothing better than seeing our tennis community continue to grow! Please
join us in giving a warm IronOaks Tennis Club
welcome to our newest members:
- Marilyn Baker
- Julie and Marc Clausen
- Alex Clemmons
- Nick and Nicole Crisci
- Shannon Kralik
- Leo Lapane —
welcome back!
- Richard Smith
- Craig Thompson
We’re so glad to have you as part of IOTC and look forward to seeing you
on the courts, at Saturday Socials, club events and all the fun that
comes with being part of our tennis community.
If you see one of our new members around the courts, be sure to
introduce yourself, say hello and maybe even invite them to join you for
a game!
See you on the courts!
July 4th, 2026
Celebration
Thanks for making our July 4th social a success!
Happy Fourth of July!
What a wonderful way to kick off Independence Day! Thanks to
everyone who joined us for our annual Pancake Breakfast & Tennis Social.
The morning started with fun, friendly tennis from 7:30 to 9
a.m., and the overcast skies gave us a welcome break from the usual July
heat. Afterward, everyone gathered on the IronOaks Fitness Center patio
to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast featuring regular and blueberry
pancakes, sausages, fresh fruit salads and festive red, white and blue
yogurt parfaits.
A special thank-you goes to the many volunteers who made the
morning possible. From planning and decorating to cooking, serving,
organizing tennis and cleaning up afterward, your time and dedication
created another memorable event for our club.
And thank you to everyone who came out to play, eat, laugh and
celebrate together. It's events like these that make IronOaks Tennis
Club such a special community.
We hope you had a fantastic Fourth of July, and we look forward
to seeing you on the courts soon!
July , 2026 - Live Ball -Fast
hands. Quick feet. Big fun. Join July Live Ball!
Ready
to Pick Up the Pace?
Think you've got quick reflexes? Put them to the test during July Live
Ball with Tony Simonelli!
Live Ball is one of the fastest, most exciting ways to improve your game
while having a blast. You'll hit plenty of balls, sharpen your
reactions, build court awareness and enjoy nonstop action from start to
finish.
Whether you're looking to stay match-ready or just want a fun Saturday
morning workout with fellow members, Live Ball delivers.
July sessions:
Saturdays: July 11, 18 and 25
7:30 a.m.
Court 3
Open to men and women
3.5+ level
Limited to 10 players per session
Sign up on the tennis bulletin board before the spots disappear!
Questions? Contact Tony Simonelli at 602-799-9945.
July 1, 2026 - Tennis Photo Directory
Put a face with the name!
Hi Everyone,
Need a little help remembering who's who on the courts?
An updated mid-year photo directory for IronOaks Tennis Club is now
available. If you'd like a copy, simply email Denise Lott at deniselott2@gmail.com,
and she'll send one your way.
A big thank-you to Denise for maintaining this helpful resource!
June 28, 2026 - Tennis Events 2026-2027
Click Calendar tab to
view 2026-2027 Tennis Events
June 25, 2026 - Keep your eye on the Ball
A Picture-Perfect Tennis Moment
Hi IronOaks Tennis Club Members,
Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
During the 2026 Jason Morton Tournament, photographer Christina Belair
captured what may be the most perfectly timed tennis photo ever taken at
IronOaks. Just as Lou Greco charged the net, the tennis ball zipped past
his face — appearing to be perfectly attached to the end of his nose!
The incredible shot earned Christina second place in the recent IronOaks
Photo Contest, and it's easy to see why.
"When reviewing the photos after the tournament, I was surprised by the
perfect timing of the ball in front of Lou's nose. I couldn't have
planned the picture even if I tried. When I've shown people the photo,
I've been asked if he was wearing a rubber nose or if it was
Photoshopped."
— Christina Belair
Fortunately for Lou, it was all a trick of timing, not a direct hit!
Congratulations,
Christina, on a fantastic photo and well-deserved recognition. And Lou,
thanks for being such a good sport and proving that sometimes the best
tennis moments happen between the points.
June 6th, 2026 - July 4th Pancake Breakfast
Red, White & Blue —
and Pancakes, Too!
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Tennis & Pancakes!
Join us on Saturday, July 4, as we celebrate America's 250th
Birthday with a fun morning of tennis, friends, and pancakes!
Tennis Social
Starts at 7:30 a.m.
Random draw format
Two 40-minute sessions
Pancake Breakfast
Served at 9:00 a.m.
Members are welcome to bring one guest.
To help us plan for breakfast, please RSVP by June
25. If you're signing up by text or email, please let us know if you
will be bringing a guest.
RSVP to:
Kristina Traylor
funtraylor1@gmail.com
(480) 665-8700
We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone and
spending a fun morning on the courts with you!
June 2026 - Live Ball
May 2026 -Live Ball
June-September 2026 - Ball Machine Clinics
Saturday, April 11th,
2026 - Grand Finale - All Clubs at IOTC Pictures
To view photos click Photo Gallery tab on the left.
All Clubs Season Finale Recap: 100+ Players, Great Matches & A
Perfect Finish!
What a way
to wrap up the season!
On Saturday, April 11, the IronOaks Tennis Club hosted our All Clubs
Season Finale — and it did not disappoint. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,
more than 100 players took to the courts for a high-energy morning
filled with gender and mixed doubles play.
We were thrilled to welcome players from Robson Ranch, Trilogy, SunBird,
Springfield, and Cottonwood, making this a true celebration of our
broader tennis community. The format kept matches moving, the energy
high, and the smiles nonstop.
“This event truly captures what makes our tennis community so special,”
said Kristina Traylor, Tennis Play Director. “It’s competitive, yes —
but it’s also incredibly social. Seeing players from different clubs
come together, support one another, and enjoy the day is what it’s all
about.”
After a full morning on the courts, players enjoyed a delicious fried
chicken lunch with all the sides, plus a variety of desserts, generously
hosted and served by our amazing 65+ Ladies USTA Team, Sandbar.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped make
this event such a memorable finish to the season. We’re already
looking forward to what’s next!
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 -Grand
Finale - All Clubs at IOTC
All
Clubs Tennis Social – Schedule + Game Day Details!
Dear Tennis Members,
The schedule of play for this Saturday’s All Clubs Tennis Social is
officially set — and with 104 players joining the fun, it’s shaping up
to be a fantastic morning on the courts!
Here’s what you need to know:
Play Begins: 8:00 AM
Location: IronOaks Tennis Club
Schedule:
Click
Here
Lunch: Served at 11:30 AM
Guests are welcome to join us for lunch for a $5 fee
We encourage you to arrive a little early, check the schedule, and get
ready for a fun, fast-paced morning of tennis, teamwork, and community.
Looking forward to seeing everyone out there!
____________________________________________________________
April 4th, 2026 -
Play it Forward Pictures
Click Photo Gallery on the left to view pictures during Play it Forward.
____________________________________________________________
April 3, 2026 - A Quick
Court Courtesy + Maintenance Update
Dear Tennis Members,
Just a friendly reminder to please return the courtside benches to their
original spots after use.
We know how tempting it is to move them into the shade (Arizona sun is
no joke!). But as the shade shifts throughout the day, some members
aren’t able to move the benches back themselves. As a courtesy to your
fellow players, we’d really appreciate it if you returned them when
you’re finished. It helps keep things comfortable and accessible for
everyone.
A quick court update, too: the team member who had been cleaning the
courts has moved on, and we’ll be welcoming a new court washer. He’s
currently getting everything set up and will begin next week. A new
cleaning schedule will be shared as soon as it’s finalized.
Thanks so much for your help — and for being part of what makes our
tennis community so great.
____________________________________________________________
April 2026 Live Ball
April
Live Ball with Tony – Dates & Details
Live Ball with Tony Simonelli is back this April — fast, fun, and a
great way to sharpen your game.
Dates: Saturday 4/4, 4/18, 4/25
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Court 3
👉Sign up on the Fitness Center Tennis Bulletin Board.
Please note: There will be no
Live Ball on Saturday, 4/11 due to the All Clubs
Season Finale at IOTC.
Grab your spot and we’ll see you on the court!
____________________________________________________________
March 28th, 2026 - Play
it Forward
To view the Play It Forward tennis match schedule
click here
Click
here.
To make things easy, early check-in and prepayment will
be available.
Thursday, 3/26 & Friday, 3/27
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Fitness Center patio
Can’t make it to play? You can still be part of something meaningful.
Please stop by to make a donation or purchase
raffle tickets in support of Neighbors
Who Care — every contribution makes a difference.
Let’s come together as a community and play it forward!
____________________________________________________________
March 23rd - April 27th,
2026 - Spring Team Tennis Starts
Click Tennis Team on the left for details about playing team tennis.
____________________________________________________________
Saturday,
March 21, 2026 -
Cheer on the Future of Tennis This Saturday at IronOaks!
Come Support
Rising Tennis Stars at IronOaks This Saturday!
We’re proud to share some exciting news — and an even better opportunity
to come together as a tennis community.
Through our ongoing partnership, BASIS High School continues to grow a
strong and successful tennis program right here at IronOaks. This year
alone, both their boys and girls junior high teams completed undefeated
seasons, capturing league titles along with boys
and girls doubles championships and the girls
singles title. An incredible achievement!
And the momentum continues…
Both the BASIS girls and boys high school teams
have advanced to the State Semifinals, and we’re especially
excited to host the Girls State Semifinal match
right here at IronOaks:
Saturday, March
21
6:30 PM
IronOaks Tennis Courts
The girls team enters as the #2 seed,
and they’ll be competing at a high level as they battle for a spot
in the state finals.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
-
Watch competitive, high-level tennis
-
Support the next generation of players
-
Showcase the strength and spirit of our IronOaks community
Let’s show up, cheer loud, and give these talented young athletes
the home-court energy they deserve!
We hope to see you there!
____________________________________________________________
Friday,
May 1, 2026 - Tennis Board Announcement
For new tennis Board of
Directors
as of May 1, 2026 -
Click Here
____________________________________________________________
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 - All Clubs Season Finale
One Last Rally! Join the All Clubs Season Finale
Let’s Finish the Season
Strong!
Get ready for one final, fun-filled morning of tennis as we bring all
clubs together for an exciting Season Finale at
IronOaks Tennis Club!
Saturday, April 11
Play Begins at 8:00 AM
We’ll mix things up with Gender & Mixed Doubles,
and divide players into two teams for
a friendly, high-energy showdown.
Format:
Matches will be played first to 10 points — or
until the horn sounds, keeping the action fast, fun, and
competitive!
Lunch at 11:30 AM
• IOTC Members: Complimentary
• Guests: $5
Sign Up by April 4:
• Fitness Center patio bulletin board
• Email: funtraylor1@gmail.com
• Text Kristina at (480) 665-8700
This is your chance to connect with players from across the clubs, enjoy
great tennis, and celebrate an incredible season together.
Let’s pack the courts and go out with a bang — we hope to see
you there!
____________________________________________________________
Friday, April 3rd, 2026 - Tennis Potluck By The Pool
Let’s Celebrate the Season—Potluck by the Pool!
As another wonderful tennis season comes to a close, let’s gather one
more time to celebrate the friendships, fun, and fantastic memories
we’ve shared on and off the court.
Friday, April 3, 2026
5:00 PM
Poolside
This will be a relaxed, social evening — just bring your favorite dish
and your tennis spirit!
What to Bring:
IOTC is providing the main dish. Please bring an appetizer,
salad, side dish, or dessert to share.
Guests Welcome!
Members are welcome to bring a guest to join the fun.
How to Sign Up:
Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 31 using
one of the following options:
• Sign up on the Fitness Center patio bulletin
board
• Email: funtraylor1@gmail.com
• Text Kristina at (480) 665-8700
Let’s raise a toast to a great season and enjoy one last evening
together before we head into the off-season. We hope to see you there!
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, March 18, 2025 - Tennis Fashion Show & Luncheon
Cancelled
We regret to inform you that the Tennis Fashion
Show & Luncheon originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026,
has been cancelled.
While we’re disappointed that this event will not take place, we
hope you’ll join us for several exciting upcoming
club events in the weeks ahead:
March 28 – Neighbors
Who Care “Play It Forward” Charity Tournament at
IOTC
April 3 – Season
Farewell Potluck at Poolside
April 11 – Grand
Finale Tennis Social with all clubs at IOTC
More details coming soon!
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you
on the courts and at these upcoming events.
____________________________________________________________
Saturday, March 14th, 2025 -
Live Ball Returns Saturday — Grab Your Spot!
Live Ball Returns Saturday — Sign Up Now!
Ready for fast points, quick reactions, and nonstop action?
Live Ball with Tony Simonelli returns this Saturday, March 14,
and spots are filling up!
Designed for 3.5+ players, this high-energy session
features a Challengers vs. Champions format that keeps
everyone moving while sharpening your competitive skills.
Expect rapid-fire rallies, strategic play, and plenty of fun on the
court.
Time: 9 A.M.
Place : Court 3
Sign up on the tennis bulletin board
Questions? Call Tony at 602-799-9945.
Grab your spot, bring your game, and get ready for an exciting morning
of Live Ball! 🎾
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, February 25th - Sunday,
JASON MORTON MEMORIAL TENNIS
TOURNAMENT
DRAWS 225 PLAYERS TO IRONOAKS TENNIS CLUB
The
IronOaks Tennis Club, in partnership with the United States Tennis
Association (USTA), once again hosted a successful Jason Morton Memorial
Tennis Tournament at the IronOaks Fitness and Racquet Center.
Held February 25 through March 1, the USTA Level 5 tournament brought
225 players to the courts for several days of competitive singles and
doubles matches across multiple NTRP and age divisions. Twenty-two
IronOaks Tennis Club members participated in the event, proudly
representing their home club.
Spectators enjoyed a full schedule of exciting matches and high-level
amateur tennis throughout the week. IronOaks Tennis Club extends sincere
appreciation to the many sponsors whose support helped make the
tournament possible: The Young Home Team • The Kolb Team • Blue Star
Resort & Golf • Retirement Insurance Solutions • Cabana • Ooroo Auto
Health • The Redeemed Team Realty • Forefathers Restaurants • Kristi
Kiernan/State Farm Agency • Castro's Landscapes • The Battery Doctor •
Canine Creek • Nature's Bloom • Skylar's Canine Connection
Tournament pictures can be viewed in the Photo Gallery tab.
____________________________________________________________
Saturday,
March 7th, 2026 -
Match Lineup & Times –
Cottonwood vs
Trilogy, IronOaks & Sunbird
Hello Tennis Players,
We’re looking forward to a great day of play this Saturday, March 7,
at Cottonwood!
Below is
the lineup and schedule for our matches with Cottonwood, Trilogy,
IronOaks, and Sunbird. The first matches will begin promptly at 8:00
AM, so please plan to arrive early to warm up and be ready
for play.
Once play
concludes, lunch will follow for all
participants. It will be a great opportunity to relax,
socialize, and recap the matches.
Thank you
to everyone participating, and we look forward to a fun and
competitive morning of play.
See you Saturday!
Click here to view
playing schedule:
Cottonwood Court Schedule
____________________________________________________________
February 25, 2026 -
Your 2026 IOTC Member Photo Directory Is Ready!
Dear IOTC Members,
The 2026 IronOaks Tennis Club Member Photo Directory is now available
for download!
This helpful resource makes it easy to put names with faces, stay
connected, and reference fellow members throughout the year — whether
you save it to your computer or print a copy for quick access.
To receive your copy, simply email:
DENISELOTT2@GMAIL.COM
Please note:
-
The directory is a
benefit exclusively for current IOTC members.
-
Copies will be
provided only to members listed in the directory.
-
The directory will
not be posted on the website in order to protect member privacy.
Thank you for helping us keep our club connected — and our members’
information secure.
See you on the courts!
IronOaks Tennis Club
____________________________________________________________
March 7th, 2026 -Ready
to Rally? Multi-Club Play at Cottonwood!
____________________________________________________________
Monday, March 23rd - Spring Team Tennis
Click the Team Tennis tab to get the details on Spring Team
Tennis 2026.
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, February 25th - Sunday, March 1st, 2026
Jason Morton Tournament
Cheer On Our "Home Team" This
Week!
The temps aren't the only thing heating up this week — so is the
competition! As our fellow IOTC members compete in this year’s Jason
Morton Memorial Tournament, they’d love to see some friendly
faces in the stands!
Matches run Wednesday through Sunday, and it’s shaping
up to be a fantastic week of competitive tennis right here at home.
How to Follow the Action:
View the Schedule:
Check match times and brackets on the USTA
Tournament page.
Watch In Person:
Stop by the IronOaks courts to see the full schedules and divisions
posted on the tournament board — then grab a seat and enjoy the matches!
Your IOTC Home Team:
Let’s cheer on our members taking the courts:
Arif Khan
Barb Jorgensen
Bob Lynne
Buddy Wayne
Chris Bernabe
CJ Berry
Craig Twitchell
Dean Sinerius
Gary Petersen
Gary Sanders
Glen Satre
Jack Fredrickson
Jim Bowles
Kay Wengert
Kristina Traylor
Mary Ellen O'Brien
Maryann Sinerius
Rick Kenny
Rob Lampman
Tim Sherman
Tim Shum
Bring your applause, your encouragement, and your IOTC spirit. Let’s
make the stands as strong as the serves!
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, February 25th - Sunday, March 1st, 2026
Jason Morton Tournament
The Jason Morton Memorial Tournament Is Here!
Dear IronOaks Tennis Club Members,
Please note
that our courts will be unavailable for
general play Wednesday
through Sunday as
we host the prestigious Jason
Morton Memorial Tennis Tournament.
While this
means a brief pause in regular play, it
also means something exciting — five
days of high-level, competitive tennis
right here at IronOaks! We invite you to
grab a seat, cheer on the players, and
enjoy some outstanding match play.
Here’s the
schedule for the week:
Wednesday
• Matches begin at 12:30 p.m.
• 10 courts in use
• Last matches scheduled at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday
• Matches begin at 9:30 a.m.
• 10 courts in use
• Last matches scheduled at 5:30 p.m.
• Possible late-morning consolation
matches at Ironwood
Friday
• Matches begin at 8:30 a.m.
• 10 courts in use until approximately
5:00 p.m., then 6 courts
• Last matches scheduled at 5:30 p.m.
• Consolation matches likely at Ironwood
starting around 10:00 a.m. and
continuing on and off throughout the day
Saturday
• Matches begin at 8:30 a.m.
• 10 courts in use
• Last match scheduled at 5:00 p.m.
• Consolation matches at Ironwood
throughout the day
Sunday
• Matches begin at 8:30 a.m.
• 10 courts in use
• Last main draw matches scheduled at
1:00 p.m.
• Consolation matches likely in the
afternoon/late afternoon
We
appreciate your understanding as we
showcase one of the premier tournaments
of the season. Events like this bring
exceptional tennis, great energy, and
wonderful visibility to our club.
Come out, support the players, and
enjoy some terrific tennis all week
long!
____________________________________________________________
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 -
Live Ball is Back
Live Ball is Back! Are You Ready to Challenge the
Champions?
Live Ball with Tony
Simonelli Returns Saturday, March 7
Get ready for fast hands, quick points, and nonstop action!
Live Ball is back at IronOaks
Tennis Club on Saturday, March
7, and it’s bringing the heat with a Challengers
vs. Champions format.
This high-energy session is designed for 3.5+
players who want to:
Expect rapid-fire rallies, strategic play, and a format that keeps
everyone moving.
Court 6
Space limited - Sign Up on Tennis Bulletin Board
Questions? Call tony at 602-799-9945
Spots fill quickly --step up, ake n
the champions, and elevate your game?
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Love Was in the Air (and on the Courts!)
at Valentine’s Mixer
Members and guests of the IronOaks Tennis Club celebrated
Valentine’s Day with an energetic and heartwarming morning
of tennis and camaraderie on Saturday, February 14.
The Valentine’s Mixer, held from 10:30 a.m. to noon,
featured a social format with random pairings, giving
players the opportunity to connect with different partners
throughout the morning. The friendly competition and
spirited rallies were matched by laughter and lively
conversation, embodying the club’s strong sense of
community.
Following tennis, participants gathered for lunch and ice
cream on the patio, where the celebration continued. A
special highlight of the afternoon was Carol Mellinger’s
homemade Valentine’s cookies, a beloved tradition and crowd
favorite that added an extra touch of sweetness to the
event.
The event was organized by Carole Rockland, Edith Tanniru,
and Claire Wilcox, whose thoughtful planning and warm
hospitality helped make the mixer a memorable success.
____________________________________________________________
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
John Michael “Mike” Corey September 21, 1952 – February 4, 2026
John Michael “Mike” Corey, 73, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away on
February 4, 2026. An avid tennis player, devoted father, proud Veteran,
and loyal friend, Mike lived a life marked by generosity, humor, and
quiet strength.
Originally from North Carolina, Mike was the only boy in a family with
three sisters. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before building a long
and respected career at Honeywell Aerospace, where he worked as a
General Supervisor in the machine shop. It was there, in 1987, that he
met a colleague and fellow tennis enthusiast, Rob Lampman.
Their shared love of the game led to countless Saturday mornings on
local courts — from high schools to Kiwanis Park and Gene Autry Park —
forging a friendship that would span decades.
In 2007, Mike joined the IronOaks Tennis Club in Sun Lakes, where he
became a familiar and beloved presence. Whether competing fiercely on
the clay, enjoying spirited rallies, or lingering in conversation after
a match, Mike brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.
A memorial service will be held on February 28 from 1 to 3 pm at Valley
of the Sun Mortuary, located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler,
AZ 85248.
Some remembrances from his tennis family:
“In years past, Mike and I used to play quite regularly on the clay. We
had some great matches, many if not most of which he won. We had some
good tennis and good conversations! Mike was always smiling and
laughing, full of life! He will be missed!” - Jack Sanders
“Mike was a very special guy with a great sense of humor. He was always
teasing me about ‘going to the dark side’ when I began playing
pickleball on a regular basis. It was our daily ritual. He was a
memorable fellow and will surely be missed by all of us who had the
pleasure of knowing him and playing tennis with him for many years at
IronOaks Tennis Club. - Tom Snider
“Using my native language, he was a bloody good bloke. Translation — he
was one of the good guys. If any of his friends ever needed help or
assistance, no matter the size of the problem, he would always step in —
he didn't need to be asked. One rather frivolous recent example: A few
weeks ago, my wife and I wanted to go to a
concert at Cottonwood. However, tickets were only available to residents
of Cottonwood, Oakwood, and Ironwood — we live in Solera. I was
complaining about this to a few of the tennis club members, including
Mike, one day. He didn't say anything, but the next time I saw him, he
gave me an envelope containing two tickets, each priced at $50. I had
cash on me, so I handed him $100 — he absolutely refused to accept it.
His reasoning was that I had ‘tolerated’ (his word) hitting with him a
couple of times a week for a few years, so it was the least he could
do.” - Austin Mason “In 2007, Mike joined the IronOaks Tennis Club, and
I followed him there later that year. Mike lost his lovely wife Pat in
1997 at a young age due to cancer. Their daughter, Megan, was only 12
years old at the time. Sometimes she would come to the courts with him
when we played tennis. I remember how Mike made sure (in a good way)
that Megan was doing her math problems. Today, she is a very successful
electrical engineer. Mike was always so very proud of her.
In addition to his time on the tennis court, Mike traveled extensively
internationally after retiring from Honeywell. Some of the places he
spent his summers include Brazil, South Africa, and many countries in
Eastern and Western Europe. Mike had a very witty sense of humor, and he
enjoyed ribbing his tennis buddies in good fun. Mike was a very good
friend, and we will miss him greatly.” - Rob Lampman
____________________________________________________________
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
IRONOAKS TENNIS CLUB
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT
The time to elect or appoint officers to the
club’s Board of Directors is now. This year the offices up for election
or appointment are President, and Secretary. The slate of candidates at
this time in the process is as follows:
President: CJ Berry
Secretary: Rose Bowers
If you would like to become a board member,
you are encouraged to step forward and have your name added to the list
of candidates. Simply send an email to president@ironoakstennis.net, or
to any sitting board member, stating which position you’d like to be
considered for. You have until 5pm on February 16th to do this, at which
time nominations will be closed and the election/appointment process
will proceed according to club bylaws.
Please remember, Board meetings are open to
club members.
Did you know club members can submit a
request to add an item to our agenda? Simply send an email to
secretary@IronOaksTennis.net, or hand a note to any board member,
detailing what you wish to discuss. The Board welcomes your
participation.
____________________________________________________________
Monday - Friday, February 2nd
- 7th, 2026 - Mixed Doubles Tournament Results
Mixed Doubles Tournament Results Are In!
Thank you to everyone who played, cheered, and helped make our Mixed
Doubles Tournament a fantastic week of tennis at IronOaks Tennis Club!
Congratulations
to
our champions and finalists:
Division 1
Winners: Erin
Dunn & CJ Berry
Runners Up: Traci
Lynch & Lou Greco
Division 2
Winners: Cathy
LaPointe & Chuck Mulvenna
Runners Up: Mary
Ellen O'Brien & Wade Knoss
Want to relive the action?
To view
tournament photos, Click here
to visit our photo gallery pictures.
Thank you to all who participated and helped
make this tournament a success. We look forward to seeing you on the
courts again soon!
____________________________________________________________
Saturday - February 14th, 2026
- Valentines Tennis Mixer
Don't Forget to Sign Up!
Valentine's Tennis Mixer - Feb 14th
If you missed it earlier, here's a sweet reminder to
sign up for our Valentine's Tennis Mixer on the tennis
bulletin board.
Join us for a fun morning of social
tennis with random pairings,
followed by lunch,
ice cream,
and a special Valentine’s treat.
Bonus: We'll also be enjoying Carol
Mellinger's amazing homemade cookies -- always a
crowd favorite.
-
Saturday,
February 14
-
10:30 a.m. -
Noon | Social tennis, followed by lunch at noon
-
Free for IOTC
members and guests
-
Sign-up
deadline: February 10
Come share the love — on and off the court!
IronOaks Tennis Club
____________________________________________________________
Monday - Friday, February 2nd
- 7th, 2026 - Mixed Doubles Tournament
Please click "Tournaments"
tab
to view schedule
for our Mixed Doubles Tournament.
____________________________________________________________
Saturday,
January 17th. 2026 - Club Gender Tournament Results
Congratulations to
Our Gender Doubles Tournament Champions!
The week featured exciting daily round-robin play with regular scoring,
best two out of three sets, and a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a third
set. Great tennis, strong competition, and terrific sportsmanship
were on display.
Tournament Results
Men's Division 1
Winners: Craig Twitchel & Bob Lynne
Runners-Up: Tim Shumk & Chris Bernabe
Men's Division 2
Winners: Mike Davin & Glen Satre
Runners-Up: Pat Gleason & Jerry Geiszler
Women's Division 1
Winners: Barb Brown & Erin Dunn
Runners-Up: Barb Jo0rgensen & Kristina Traylor
Women's Division
2
Winners: Karen Tucker & Linda Carr
Runners-Up: Jo Lucas & Adriana Michael
Well done to our division champions, and sincere thanks to every
participant for making this tournament such a success. Events like
these are what make the IronOaks Tennis Club such a vibrantand
competitive community.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the courts soon for the Mixed
Doubles Tournament!
____________________________________________________________
Monday, February 2nd -Saturday,
February 7th, 2026, Mixed Doubles Tournment
Mix It Up!
IOTC Mixed Doubles Tournament
Get ready to mix, match, and compete! The IronOaks
Tennis Club Mixed Doubles Tournament runs Monday,
February 2 through Saturday, February 7, with
play scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., as needed.
You can sign up with a partner or register
solo — we’ll happily match you up. This is a
great opportunity to meet new players, enjoy spirited
competition, and have fun on the courts.
How to Sign Up
• Sign up on the tennis bulletin board or
• Email Bob Lynne at boblynnecpa@gmail.com
Deadline: Monday,
January 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Questions?
Email Kristina Traylor at funtraylor1@gmail.com or text Bob
Lynne at (480) 250-9300
Bonus: Lunch
will be provided on Saturday at
noon on the IOTC Patio — a perfect
way to wrap up the week!
Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait. We look forward to
seeing you on the courts!
____________________________________________________________
February 25 - March 1, 2026 -
Jason Morton Memorial Tournament
Registration
Now Open: Jason Morton Memorial Tournament | Feb 25 – Mar 1
The Jason Morton Memorial Tournament returns February 25
through March 1, 2026, bringing top competitive tennis
to the courts at IronOaks Fitness and Racquet Center.
This USTA Southwest – Level 5, prize money event
attracts skilled local and out-of-state players from
across the country, competing in NTRP singles and
doubles divisions for ages 18+ through seniors.
Tournament Details
• February 25 – March 1, 2026
• Entry Fee: $55
• Registration closes February 15, 2026
Division Limits (Strictly Enforced)
Players may register for a maximum of **two divisions**
• 1 Singles + 1 Doubles **OR**
• 2 Doubles
(*Multiple singles divisions are not permitted)
About the Tournament
This tournament honors Jason Morton, former Head Pro at
IronOaks and founder of the original Oakwood tennis
facility. A nationally recognized player and coach,
Jason represented the U.S. in international competition
and earned more than 100 national gold and silver balls.
The IronOaks tennis facility was dedicated in his name
in 2011, celebrating his lasting impact on the game and
the community.
👉
To register, visit usta.com
Compete for the prize. Play for the legacy.
____________________________________________________________
Monday - Saturday, January 12th
- 17th, 2026 - Club Gender Tournament
Please click "Tournaments"
tab
to view rules and schedule
for our Club Gender Tournament.
____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
IOTC Wraps Up 2025
with a Festive Year-End Bash
The IronOaks Tennis Club celebrated a fantastic year
with its annual Year-End Bash,
held Saturday, December 27, on the Stone & Barrel patio.
Over 70 members and guests joined us for an evening of
hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, great conversation — and a
beautiful Arizona sunset.
“In addition to tennis, these moments of connection
are what truly make our club special,” said Kristina
Traylor, Tennis Play Director. “It was a
wonderful way to celebrate our members and look ahead to
another exciting year.”
In 2025, IOTC hosted fundraisers, tournaments, and
several social events — including inter-community play —
to continue strengthening our vibrant tennis offering.
With 10 lighted courts,
organized weekly play, teams and leagues, and private
and group instruction from USPTA pro Kwong
Young, IronOaks Tennis Club looks forward to
another year of great tennis and camaraderie.
Thank you to everyone who made 2025 such a success —
we’ll see you on the courts in 2026!
____________________________________________________________
Saturday, December 20, 2025
____________________________________________________________
Monday-Friday, January 12-16,
2026
Get ready for one of IronOaks Tennis Club’s most popular
events of the season! 🎾
The IOTC
Gender Doubles Tournament returns January
12–16, 2025, with
matches played daily.
Details at a
glance:
• Members only
• Gender Doubles format
• Matches played daily
• Last year’s winners must
select a new partner if
playing in the same division
Sign-up is easy:
Add your name to the sign-up
sheet on the IOTC bulletin
board.
Need a partner or have
questions? Contact Kristina
Traylor at 480-665-8700.
Spots fill quickly—don’t
miss your chance to compete,
connect, and have fun on the
courts!
See you out there!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, December 13, 2025 -
Play Lineup for Tomorrow’s IOTC Social
Hello everyone,
We’re looking forward to a fun morning of tennis at our IOTC
Social tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. with
our friends from Cottonwood,
Springfield, and Robson.
Attached below is the play lineup for
the event. We’ve done our best to balance levels, mix
players from different communities, and create a social,
competitive, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please
check your court assignment and match time, and plan to
arrive a little early so we can start right on time.
A few quick reminders:
-
Check in when you arrive so we know you’re here.
-
Warm-up time will be brief to stay on schedule.
-
Most importantly, have fun, meet someone new, and
show our guests the great sportsmanship and hospitality
IOTC is known for!
|
If you see any major conflicts in the lineup, please let me
Kristina Traylor know as soon as possible.
Looking forward to a great day of tennis together!
_____________________________________________________________
Friday, January 2, 2026 - Tennis Social
Cancelled
Please note that the Tennis Social with
Springfield scheduled for Thursday, January 2nd has been
cancelled.
But great tennis is still ahead!
Please mark your calendars for
our upcoming January and February events:
These events are still on, and we’re
looking forward to strong participation from our IOTC
players. More details and sign-up
sheets will be posted soon on the tennis bulletin board,
so keep an eye out!
Thank you, and we appreciate your flexibility.
See you on the courts!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
High School
Tennis Match at IronOaks — This Saturday at 1:30 PM!
IronOaks Tennis Club is proud to host an exciting high
school matchup this Saturday: BASIS
Chandler Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis vs. BASIS Ahwatukee.
Play will begin promptly at 1:30 PM,
starting with the National Anthem.
We’d love to see a great turnout from our IOTC community —
come enjoy an afternoon of competitive tennis and support
these talented student-athletes!
Bring your friends, your tennis spirit, and your applause.
Hope to see you there!
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - Holiday Social Hour
for IOTC
Saturday,
November 29, 2025 - IOTC Shines at Bradshaw-Neu Charity
Saturdays, December 6, 2025
Great news, IronOaks players!
Live Ball with Tony Simonelli is
back in action starting Saturday,
December 6th at 9 a.m. on Court
6. If you’ve missed the fast-paced fun and
high-energy drills, mark your calendar — we can’t wait to
see you out there!
Don’t forget to sign up on the tennis bulletin board to
reserve your spot.
See you on the court!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Hi IronOaks players,
We’re hosting friends from Robson, Cottonwood, and
Springfield for a fun, mixed-club Tennis Social on Saturday,
December 13, 2025.
Play starts: 9:00 a.m. on the IOTC courts
Lunch: 11:00 a.m., hosted by the IOTC VOS Team, The Alley
Cats (co-captains Kaipo Simonelli & Kathy Klotz)
Format: Teams will be a mix of players from every club — a
new, all-play-together format chosen by all club
coordinators to keep things extra social and fun!
Please sign up on the tennis bulletin board by Monday,
December 8, 2025.
Questions? Contact Kristina Traylor at funtraylor1@gmail.com
or text 480-665-8700.
See you on court!
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Veterans Day
Celebration at IronOaks Honors Service, Sport, and Community
On November 11, 2025, the IronOaks Tennis Club and Sun Lakes
HOA 3 proudly hosted A Veterans Day
Celebration at the IronOaks Tennis Club
courts—a morning of gratitude, tennis, and togetherness.
The event honored our nation’s veterans and featured
exhibition play from the Grand Canyon
University (GCU) men’s and women’s tennis teams,
along with spirited matches between the IronOaks
Ladies and Perry
& BASIS Chandler High School teams.
Highlights included a stirring National
Anthem by Bella Taylor, an awe-inspiring AH-1
Cobra Attack Helicopter flyover, and a meet-and-greet with
the GCU teams and coaches.
Sponsors included IronOaks residents Tony and Kaipo
Simonelli, as well as Francine Nolan and Kara Maggio of
Cactus Mountain Properties, Carey and Trish Kolb of The Kolb
Team, Suzy Steinmann of The Redeemed Team and Charlee Young
of The Young Home Team.
“It was an honor to bring together players, neighbors, and
veterans in a shared spirit of gratitude,” said CJ
Berry, IOTC President.
“Seeing our community unite in support of our veterans was
truly inspiring,” added Tony Simonelli,
event organizer..
November 8, 2025
CELEBRATING BETTY SANDERS’ 99th BIRTHDAY
Recently, many friends came to celebrate Betty, on her
99th birthday, on the IronOaks Fitness/Racquet Club
patio. We are all in awe of her quick wit and lively
sense of humor.
Betty has been a part of the Sun Lakes community for
years, and many of you may know her from her days of
volunteering at the Posse and with Neighbors Who Care.
She remains active in the United Methodist Church’s
Bible Study and embraces her faith. She is also a long
time tennis player and enthusiast.
Betty recently moved to Robson Reserve and it is no
surprise that she continues to workout on a daily basis
and hobnob with her numerous friends.
What a gift to be 99 years old and be so active. We are
all looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday
next October!
November 6. 2025
IronOaks 65+ USTA Ladies
Doubles Team Earns Wild Card to Southwest Sectionals
Exciting news from the courts! The IronOaks 65+ USTA
Ladies Doubles Team has been invited to compete in the
USTA Southwest Sectionals Tournament this December in
Surprise, Arizona, as a Wild Card entry.
Throughout the 2025 winter and spring seasons, this
talented group has shown exceptional teamwork,
determination, and a love for the game — all while
keeping the spirit of fun and friendship alive. The team
is a combination of IronOaks and Cottonwood players who
share a passion for tennis and camaraderie on the court.
Team members: Captain Bonnie Greco, Barb Jorgensen,
Janet Kelly, Carmella Davin, Cathy Coin, Traci Lynch,
Cathy LaPointe, Rose Bowers, Jenette Curran, Julia
Romanin, Ollie Johnson, Diane James, Michelle Mather,
and Adriana Michael.
“Our team is thrilled and honored to represent IronOaks
at Sectionals,” said Captain Bonnie Greco.
“This invitation reflects the dedication and
sportsmanship that define our club,” added CJ Berry,
IOTC President.
Congratulations to these outstanding
players—and best of luck at Sectionals! 🎾
November 1. 2025
IronOaks
Tennis Club Aces a Successful “Welcome Back Fall Fiesta”
The IronOaks Tennis Club kicked off the new season in festive
style with its Welcome Back Fall Fiesta on Saturday, November 1,
bringing together members and guests for a morning of tennis,
fun, and friendship.
The day began with a lively Tennis Apparel Sale on the Fitness
Center patio that raised funds for the club. Carmella Davin
spearheaded the clothing sale, with help from Olena Buxton and
Riki Sadosky. Players then hit the courts for Social Play,
followed by a delicious “Make Your Own Tacos” lunch hosted by
the Valley of the Sun ladies’ team, “Party at the Net.”
“The Fall Fiesta is one of our favorite ways to welcome everyone
back to the courts,” said CJ Berry, IOTC President. “It’s about
reconnecting, having fun, and celebrating the spirit that makes
this club so special.”
“From the morning sale to the last serve, you could feel the
excitement everywhere,” added Kristina Traylor, Tennis Play
Director. “It’s the perfect start to another great season.”
The IronOaks Tennis Club welcomes players of all levels and
offers year-round opportunities for play, clinics, and community
events.
Ladies VOS Team “Party at the Net:”
From left: Vivian Guimond, Melissa Emery, Mary Stephens, Cari
(CC) Capelouto, Edith Tanniru and Susan Aparicio.
Clothing Sale:
Melissa Emery shares her “haul” with Kristina Traylor at the
tennis clothing sale.
November 11, 2025
A Veterans Day Celebration
The event honors those who have served and
showcases the Grand Canyon University men’s and women’s tennis
teams, as well as the Sun Lakes Community. Sponsors include Sun
Lakes residents Tony and Kaipo Simonelli, The Young Home Team —
Charlee Young, The Kolb Team — Carey and Trish Kolb, The
Redeemed Team — Suzy Steinmann, and Cactus Mountain Properties —
Francine Nolan and Kara Maggio.
Thanks to their support, the half-day
celebration will feature a full line-up of exciting events:
·
8:15 AM: Tennis Match with
IronOaks Ladies vs. Perry & Basis Chandler
High School Teams
·
9:30 AM: Veterans Gather Around
Tennis Stadium Courts
·
9:40 AM: National Anthem Sung by
Bella Taylor
·
9:45 AM: AH-1 Cobra Attack
Helicopter Flyover
·
10:00 AM: GCU Men’s & Women’s
Exhibition Tennis Matches
·
12:15 PM: Meet and Greet GCU
Tennis Teams and Coaches
November 1, 2025
Welcome Back Fall Fiesta – Tennis, Lunch & Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! Saturday, November 1,
2025 is shaping up to be a fun day at
IronOaks.
-
Sale begins: 9:00 a.m.
(IOTC Patio/Courts)
-
Social Play: 10:30 a.m. (3
sessions of 40 minutes – all levels welcome)
-
Lunch: Noon, hosted by the
VOS team Party at the Net
How to Register:
Sign up on the Club Bulletin Board or email Kristina at funtraylor1@gmail.com.
Questions? Text Kristina at (480) 665-8700.
📌 Email sign-ups are welcome too!
Donation Box Now Open!
A donation box for lightly used athletic,
tennis, and pickleball attire is now
located in the IOTC Fitness Center lobby.
All sale proceeds on November 1st will directly benefit IOTC.
Come for the tennis, stay for the fun, and help support our
club!
Monday, September 29 to November 3, 2025
-
Go to "Postings" tab
for Team Tennis Schedule
Monday, September 15, 2025
Last
Chance to Sign Up for Team Tennis!
Monday, September 15, 2025
I
IronOaks Tennis Club and Sun Lakes HOA 3 are co-hosting “A Veterans
Day Celebration” at the IronOaks Tennis Club courts on
Tuesday,
November 11, 2025.
The event honors those who have served and showcases the Grand
Canyon University men’s and women’s tennis teams, as well as the Sun
Lakes Community. Sponsors include Francine Nolan and Kara Maggio of
Cactus Mountain Properties, Carey and Trish Kolb of The Kolb Team,
Suzy Steinmann of The Redeemed Team, Charlee Young of The Young Home
Team, and Sun Lakes residents Tony and Kaipo Simonelli.
Monday, September 8th, 2025
TEAM TENNIS UPDATE!
Enjoy competitive co-ed, all-level, mixed-doubles play this
fall!
Sign up for Team Tennis, and enjoy a weekly match on Monday
evenings at 6 p.m. This six-week session begins on September 29
and concludes on November 3. Can't play weekly? Be a sub! Sign
up on the tennis bulletin board outside the fitness center. Be
sure to indicate your level (A-B-C-D).
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
Sunday, Septemver 1, 2025
How it Works:
- Open to all IronOaks residents (Tennis Club membership
not required).
- Four teams were formed with players across various skill
levels (A, B, C, D).
- Each team has a captain + unique team name.
- Matches:
- A & B players play one 8-game pro set.
- C & D players play one 8-game pro set.
- No-ad scoring. Every game won = 1 point for your team.
- Each team plays every other team twice.
Can’t commit weekly? Join as a substitute player!
Sign up today on the Tennis Bulletin Board!
Have fun playing with friends and neighbors! Bring your game,
your spirit, and let’s make this a
fun new IronOaks tradition!
Monday, August 18th, 2025
Great News! The Chelsea Tennis Reservations app is now
available for download on both Apple and Android smartphones. With
this app, you can:
· Create a profile
· Reserve a court and time if you’re inside the 4-day window
· Request a court and time if you’re outside the 4-day
window
· Review your upcoming schedule
· See your friend’s schedules
· See a court sheet listing of who’s playing on which court
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need the Chelsea club
code (IRON200) and your member number to activate usage. Your member
number and password are the same.
Below are screenshot examples of the home page and a booking
page.
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 - Live
Ball
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 - July
5th, 2025 Pancake Breakfast
Click here
for the Mixed Doubles Schedule
Click here
for the groupings
Click here
for the tournament schedule
Click here
for the rules and prizes
Call Kristina(480)665-8700 if you have any questions. Click here to find out when and whom you play.
IRONOAKS TENNIS CLUB’S END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION A
SMASHING SUCCESS.
IronOaks tennis members were treated to a complimentary buffet-style
dinner catered by Famous Dave's BBQ on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Kristina Traylor, the Tennis Play Director for the board, expertly
orchestrated the event with assistance from the Alley Cats, a Valley
of the Sun tennis team in Sun Lakes. “The tennis club financed the
celebration with proceeds from last year’s Jason Morton Tennis
Classic,” a spokesperson mentioned. This prestigious annual
tournament, hosted at the IronOaks Tennis Center, attracts top-tier
players nationwide. It will be held again this year from February 26
through March 2, 2025 at the IronOaks Tennis Club.
Wednesday, January 8th-9AM in IronOaks Ballroom
Alert to the IronOaks Tennis
Community –
We need to pull together to save our courts, and your involvement
is critical!
This is an all-points bulletin
for tennis members to attend the Master Planning Committee/HOA meeting
on January 8th at 9am in the Oakwood ballroom. It is paramount that you
understand the status of the Master Planning Committee process regarding
expansion of the fitness/wellness center. Some of the concepts floated
to date are based on taking tennis courts, so if you want to preserve
our assets, learn, and get involved. At the meeting on January 8th,
details will be provided on how to sign up for homeowner input sessions
to be held later in January. Plan to sign up.
Do not rely on rumors. Go to the meeting and get educated. Again, the
future of your courts will depend on this. Please step up and help
ensure that the legacy of IronOaks Tennis is preserved and be sure to
pass the word around.
Respectfully,
Your IOTC Board of Directors
Monday thru Saturday, January 13th-18th, 2025 - Gender Doubles
Tournament
Saturday, 12/28/2024 - End of Year Tennis Celebration
Thursday, 12/12/2024 -
Sip and Serve Master Tennis
Saturday, 11/23/2024 -
Encanterra Interclub Event
Saturday, 11/9/2024 -
Welcome Back Social
Sign up sheet located on bulletin
board in back patio of fitness center.
Registration is now open for the 2024 edition of the Bradshaw/Neu Charity Tennis Tournament. As it was
last year, each player must register using the tournament website ( www.bradshawtennis.com).
Players must pay a registration fee which must be done
on the website itself.
Click here for more details.
Tennis players and pickleball players worked together to raise over $34,000 for Neighbors Who Care,
well above the $25,000 goal. The committee members pictured here worked hard to achieve this amazing
figure. Thanks to them, to all our sponsors, and to all the players and contributors who made this
event so successful. Watch for more updates and a final figure.
The pairings have been created for the Play It Forward Charity Event to be played this Saturday, April 6.
Click here to find out when and whom you play.
The food was delicious as always, but the best part was having a chance to socialize
with our IronOaks Tennis Club friends off the court. Thanks to Vivian and Norb Guimond
for chairing this event, and to Vonnie and Wade Knoss and Rosalie and Joe Azzaro for assisting them.
Volunteers make our club great and more are always needed. Be sure to sign up for an event next year.
Click here to view a few photos from the event.
The competition was fierce, with close to 280 players participating, but IronOaks Tennis Club
was well represented in the winners’ circle at the recent Jason Morton Tournament.
The following IOTC
members were champions of their division:
Mixed Doubles, 3.0: Mary Crump and Tony Crump
Men’s Doubles, 3.5: Mark Sadosky and John Braunels
Mixed Doubles, 4.0: Michelle Cohrs and Tim Shum
Men’s Doubles, 75+: Frank Figueroa and Tim Shum
Second place finishers:
Women’s Doubles, 3.5: Ellen Maurer and Lois Newman
Men’s Singles, 3.0: Gary Sanders
Men’s Singles, 80+: Leo Lapane
Congratulations to these winners and to all who participated in this elite tournament. Special thanks to Matt Gleason for an outstanding job as Tournament Director, and to Coach Kwong Young for all his help coordinating the tournament. We’re also grateful to our neighbors at the Cottonwood / Palo Verde Tennis Club for helping with overflow court needs for evening play.
This tournament would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:
Young Realty
Kolb Realty
Medicare Insurance Solutions
BlueStar Resort Management
Castro’s Landscape
Sandy & Sons Auto Service
Tennis Cabana
The Battery Doctor
Forefathers
San Tan Golf Carts
TurnPros
Redeemed Team Realtors
Thanks to all, and we are already looking forward to the 2025 Jason Morton Tournament!
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