Donna Yuritic
Hilary Wade
A native of Chicago, Donna Yuritic has taught and played tennis for more than 30 years in the U.S. and Europe and is the tennis pro at Quail Creek Tennis Club. Donna spent many years in Scottsdale before researching 55-plus communities away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. She was looking for a very active area with an amazing tennis program, and Quail Creek is just what Donna was looking for!
In a few short months, not only has she become an integral member of the Tennis Club, but its United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) certified tennis pro. Donna has an impressive resume when it comes to tennis. She has played for 56 years and has taught for over 40 of them! Donna has earned countless awards and accolades: seven National Doubles Championships, seven Gold Balls, five Silver Balls, three Bronze Balls, Southwest Pro of the Year in 2005, 2007 Southwest Star of the Year, Female 35+ Player of the Year, Player of the Year in Chicago in 1996, and USPTA Southwest Player of the Year, to mention just a few!
Donna has played in the Avon Circuit, Virginia Slims Circuit, and European Circuit. She has traveled throughout the U.S., Germany, Austria, and Italy. One of the highlights of her life was to attend the French Open and Wimbledon. She has also had the privilege of being the United States Tennis Association speaker at the US Tennis Open Convention on three occasions.
Donna has also taught wheelchair tennis and Special Olympics, and has run inner-city programs in Chicago and Phoenix. She shares, “A lot of people have helped me along the way, and I’ve always known that I succeeded through people’s generous help. So, I always try to pay it forward and help whomever I can.”
She instills the love and passion for the game in others and is helping Quail Creek grow an impressive tennis program. Donna is also an established author, having written seven tennis manuals.
Of her time thus far in Quail Creek, Donna exclaims, “I love it! Everyone is so welcoming and kind. The tennis community has embraced me. The neighbors have as well. I am anxious to become more involved and to be of service to the community. There is such good energy and camaraderie in the area.”
Quail Creek is indeed fortunate to have added another talented, unique, and kind resident to its community. Be sure to stop by the tennis courts where you will see and hear Donna motivating, encouraging, and improving everyone’s tennis game, no matter what skill level you have. Maybe it will inspire you to take up the sport and join a fantastic club here at Quail Creek!