Bea Greene
A legend in her own time

Almost 92 years old, there are no words that can adequately describe her. She is unflappable, entertaining, determined, loveable, competitive and the embodiment of good sportsmanship. Until very recently, Bea still played tennis as competitively and as often as she could.

Although she first picked up her tennis racquet in high school and then was busy raising 5 children, Bea didn't begin to play serious tennis until age 50. In those days, it was common practice to just hang out at the tennis courts and "pick up" singles games. Bea quickly established a reputation for being an indomitable spirit. She was always looking for players from whom she could learn and players she could beat. Soon even that wasn't enough to satisfy her thirst for competitive play and, starting in 1970 and every year until 1999, Bea entered official tournaments, traveling all over the country playing on every surface known to the tennis world.

At age 81, Bea was ranked #5 in the U.S. in Women's Singles in the 80-year old category and ranked #4 in the U.S. in Women's Doubles. She went to #1 in 1999 when she won the Golden Ball in the USTA 85's in singles, vanquishing Elsie Monson and Avis Hilfinger. Bea was disappointed that they were only two other ladies in her age group to beat. Another exciting and major highlight in Bea's tennis life was playing doubles at age 89 in the Friendship Cup in 2004 in Portschach, Austria, traveling there with her daughter, Sandra and other friends.

Bea's reputation spread throughout the community which resulted in an invitation in 1996 to speak at the Women's Achievement Awards Dinner in San Jose. Subject? Sports and tennis, what else? Bea says it was her biggest thrill and proudest moment.

Not one to slow down, Bea took up bowling at the age of 86 and plays twice most weeks, once in a league and once to practice. Why are we not surprised? In her "spare" time, Bea enjoys her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and is an informal coach and cheerleader to her tennis-playing daughter, Sandra Adams and granddaughter Jennifer Adams.