Coaching with Joy

Written by Tracy Ackerman

Coach Tracy Ackerman (right) standing next to Joy Meshulam (left). (Photo courtesy of Tracy Ackerman)

Tracy Ackerman is an avid golf and tennis player who just retired after coaching 10 years of Marblehead High School Varsity Tennis. She has also coached golf and JV soccer.

• Met Joy her freshman year when I coached the JV Golf Team.

• Like most freshman, Joy was finding her way in High School and bravely tried out for the golf team.

• There was one other girl who was a Senior, a bad ass named Caroline Brennan.

• I had the privilege of watching the boys show respect and even admiration for both the girls. Caroline was a real leader and Joy quietly depended on her.

• The next 3 years Joy grew as a student-athlete and a person. Before my eyes she gained confidence, showing her true self (quirky and funny in all the right ways)!

• Witnessing her natural golf swing I selfishly talked her into trying out for the tennis team (I had to convince her there were no “running” qualifications), and the rest is history.

• Joy earned many accolades in both her golf and tennis teams. She is truly a special gem, and I can’t wait to see what path she will pave for herself!