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Helen Holding Court: 84 Year Old Tennis Queen Crowned National Champion

Updated: Tuesday, December 25 2012, 10:26 PM CST
Austin is known for having people do big things with strings. Helen Cooper-Fry is no exception. But she's making a racket with a different "instrument".

"I did other sports: baseball, basketball, volleyball - but tennis," said Cooper-Fry, "I just loved tennis from the very start."

Cooper-Fry, who is 84 years young, is a tennis champion. In late November, the Austin resident helped Team Texas win the 2012 USTA National Intersectional Hard Court Championship. Her squad is composed solely of ladies in their 80's.

Other than her secret weapon, a "dink return", Cooper-Fry says her biggest strength is good genes.

"My mother wanted to outlive her sister, who was 95 and so she did," exclaimed Helen.

Helen also takes tremendous care of her body, resting her back every day in the same way, at the same time.

"My friends and family know not to call Helen between 1 and 3," said Cooper-Fry.

Helen turns 85 next July. So what about defending her National Intersectional Championship?

"If they invite me to be on the texas team next year, I'll do it," she said. "I'll be there as long as they want me."

It sounds like these strings have a few more verses left in them.
Helen Holding Court: 84 Year Old Tennis Queen Crowned National Champion