I Learned to Play Tennis After 40. It Completely Changed My Life (Exclusive)

**Tennis Transforms Life of LA Author Nicola Harrison**

In her latest book, *The Island Club*, author Nicola Harrison reflects on her unexpected journey into the world of tennis, revealing how it has shaped her life in surprising ways. Initially resisted and prompted by social circumstances, Harrison’s engagement with the sport has led to newfound friendships, personal development, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Harrison first picked up a tennis racket in October 2020, a time when the COVID-19 pandemic had turned social interaction into a risky affair. After relocating from Manhattan, New York, to Manhattan Beach, California, she found herself yearning for connection. While enjoying a day at the beach with her two-year-old, she chanced upon a group of mothers, also new to the area, who casually invited her to join them for tennis lessons. Despite her lack of enthusiasm and sporting background, she accepted the offer, motivated more by the desire to make friends than by an interest in the game itself.

Previously, Harrison had never identified as athletic. Growing up in a small town in England, she pursued ballet rather than team sports, preferring dance’s artistic and creative expression over competition. After moving to America during her teenage years, she quickly recognised that her peers were already well-versed in various sports, making her reluctant to participate. Instead, she joined the cheerleading squad, which provided entertainment but little understanding of American football, the sport she was there to support.

Upon joining the tennis lessons, Harrison was met with a unique instructor named Sam, whose unorthodox teaching methods included using old coolers instead of traditional tennis ball baskets. Despite her initial awkwardness and confusion, something incredible began to happen; she started to connect with the game. With time, her skills improved and she discovered a burgeoning passion for tennis that she had not anticipated.

The excitement of learning and improving soon became a highlight of Harrison’s week. Encouraged by the progress she made, she persuaded her husband to join her for evening clinics, which soon became their weekly date night. Tennis had not only enabled her to cultivate a new hobby but also strengthened her bond with her partner through shared experiences on the court.

In a surprising turn of events, Harrison received an invitation to join a local tennis team. While her teammates were predominantly older and more seasoned in the sport, she embraced the challenge. Despite being the youngest member and often racing to catch up, she revelled in their support and shared strategies that showcased their wealth of experience. The dynamic proved both humbling and exhilarating, as she learned the value of teamwork and camaraderie.

As the months passed, Harrison’s relationship with tennis deepened. She found herself enjoying the collective spirit of the game, celebrating victories with teammates, and sharing encouragement during defeats. This growing affection for the sport ultimately inspired her to take on a leadership role, and she began to captain her own team comprising 30 women, many of whom had children in the same local schools.

In this community, diverse professionals such as an ER doctor, an interior designer, and a financial powerhouse came together not only for tennis but also to forge lasting friendships. Harrison has made it her mission to create an environment where members can escape the pressures of their daily lives, even if just for a short while.

Through her foray into tennis, Harrison found unexpected joy and purpose, coupled with an exhilarating sense of belonging. She describes how, for a long time, she struggled to articulate her hobbies beyond writing, until tennis became a significant part of her identity. She realised that embracing something new can come from unexpected beginnings – a lesson that she imparts in her writing and now lives out on the court.

Despite her initial reluctance, Harrison’s late introduction to tennis has significantly transformed her life, instilling in her confidence and passion unknown to her before. This journey serves as a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding pursuits start from a place of uncertainty, and it is never too late to discover a new love. As she continues to balance her roles as a novelist and captain, Harrison illustrates how unexpected ventures can lead to personal growth and community.

Nicola Harrison’s newest offering, *The Island Club*, is set to hit bookshop shelves on April 28, and is currently available for pre-order through various outlets, promising to share even more of her insights and experiences lived both on and off the tennis court.