Tennis great Peanut Louie Harper once ranked number 19 in the world grew up playing on the Golden Gate Park’s courts.

Louie Harper, whose highest world ranking was 19, made lasting friendships with several of her peers serious juniors who played alongside her at the courts in Golden Gate Park, including Lucchesi. The two became a mixed doubles team, competing at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

From age 6 to 16, she would spend almost every day at the park. Her mother would often drop her off with her four siblings.

“There were about eight core families. They looked out for us. There were potlucks. I would do my homework. I played people my age, but I also played a lot of adults, even players over 70. That place was a tennis mecca,” Louie Harper said.

She’s grateful for the non elitist atmosphere at the park. “Everybody played everybody. It was not cliquish. The quality of the players set me up well,” Louie Harper said. “Being around all those characters and the diversity as a kid taught me that everyone is the same.”

For more information please visit- https://richmondsunsetnews.com/2020/11/03/golden-gate-parks-27m-tennis-center-nears-completion/