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Tracy Becker began playing tennis in her 20s and developed a love for the sport that continues to this day.

Now she’s ready to put that passion to use in tackling a new challenge.

Becker is taking over Polk County’s boys and girls tennis teams, stepping in as head coach to replace Richard Davis, who retired at the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year. It will not be a jarring transition for either squad as Becker served as Davis’ assistant last season as well as the previous season for the boys team.

She’s already begun working with the Wolverine girls squad ahead of the start of the fall season in August.

“I helped Coach Davis the last couple of years, so I know these girls are ready,” Becker said. “We’ve started some workouts. The girls have been really motivated and have been working hard in the offseason, so I’m excited to see what the season brings.”

Both of Becker’s sons, Alec and Luke, played tennis at Polk County (her daughter, Meadow, played volleyball), so she has familiarity with the Wolverine program beyond her recent tenure as an assistant coach. But like nearly every Wolverine coach, she’s still adjusting to Polk’s transition to the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference and a return to 2A competition.

“I knew our old conference like the back of my hand,” she said. “So getting used to this new conference is a little bit different. We do have a lot of good competition, but with the way our girls have been working in the offseason, I’m really hopeful that we’re going to do well.”

Becker said a number of her returning players have been taking private lessons since the end of last year, when a young Polk squad finished 2-9.

“I can see a lot of progress from last season,” Becker said. “That’s exciting.”

Becker’s primary goal at present is to fill her roster. Polk has four returning starters among a small group of returnees, and Becker would like to see those ranks grow by August.

“Right now my goal is to fill our team,” she said. “The last week in July, we’re going to have workouts. Then the season starts August 1. If anyone is interested in coming out, they can contact me.

“I’ve never been a head coach, but I’ve played a lot and I’ve taken a lot of lessons. I really just enjoy the sport and I enjoy the kids.”

Becker said any girl interested in joining the program can email her at tracybecker73 [at] gmail.com or call 828-808-4985.

Tracy Becker is Polk County’s new head girls and boys tennis coach