Member Spotlight: Dorian Sailer
Dorian (pictured center)
Dorian Sailer’s tennis journey started at age eight when she played recreational tennis with her family, but her main focus in the early years was on competitive swimming, music and dance. She played high school tennis and made varsity, yet didn’t really pursue the game until after college, law school, marriage and children. As a new five year member of the NWTO, Dorian hopes to continue her tennis pursuits in the senior division. “I am pleased to support this wonderful organization,” she says. “I have met so many incredible women while playing at the tournaments and have developed some amazing friendships.”
Dorian played in her first 50’s age group tournament at the Hard Court Championships in 2015, at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. “It’s such a beautiful venue in our backyard,” she says. In that same year, she won her first 4.5 tournaments. In 2016 and 2018, she competed on the USTA 40 and over 4.5+ team that represented SoCal. Her tennis career kept rolling when she won the 55 division at the La Jolla Championships in 2017. A turning point occurred in 2018 when she travelled to Houston to compete in the 55 Clay Court Championships and made the quarterfinals with her partner Alice Wolfe, losing to tournament champions Mary Dailey and Erika Smith. “Playing the Houston tournament was an amazing experience,” she said. “The tournament staff treated the players so well. I look forward to playing in Houston again.”
“Tennis is such a great refuge and diversion. For 2 hours, I can focus on the little green ball and forget all about life’s problems.”
Though tennis is now a big part of her life, Dorian also excels in music and dance. She performs with Wolff, a local rock band and is also a vocalist and pianist for both the traditional and contemporary services at her church. She also recently joined Encore, a Broadway focused singing ensemble. In addition to her background as a civil litigator, Dorian volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children. She and her husband have been married for 32 years and have two grown children. “I love playing both singles and doubles, plus enjoy being a tactician on the court,” she says. “I count on my fitness and endurance to get me through long matches.” Dorian has regularly taught strength, cardio and yoga classes since 1980. She credits the growth and progress in her game to several local pros. “I’ve been lucky to have some great instructors who have helped my game technically, strategically and mentally,” she says.
Dorian is loving her tennis these days and hopefully utilizing NWTO to provide a pathway for continued play and success on the court. “I can’t wait to get back on the tournament circuit, particularly since I turn 60 this year. This is definitely one of the benefits of getting older - moving up to a new age bracket,” she laughingly states. Like many of her contemporaries in senior tennis, the competition is challenging and rewarding, plus provides a balance in life. “Tennis is such a great refuge and diversion. For 2 hours, I can focus on the little green ball and forget all about life’s problems.”
