January 2026 Piper

THE PIPER | JANUARY 2026

13

GAYLE FRENCH AND DIANA DONAHOE DO YOU KNOW?

Kathy Morris, the Tennis Shop Office Manager, is such a staple to the Fiddlesticks Community. She has been working here for twenty-five years. Kathy started as a hostess and banquet team employee in 2000, but when Jeff Diggs, who knew about her background as a preschool teacher, asked her to help out with his camp during her first summer, she jumped at the opportunity. She has been working in the tennis shop ever since. Kathy has many responsibilities in the tennis shop. In addition to training at least ten or more assistants over the years and working with the tennis and pickleball members, she is in charge of all store merchandise. She has a great sense of style and vision. Her success comes from listening to what the members want and then finding it. She attends merchandise tennis shows twice a year and is always looking for new ideas. She loves her ability to be creative in her job and having the

opportunity to make the members happy. Kathy was born in Chicago and moved to Southwest Florida when she was nineteen. Her grandparents lived near Paseo, and her father took a job on Marco Island. In 1983, she married her husband, Earl, and the two of them have raised four children here in Fort Myers. Three of those children, Danielle, Jessica and Moriah, have also worked in the tennis shop alongside their mother. Kathy and Earl have seven grandchildren, ranging from fourteen years old to nine months. The whole family lives in the area and they get together for family dinners at least once a week. When Kathy is not in the tennis shop or spending time with her family, she enjoys playing piano and being involved in the worship team at her small church. She is currently decorating her home after a renovation project. She likes to travel and has especially enjoyed her recent trip to San Francisco. Kathy, we’re so fortunate to have you as part of the Fiddlesticks family.