When she's not running her city, Polly Sierer is chasing tennis balls

It’s been more than 35 years since Ronald Reagan stated, during his first inaugural address, “Those who say that we’re in a time when there are no heroes, they just don’t know where to look.” We discovered heroes in every state, starting with the determined 69-year-old who won a match at an ITF Pro Circuit event earlier this year in the Alabama town of Pelham, and culminating with the coach who has overcome multiple sclerosis to build a winning program at the University of Wyoming. Their compelling stories of courage, perseverance and achievement demonstrate that the message delivered by our 40th President rings as true today as it did then.

When Polly Sierer takes on local players in one-on-one competition as part of her Tennis With the Mayor program in Newark, DE, she has to remind her wide-eyed opponents to play their hardest.

“People are intimidated a little at the beginning,” she says. “I tell them, ‘Don’t be letting up here. If you beat me, you beat me.’”

Since besting six other candidates in a tight mayoral race in 2013, Sierer, 58, has creatively used the sport of tennis to help unite the Newark community and promote the Delaware Healthy Initiative.

One Sunday each month, she holds a free, three-hour clinic for children and adults of any skill level. The program rotates throughout the city’s 12 public parks, allowing her to reach players in each of the city’s six districts. Skill development, drills and point play are some of the highlights.

At 58 years old, Sierer knows a thing or two about teaching the fundamentals. A former player for the University of Iowa, she has been heavily involved in the tennis community since. Currently a member of the Delaware USTA board, she teaches at Newark summer camps and at a local elementary school during the winter. She keeps her own skills sharp by competing on multiple USTA teams.

Sierer’s Tennis With the Mayor outreach began in 2015 and stemmed from her involvement in charity work, where she often donated lessons as a silent auction item. It wasn’t long before she realized her potential to promote the game to players who might otherwise never pick up a racquet.

She tells the story of a young woman from a disadvantaged section of town who attended a Tennis With the Mayor session after some cajoling from her mother. Holding a racquet for the first time that day, the girl had the time of her life. She was hooked.

“Being involved in some sort of team activity allows you the opportunity to hone athletic skills and leaderships skills,” Sierer explains. “I want them to pick one thing that they can be a leader of and go for it.”

Suzette Sanders brought her son, Michael, to a session and found herself impressed with the quality of Sierer’s instruction.

“If she wasn’t mayor, I’d say she should join parks and rec,” Sanders joked to the Newark Post.

But the connection doesn’t end on the court. Many of the relationships Sierer builds with the help of a ball and racquet continue far beyond a single lesson. She stays in touch with many of her students, even handing out her personal cellphone number.

As Newark’s recreation supervisor, Tyler DeBruin works closely with Sierer.

“She really wants to get to know the people she serves, and has been able to connect with them in unique ways, like on the tennis court,” he says. “You can see her enthusiasm for encouraging others.”

Sierer was officially sworn in this April for a second term, ensuring an extended life for Tennis With the Mayor. In a city that focuses on health, fitness and recreation, she’s made it her mission to push people out of their comfort zones.

“I encourage beginners to give tennis a try no matter their age,” Sierer says. “We’ve all started at the beginning. Even if you’re picking it up in your midlife, you’re going to be able to play for years and years.”