MIKE AND CAROLYN LAWVER.
After more than two decades of teaching, encouraging, organizing, and inspiring players at Heritage Palms, longtime Tennis Professional Carolyn Lawver is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the tennis courts.
For many members, Carolyn has been a familiar and reassuring presence at the courts: a patient instructor, a thoughtful mentor, and a steady supporter of the tennis community. Her work helped shape the welcoming atmosphere that has made HP tennis such an important part of Club life.
A Career Built on Teaching and Connecting
During her July 1 retirement celebration attended by 60 residents in the Palms Dining Room, Interim General Manager Bob Kelly paid tribute to Carolyn’s contributions to the Club.
“Everyone knew that Carolyn was the brains of the operation. She poured her heart and soul into building the HP tennis program from the ground up. Her dedication, passion, and tireless work were instrumental in creating the vibrant, active, and successful tennis community we enjoy today.
“Carolyn leaves behind a tremendous legacy at Heritage Palms. She touched the lives of countless members and friends and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Director of Racquet Sports, Chad Dyer added,
“Carolyn is a good-hearted person and is the hardest working person I have ever met in my 30 years of teaching tennis. She has made a lifetime of friends here at Heritage Palms.” Carolyn and Chad have estimated in her 26 years at HP, she has worked an astounding total of 57,000 hours! That is not a typo!
Resident Marilyn Dorcak explained that she met Carolyn soon after settling here. “She got me into a beginner’s tennis program and later put me on a team. I also play pickleball and golf, but tennis is now my favorite sport.”
I credit Carolyn with giving me a new lease on life on the tennis courts. “Since I now use a rollator walker, I thought my playing days were finished. Over two years ago, Carolyn gave me the idea of sitting in a chair hitting tennis balls that she would hit to me. It worked! I later graduated to holding on to my walker handle while standing and rallying with her. I cannot thank her enough.”
Carolyn’s long tenure at HP has coincided with years of growth for the tennis program. We began with six clay courts and a small Pro Shop, and over time, the program expanded with added courts, improved amenities, league participation, clinics, tournaments, and community events. Throughout those changes, Carolyn remained one of the people members could count on for guidance, encouragement, and a positive experience on court.
As a tennis professional, she worked with players of many levels, from beginners learning fundamentals to experienced league players refining strategy, technique, and confidence. Her teaching style was known for meeting players where they were, helping them improve while keeping the game enjoyable.
A Steady Presence During Years of Growth
Carolyn’s retirement follows a period of transition for HP tennis. Mike Lawver, who directed the program for nearly 25 years, retired in 2024, and the racket-sports staff continued moving forward under new leadership with Chad Dyer. Through those changes, Carolyn’s experience and institutional knowledge remained valuable to players, colleagues, and the broader Club community.
We have continued to maintain an active court-sports program, including league play, clinics, charity events, and ongoing facility improvements. Carolyn’s years of service are part of that larger story: a tennis program built not only through courts and schedules, but through relationships, trust, and a shared love of the game.
A Lifetime of Different Experiences
A native of Indianapolis, IN Carolyn graduated from Butler University where she was a gymnast. She has a degree in Journalism but never worked in that profession. She has one brother and one sister.
“I was mostly in the restaurant business until I moved to FL. I worked for Micros [a major provider of point of sale and property management systems for the hospitality and retail industries]. This is what brought me to Fort Myers. I have lived in about 30 different cities and overseas.
I met my husband, Mike, at Park Meadows. He brought me to HP after he got the Director’s job. I started out in tennis maintenance and later got certified in teaching tennis. I didn’t pick up a racquet until I was about 30. Then, I didn’t play in the 1990’s because of work and expenses. In 1999, I started playing again.”
She and Mike will be celebrating 23 years of marriage this month. They have a cat named Fajita.
Carolyn is interested in medicine, and has applied to volunteer at Gulf Coast Hospital. She’ll still be playing tennis here.
With Gratitude and Best Wishes
As Carolyn Lawver retires, our tennis community offers heartfelt thanks for her many years of dedication. Her influence will continue in the players she taught, the confidence she built, and the welcoming spirit she helped sustain at HP.
Congratulations, Carolyn, on a well-earned retirement. May the years ahead bring relaxation, joy, and the same sense of fulfillment you brought to so many others on the tennis courts.
