On the eve of her 50th birthday, Lucy DelSarto’s philosophy is still to savor life daily
Nominated by our Johnson County LIVING WELL Magazine Readers
Lucy DelSarto will always have the honor of being the first “LIVING WELL” nominee since we launched our new effort to spotlight boomers and seniors who savor life and are more active, engaged, and plugged in to life. Six different people in the Kansas City area nominated Lucy.
In 1999, Lucy began her wellness coaching and in 2004 started her company, TCOY Wellness (TCOY = Take Care of You), which is designed to mentor, educate and coach TOTAL Wellness (head, heart and body) for individuals as well as conduct weekly wellness classes for businesses.
Lucy was introduced to racquetball in 1980 when she was given a membership to a club for a high school graduation gift. She excelled quickly, and was ranked as a top player in the highest women’s division within one year. This began her 30+ year career as a racquetball pro and professional coach.
In 1982 she moved to California to play on the WPRO (women’s pro tour) and was ranked in the Top 16 in the world. During this time Lucy also coached the Stanford University Co-Ed team for four years. Lucy retired from the women’s pro tour in 1991 due to a foot injury, but did not let that slow her down at all.
Lucy was able to return back to the sport in 1998, and after playing a couple of months played in State Tournament and won the Women’s Open Singles title and has held the title ever since. She also competes with the top Men Open players on a weekly basis and in tournaments. Her most recent tournament was the Winter Classic held at The Athletic Club of Overland Park, Kansas. Lucy played in the Men’s 35+ Doubles taking third place with Dan Pflaster, partner and played Mixed A Doubles taking first place (playing with her off-hand…left handed) with Gary Beeman.
“The tournament above was the first time I have every played in a tourney with my left-hand. I wanted to do it as a new challenge and push myself. I don’t think anyone really even expected me to win a game, let alone a match and then the division. I believe in always striving to be your best, be active and push yourself outside of your comfort zones. That I did,” she exclaims.
Lucy was raised in a very competitive and sports minded family. “I feel extremely blessed to have had such wonderful parents and great siblings. This is where my strong foundation was poured with so many wonderful family values and ethics. My top priorities are God, health and family. I feel strongly about health because we can be of little help to others if we don’t take care of ourselves. By embracing the TCOY philosophy, you are focusing on what you want, good health. I am not, nor was I ever, the best athlete, but I am a dedicated and determined person who will do whatever it takes, whether it be to become a professional athlete or healthy throughout my life. And I absolutely love inspiring, mentoring and coaching others to be the best they can be too.”
Grace Jaworsky, who nominated Lucy, states, “As a wellness coach, Lucy educates people. Equally important, Lucy embodies the principles that she teaches as she models a healthy active lifestyle.”
Kent Girton says, “She lives it every day of her life through proper diet and exercise. She is a fantastic wellness coach. She does a wonderful job of getting others to understand what wellness can do for them.”
Fred Clarke adds, “She is constantly teaching and inspiring others with wellness coaching and doesn’t teach anything that she doesn’t do. She has a positive attitude and a passion for health and wellness.”
Another nominator, Gina Danner states “Lucy DelSarto is an example of an individual who is living well. Lucy’s attitude is amazing. She is consistently coaching people, even when they aren’t paying her, and she is a constant source of happiness and pure joy. Her light hearted attitude combined with her intense passion brings laughter to everyplace she is. She has been a support to me in reaching my wellness and racquetball goals and is truly one of Kansas City’s shining lights.”
Lili Alt says Lucy has “a positive energy that is contagious!” Debra Hayes thinks, “Lucy embodies the word “wellness.” As a wellness coach, mentor and speaker, she lives and breathes her message. Lucy is a great advocate of what she preaches, as she is always striving for a new ‘personal best,’ not only through her personal wellness and fitness, but also through the time she gives of herself to the community. Examples include recording internet radio shows for New Landings Job Chat, Total Wellness Events, and Tweat the Treat (events that also support our troops overseas).”
Lucy is very active in the Kansas City community and loves giving back to her community. In addition to being involved in church, chamber and other local activities, Lucy created Tweak the Treat annual event and KC Hug Day.
About herself, Lucy states “In short, I am a very passionate person who feels so blessed that God has allowed me to use my talents and skills to help others improve their quality of life…on the racquetball court and in life. Racquetball was simply a venue for me to reach people.
I am writing a book which is about the TCOY Philosophy of Creating the Champion Lifestyle. The same fundamental steps used in learning how to play racquetball apply to life. It’s what I focus a lot of my speaking engagements around as it applies to LIFE in every aspect (from health, relationships, business, etc). A sneak peak into my book:
-Center court positioning (you have to put yourself in the right place)
-Watch the ball (even if you’re in the right place, you’ll get run over or passed up if you don’t move with the action going on)
-Racquet up (set up, be prepared…knowledge is powerful, be ready for opportunity)
-Take Action (don’t over think things and get paralyzed in making a choice, take action)
-Follow Thru (this is were the rubber meets the road…if you do the first four and not the fifth, you won’t succeed…you must follow-thru to get results)
Yes, I’m happy to say I’ll be 50 in June and playing top-notch racquetball, healthier than ever mentally and physically. TCOY is not just my business name, it’s my philosophy and way of life.
Three key components to address every day: laughter, stretching and gratitude. I encourage everyone to spend time every day doing these simple yet core elements to a healthy life.
Says Josh Cates, CEO of LIVING WELL, “I had the pleasure of meeting Lucy at the Kansas City launch party. I can attest to her infectious enthusiasm. Lucy is a great start to our effort to promote and spotlight people in our communities who are ‘living well.’”
15 Comments
Diana F. from Johnson County emailed us to say, “Lucy lives what she believes! Wellness is her middle name. Along with her external beauty is her beauty within. She tells a story of the benefits nutrition had on her athletic performance and health. Lucy created the TCOY Wellness program (TCOY = Take Care Of You) She is my wellness coach and has walked this journey with me to better health. I can recommend her to anyone!”
Very inspirational article. Thank you.
Hi LeRoy,
You’re welcome. Thanks for writing in.
Congrats Lucy! It was great to meet you at the Johnson County LIVING WELL Magazine grand opening LAUNCH PARTY!
I am fortunate to know Lucy. She embodies the Living Well mission and receives what she gives. Her enthusiasm and smile are contagious and you can’t help but do what she says because she shows was a life of health and wellness offers. Congrats to Lucy. I will be watching.
Approximately four months ago, I hired Lucy as my Wellness/Life Coach. She has empowered me beyond words. From the moment we first met, her passion for people, health and wellness, along with her incredible positive spin on life was evident.
Lucy’s mantra of TCOY “Take Care of You” is how she lives life and she empowers others to do the same. If you are ready to improve your health and wellness, I highly recommend working with Lucy. She’s the best!
Congratulations Lucy. You are an inspiration to everyone who meets you.
Congrats, Lucy! Improving health is you business and even more importantly, it’s your way of life. You inspire all!
Great article to motivate us baby boomers! Love the enthusiastic vision! Go Lucy!
Great article for us baby boomers! Love the enthusiastic vision to stay in the game after 50! Go Lucy!
Lucy is real. She truly believes in what she offers. There is no “gimmick” to her. Her business is not about the sale, but the evolving of her clients.
Having been one of Lucy’s racquetball partner’s and friends both on the court and at the athletic club has been a treat. We have watched her work daily her clients and she is always contributing to their health and wellness. From the highest level of competition to the beginner, she is the same. She is truly dedicated, knows what she is doing and is energized by helping her clients “live” well. She is a winner to all of us and we are certainly proud of her recognition through the LIving Well Magazine. Congrats Lucy!!
Lucy is an example to follow for life, health and happiness! Our company has had personal experience with Lucy and she is inspiring!
Lucy has been helping me with products and advice for several years. She is a great wellness partner and gives great advice. She helped me through several marathons and continues to keep me on a good path for health and active life style. Lucy takes time to care for each of us. Bill
The response to Lucy’s story has been tremendous. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts.