Bobbi Corbin and DeAnne Martin were rivals on the court, but now are doubles partners on a 3.5 state championship team, CORTA-Corbin. Years ago, both were beginning 3.0 players under the tutelage of CORTA tennis professional, Larry Mims. Larry Mims passed away in Feb. 2006 which, oddly enough, served to bring these two women together in a common affection for Larry. They met at the hospital when Larry was gravely ill, and realized that their rivalry was unnecessary. They became fast friends, and doubles partners.

“We were rivals on the court and for Larry’s affections,” Bobbi says, “but now we’re not only teammates, but partners.” They were sitting under umbrellas Saturday afternoon watching teammates compete and reminiscing about the impact that Larry Mims had on their tennis and their lives.

Next to them sat Gail Burgos, chairman of the Larry Mims Foundation, which is holding the 4^th annual Larry Mims Tennis Benefit (June 4-7, 2009) for the American Heart Association, and TennisWorks in the Parks. Tennis Works in the Parks provides rackets and lessons for underprivileged children in Columbus. The Foundation has raised $10,000 thus far.

“There wasn’t anyone Larry wouldn’t teach, whether they could pay or not,” Bobbi says. His works continues through The Larry Mims Foundation.