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Writer's pictureKatie Puricelli

CCRC COURTSIDE CHAT VOLUME XIV: ABBIE

Here is another Wednesday Courtside Chat!

This week is all about Abbie Hoefer!

Learn about the girl who is all sunshine and happiness and is classified as world wide!





Name: Abbie Hoefer

AKA: I’ve heard Katie and Dan call me “Abs” every once in a while but I’m open to suggestions:)

Age: 21, finally


How long have you worked at CCRC? This is my third summer! You all probably remember me as the girl who took your temperature in the front of CCRC three years ago. Happy we don't have to do that anymore.

Favorite Thing to Eat at CCRC: Hands down during the school year when I’m not in St. Louis I crave CCRC's chicken quesadilla. However, I would be lying if I said I have ordered anything but the turkey wrap this year. The secret is to enjoy it with a side of honey mustard.

Best Part of Working at CCRC: No doubt, the best part about working at CCRC is the happy smiles I get to see each day from my fellow employees, the amazing members, and always the whistling from around the corner coming from Dan. I couldn’t ask for a better work environment and fun people to spend my summers with.

Worst Part of Working at CCRC: To keep it short, the addition of the complimentary goldfish is loved by the members but hated by the ones who have to clean it up:) FYI crumbled goldfish is hard to get out of the carpet. Besides that, absolutely nothing. I’ve had several jobs and this is hands down my favorite.

Do you play tennis? For how long? Did you play at CCRC? Do you or did you play any other sports? Back in the good old days I took lessons with Alan and on the occasion Cole with my siblings… shoutout Reiley and William. I can’t say I was ever great, but it was a lot of fun. I’m sure the tennis instructors didn’t love having the three Hoefer kids at once. So here comes why I actually stopped playing tennis… all of high school I was a competitive gymnast! Since I moved to St. Louis in 2012 I competed for All American Gymnastics all the way to the end of senior year. I always wonder why I didn’t work here in high school but then I remember that I was in the gym for 25 hours a week. While I was in much better shape back then, I prefer spending my time at the racquet club in the summers.

Are you still in school? What are you studying? Yes! This fall I will be a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m majoring in psychology and legal studies and am studying for the LSAT this summer. If you see me heads down in a book or on my laptop, I’m probably studying. Gross!!

Most amount of racquets you've strung in a day? I cannot say that I have mastered the abilities of the workers in the pro-shop, therefore I have never strung a racquet. But hey, Dan and Katie if you are reading this, I’m willing to learn! On the other hand, towels and goggles are my favorite and if you are missing any I put them in the lost and found. Little Brigid Saladin may have borrowed them the other day.


What is it like to work for a family business? Working for a family business is something that is hard to match. It is easy to tell the amount of love and hard work that has gone into building CCRC into the club that it is today and I can say that without the Apted’s love and passion for members, it would not be possible. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for me, from growing up in the pool when I was little to now getting to work here, even with my family now living all the way up in Michigan. You are my second family and I am forever grateful.

Weirdest thing that has ever happened to you working here (or been asked to you on the phone): This isn’t necessarily weird… but it is my favorite work day routine and it’s actually quite adorable. Every morning during swim team when I’m in the dining room I love helping Brigid Saladin get her perfect combination of Sierra Mist and lemonade, that MUST be in a coffee cup with a lid. She prefers it with lemonade on the bottom, Sierra Mist in the middle, and a splash of lemonade on the top. Then comes the side of goldfish. While she eats her perfect breakfast, we love to have “girl talk” with Boo.

Favorite Member to see walk thru the doors: I have to shoutout the Tuesday night group that I have gotten to spend some time with last summer and this summer. I have to admit, last summer having never worked behind a bar before, the first time one of you ordered a bucket I handed you five beers in a bucket, WITHOUT ice. What in the world was I thinking. I don’t remember who, but someone looked at me and said “I think you forgot the ice”. Thanks for working with me as I learn all the tips and drinks, you all are always fun to be around. Shout out Dan Sims for saying that Wisconsin was going to beat Nebraska this year ;)

Tennis Pro or employee you most admire: Michael Simmons is one of the most amazing humans you will ever meet. I can’t say it enough how great he is, how easy he is to talk to, and how every time I work with him I learn something new. Also, it would be rude of me not to shout out Cole Stevenson for some great tennis memories growing up. I’m not sure if we actually played tennis during those hours, but it was fun. My family adores you, and I adore your pup.

What is something that you want members to know about you that they don't? Fun fact, I was born in Virginia Beach, went to high school in St.Louis, and now my fam lives up in Grand Rapids, Michigan! I also had the amazing opportunity to live in Barcelona last semester so if you have any travel questions, I’d love to chat. I also have a passion for camping and canoed the Churchill River in Canada for 21 days! That was the best shower I’ve taken in my entire life.

Which would you rather win: Stanley Cup, World Series, World Cup, Rider Cup, Superbowl, NBA Championship,PGA Tour event, etc, Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, Australian Open. Like Avery said, I think I’m going to have to add one on to here and say I’d love to win the Olympics in Gymnastics. Growing up working downtown at the Olympic trials and getting the opportunity to meet several Olympians at competitions has made me truly value the strength and work they put into get there. I can only imagine what winning the Olympics would feel like.

What song would you want played when you walk out onto the court or field? Jump Around by House of Pain, hands down. I hate to be the cheesy Wisconsin fan, but come to Camp Randall after the third quarter and you will know what I mean.

What racquet do you play with? To be completely honest, when I go to play tennis with friends or family I grab the cleanest looking racquet in my garage and call it a day. It works wonders.


What is your happiest memory at CCRC?

I have to say that one of my earliest and happiest memories of me at CCRC happened when I was just about 11 years old and my family had just moved to St. Louis. If I remember correctly, my dad called Dan and asked if I could have my 11th birthday party at the club. Now that I know Dan well it makes so much sense. It was one of the only birthday parties I remember because it was so fun and everyone at the club did everything to make sure that we were having fun. I’m almost positive that we were just another group of annoying 11 year old girls running around the club in Hawaiian skirts and leis, but it felt like the best day ever, with an endless amount of ice cream sandwiches and strawberry smoothies. This is just another example of how the Apted’s go above and beyond for the people they love. Attached is a picture of me at CCRC circa 2012. (I hope I don’t look like that anymore)


Note from Dani -

Abbie has been a team player since day ONE. She started by helping us keep families safe that first covid summer and she's stepped up to every challenge we've given her. I know that Abbie can handle any situation at CCRC, from the front desk to the pool bar like a champ. She's good stuff. Love ya girl.

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