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Introducing
Sandra
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Member since 2006
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Sandra brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to wellness that’s been part of the Liberty community for over two decades. An agricultural engineer by profession, she balances a full and dynamic life between the U.S. and Brazil, a rhythm shaped by her energy, dedication, and sense of purpose.
At Liberty, Sandra can often be found in Bootcamp, drawn to its full-body, cardio-driven challenge, or in Pilates, where she has long enjoyed nurturing the connection of body, mind, and spirit. Having once taught Mat Pilates here as a certified Stott Pilates instructor, she now enters our studio with an even deeper appreciation for the practice.
Originally from Brazil, Sandra splits her time between the U.S. and her family’s farms, where they produce coffee, sugar cane, soybeans, and cattle. She looks forward to returning this month for harvest season, one of her favorite times of year. Her ideal day? Riding horseback through the fields on a sunny day, surrounded by the land she loves.
Guided by the belief that “you reap what you sow,” Sandra values discipline, gratitude, and the rewards of consistent effort. With a full and vibrant family life, including her husband, three children, and a growing number of grandchildren, she brings gratitude and warmth into every space of which she is a part – including our Liberty community.
Sandra’s presence is a welcome reminder that wellness extends far beyond the gym: it’s about how we live, connect, and grow over time.
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Meet Kelly Brackins
Our New Café Manager
“Food service is where my heart is,” Kelly, shares. “Food feeds your soul, and I really love giving that gift to people.”
With a strong background in food service, most recently at Raising Cane’s, Kelly brings both experience and enthusiasm for building meaningful connections with both guests and team members. “My big personality fits this work,” she says with a smile. “I really enjoy mentoring younger staff and watching them grow: from their first job to building real life skills, I want to be part of giving them that foundation.”
That same passion for people and teamwork is what drew her to Liberty. “Work-life balance means something here, and it feels so welcoming,” she explains. “I really like morning energy and wanted to build those early-day connections with members and staff. I also love that so much of the leadership team is strong, long-standing women – it feels really supportive.”
Looking ahead, Kelly is excited about building a team culture in the café that feels both structured and creative. “I want the team to be involved in how we do things: clear checklists, strong teamwork, and real input,” she says.
Speaking of input, Kelly is excited to welcome member feedback. Be on the lookout for a QR code that asks for your opinion - coming soon!
Welcome to the team, Kelly!
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Former Café Manager Mary Lou Transitions to New Role
“Creating something that truly serves people has always been the most meaningful part of this work,” Mary Lou shares. “The café isn’t just about food; it’s about meeting people where they are and giving them something that makes their day a little better.”
Mary Lou brought years of café leadership experience to Liberty when she joined in 2013, after time with Lifetime Fitness in both Michigan and Texas. Over the past 13 years, she reimagined Liberty's café into a space that reflects the rhythm of our members’ lives, offering quick, healthy options that support busy schedules without sacrificing quality or care. From protein smoothies and fresh salads to her well-loved tuna salad, chicken salad, and 7-layer dip, Mary Lou transformed the menu into one that became a staple in our community.
Mary Lou’s willingness to adapt, collaborate, and engage in club-wide initiatives has made a lasting impact on Liberty’s legacy. But for Mary Lou, it’s the people that matter most: “Watching staff grow and getting to know our members…that’s the best part of my job,” she shares. “This community is incredibly supportive, and that’s what makes it so special.”
After 13 years as Café Manager, Mary Lou is stepping into a new role as Café Coordinator, where she’ll continue to support the café and stay connected with members and staff. With a lighter schedule, she’s also looking forward to more time for ministry work and tending her vegetable garden, something she’s always loved and shared with others.
Thank you, Mary Lou, for 13 years of service, dedication, and heart.
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Move in May
Week of May 18
Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month this May with a fun, feel-good movement challenge happening all week long at Liberty!
Throughout the club, you’ll find four simple movement stations:
• Strength & Function
• Cardio & Energy
• Core & Stability
• Recovery & Reset
Each completed movement earns a punch on your Move in May Punch Card, available at the Front Desk. Every punch = one raffle entry for a chance to win a FREE guest pass!
We can’t wait to see you moving with us!
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Liberty Lightning Swim Team
Registration Now Open!
Available to all Liberty Athletic Club members ages 5-17, our Liberty Lightning Swim Team offers the opportunity for all swimmers to thrive and succeed in an upbeat and fun atmosphere. One of our primary goals is to motivate swimmers to achieve the most from their efforts, not by being the best -- but by trying their best. With a focus on individual improvement, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, Liberty Lightning swimmers are sure to have a great time.
Important Preseason Dates
Sunday, May 17 - 4:00 p.m.
New swimmer evaluations
Wednesday, May 27 - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
Mandatory parent meeting/volunteer meeting
Sunday, May 31
Swim team registration closes
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Adult Summer Tennis Programs
Registration for Adult Summer Tennis Programs opens 30 days prior to the start of each class. Liberty’s summer program begins the week of June 15.
Full program details can be found in the Adult Tennis Brochure link below.
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Welcome new Liberty Pickleball Professional, Spencer Gill!
Competing at the 4.0+ level in both local and national tournaments, Spencer is one of the top pickleball players in the area. He has recently earned medals at the USSP North Regionals, Michigan Open, and WPT Savannah Smash, adding a high level of competitive experience to Liberty’s pickleball community.
Before discovering pickleball, Spencer played both collegiate and professional lacrosse, and he currently serves as a volunteer coach for the men’s lacrosse team at Albion College. He and his wife, Tami (also an avid pickleball player!) split their time between Pinckney, Michigan, and Savannah, Georgia.
We’re excited to welcome Spencer to the Liberty team and look forward to expanding pickleball opportunities for our members throughout the outdoor season!
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Liberty Pickleball Kick-Off Event
Thursday | May 28 | 6:30 -8:00 PM
Drop In - Complimentary
We’re kicking off the Liberty pickleball season with a fun meet-and-greet and open play session!
Join us on the courts for relaxed play, great energy, and a chance to connect with other players in the Liberty pickleball community.
Coach Spencer will be courtside to help organize play, rotate partners, mix in with participants, and answer any pickleball-related questions along the way.
We're looking forward to seeing you!
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Interested in Pickleball?
We'd love your feedback!
Please take a moment to complete this short questionnaire so we can better understand your interests and continue building programming that serves our community!
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Outdoor Tennis & Pickleball
Court Reservations
We are excited to welcome members back for another season of outdoor tennis and pickleball. Outdoor courts may be reserved up to two days in advance through the Liberty Mobile App, online services or front desk, and are free of charge.
Please remember that any guests must be registered at the front desk prior to playing. Courts may be reserved via the mobile app or by calling the front desk at 734-665-3738, ext. 110. Let the outdoor season begin!
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Special Doubles Clinic
with Gigi Fernandez
for Liberty Members Only
Friday, August 21
Join us Friday, August 21, for a unique opportunity with 17-time Grand Slam Doubles Champion and International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee Gigi Fernandez!
Gigi will be on site at Liberty leading her nationally renowned Gigi Method Doubles Clinic, focused on specialized doubles strategy and training.
Session 1: 9:00–10:45 a.m. (3.0–3.5 players)
Session 2: 10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (3.5–4.0 players)
Each session will be followed by lunch and a Q&A with Gigi. Space is extremely limited (only 8 players per session), and only a few spots remain.
Please see the link below for pricing and registration details.
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Men's Lunch League
If you’ve heard the buzz around Liberty’s Men’s Lunch League, you have member Mark Katakowski to thank. What started as a simple idea has quickly grown into one of the most energetic and connected groups in our tennis community.
Inspired by the success of the women’s B League, known for its weekday play and strong social connection, Mark saw an opportunity. With the support of Tennis Director Dan Goldberg, he brought the idea to life. What began with 30 players in its first winter season in 2025 has already grown to more than 50 participants this past year, a testament to both the demand and the spirit of the group.
So what makes it work? According to Mark, it’s all about timing and community. With more flexible work schedules and a mix of working professionals and retirees, weekday daytime tennis has become a perfect fit. But beyond convenience, it’s the atmosphere that keeps players coming back. The league has found a sweet spot: competitive play across levels from 2.5 to 4.0, balanced with a genuinely welcoming, “good vibes” environment. Players are meeting new partners, forming connections, and even organizing additional matches outside of league play.
Looking ahead, Mark would love to see the league expand even further, potentially connecting with other clubs in the Ann Arbor area. But for now, the focus remains on building something special right here at Liberty – something that gives members both a social outlet and a competitive edge.
Thinking about joining? Mark’s advice is simple: reach out and jump in. The next season kicks off in October, and there’s always room for more players ready to bring energy, sportsmanship, and a love of the game.
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Junior Summer Program
Sign-up is now open for all Liberty Junior Summer Tennis classes (weekly sign-up) and all Tournament Training Programs for our advanced junior competitive players (daily sign-up). All junior tennis programs run from June 15 - August 27. For more information, please see the Youth Tennis Brochure link below.
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Junior Players of the Month
The Liberty tennis staff recognizes students from each Jr. Competitive Group as the “player of the month.” This award is based on effort, sportsmanship, and attendance. The winners will receive a coupon for free court time or ball machine usage.
Congratulations to all!
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Julian Mashal
Jr. Competitive 1
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Ethan Lienhart
Jr. Competitive 2
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Emily Loh
Varsity Training Group
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Nutrition Facts
From the desk of Bethany Williston, M.S., Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Liberty Athletic Club
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The Science Behind Your Crisper Drawer:
Why It Matters More Than You Think
Why do fruits and vegetables go into a drawer in your fridge?
Those drawers, often called crisper drawers, are designed to help your produce stay fresh for longer by controlling humidity. Many of them even have a small vent you can open or close to fine-tune the environment inside.
When the vent is closed, the drawer holds in more moisture, creating higher humidity. This is ideal for produce that wilts easily or dries out, such as thin-skinned vegetables, leafy greens, fresh herbs, and asparagus. The extra humidity helps them stay crisp and vibrant.
When the vent is open, humidity is reduced, allowing more airflow. This setting works better for fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and melons. These fruits release a natural gas called ethylene, which speeds up ripening. Too much ethylene can also cause nearby produce to spoil faster, so better airflow helps it dissipate instead of building up.
If your fridge doesn’t have adjustable vents, you can still organize it effectively: keep high-humidity vegetables in the crisper drawer, and store ethylene-producing fruits on a shelf where air can circulate more freely.
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We are seeking outgoing and motivated individuals to join our team. We are accepting employment applications for the following positions:
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Certified Personal Trainer - Our Certified Personal Trainers engage with our new and existing members to help guide them through their wellness journeys. Applicants must maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certifications and own the role of acting as First Responder to all club-wide emergencies. NASM, ACSM, ACE or NSCA accepted. Applicants must be available in the evenings and at least one weekend day.
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Male Locker Room Attendant - Our locker room attendants' responsibilities include cleaning and organizing locker rooms and common area facilities, maintaining the laundry flow, and completing light cleaning tasks. Available shifts: Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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Part Time Tennis Pro -As a member of the Liberty Tennis Professional staff, you will help develop and facilitate tennis programming for various age groups and ability levels. Your duties include coaching adult and junior players, overseeing practice sessions, assisting, running tennis clinics, and offering private lessons. 10-15 hours per week; coaching experience is preferred.
Join our Liberty Summer Team!
We are now also accepting applications for the following summer positions:
Interested applicants may download the Liberty Employment Application. Please contact the Colette Kress, HR Manager, at 734.665.3738 ext. 118 or via email at hr@libertyathletic.net with questions or to apply.
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"No pressure, no perfection -- just progress.
Start where you are and keep going."
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2975 W. Liberty Rd. • (734) 665.3738
www.libertyathletic.net
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