Butterfield, Patricia Ann

After losing in the Women’s Nationals finals in 1982 to the veteran team of Yvonne Hackenberg and Hilary Hilton Marold, she won her first Nationals in 1983, partnering with Robin Rich Fulton to defeat Nadine Netter and Diane Tucker. The following year, Butterfield teamed with Tucker and the new team was a finalist in the Women’s Nationals the first year, and then proceeded to win the title in 1986 and 1987, and reached the finals in 1988. Upon entering the “senior” circuit, Pat and Diane won the Women’s 40+ Nationals in 1991 and 1992. During her playing career, she was consistently ranked among the top women players.

Butterfield was relentless on the court. She had all the shots, including a punishing forehand drive and one of the· best backhand volleys in the game. And she was fast. She could run down shots others had no chance at and then she would come up with a truly creative shot that left her opponents in disbelief. If you beat Pat, you knew it was an accomplishment because she was so talented both physically and mentally.

A gracious champion and a wonderful ambassador for the sport, Pat had integrity and sportsmanship on the court, and was always very friendly off-court. This sentiment was echoed by both her partners and her opponents. Fulton commented that, “Pat was one of the first people whom I really enjoyed watching and learning (from) . . . I got an understanding from her of the true spirit of platform tennis with the great sportsmanship that seems inherent in the game!”

The Butterfield family was very active and successful in paddle. Pat’s husband, Keith, had a fine Senior tour record. Daughter Janna won the 12-and-under in 1987 and son, Keith, won the 15-and-under in 1981 and 1982, while he and his brother, Kenneth, won the 18-and-under in 1985.

Source: Patty Hogan