American Contract Bridge League
Unit 484   District 20

Profile

Sandra Hurley

(Published March 2003)

One of our newest Board members is the engaging and personable Sandra Hurley. Sandy is one of those folks who confirms a major reason why we play our game-the great people we meet at our clubs. She is happy to serve on the Board, and she will help Noreen Tibbit with her responsibilities.

Sandy was born in Ogden, Utah, but spent her early years in Phoenix, Ariz. Her father moved the family to a ranch in Ft. Jones, Calif., and later to Ashland and Medford. Sandy earned a degree from Southern Oregon College, and received her Masters in English at UC, Long Beach. She taught high school English in Long Beach and English at Glendale College, Glendale, Calif.

After Sandy's marriage to Neal Hurley, and the birth of two of their daughters, the Hurleys moved to Ft. Worth, Tex., where their youngest daughter was born. All three daughters are now successful businesswomen. Jill, 33, is married and lives in North Carolina; Kendra, 30, lives in Brooklyn; and Melissa, 32, lives in San Francisco. (Sandy is actively soliciting husbands for her unmarried daughters.)

Sandy's parents, both dancers, started and operated The Thurston School of Dancing in Medford. Sandy has three brothers-two with whom she has won gold points. A younger brother, Scott, is a rock and roll star with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Brian is a Math Professor and a chess champion. Amazingly, the family never played bridge when Sandy was young. In fact, Sandy took up bridge in 1993, "to keep her mother company at the bridge table." (Her mother had learned bridge at the age of 60.) Sandy says, "I guess it is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks." "The many good bridge books available have been invaluable to my understanding of the game:' she adds, "and the software (Bridge Baron) gives me practice."

It has been a short jump to Life Master for Sandy. With the help of her wonderful team-Stan Fancher, Sallie Smith and Addie Green-she was able to rack up her last needed points at the Sacramento and Seaside tournaments last year. Sandy especially values the close friendships and encouragement from her partners.

Husband Neal is supportive of Sandy's bridge playing, but does not play himself. Sandy, Neal and two of her brothers (with spouses) often travel together. "We have been everywhere but to India and the Orient:' she says, "but we hope to visit those places someday." Sandy is the current president of an investment group of 14 women. "We're learning how to lose money in the stock market," she quips.

Sandy is enthusiastic about attracting new players to our bridge clubs. She thinks Bill Holt is a real treasure in our Valley with his Easybridge! program. Sandy is also a real treasure and a welcome addition to our Unit Board.