Barbara Honey-Martin announces her retirement from Thurgoona-based HoneyBee Kidz Tennis

Honey-Martin, 59, has taught hundreds of young children over the last 25 years since moving to the area from Sydney and launching HoneyBee Kidz Tennis.

But increasing family commitments, combined with the demands of what's become a large and thriving business, means it's the right time to retire.

"It's mixed emotions, happy and sad, because tennis has always been part of my life," Honey-Martin said.

"But my husband's retiring in August, our daughter lives in Melbourne and my Mum passed away last year.

"It puts things into perspective and we want to have more time to travel."

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Honey-Martin hands over the Thurgoona-based business to the Margaret Court Tennis Academy with 135 students on the books - up from 30 when she started.

"When I moved to Albury, I saw a gap in the market for young children and beginners," she said.

"At first they have absolutely no idea but you show them a few skills and they get so excited.

"You feel a lot of satisfaction from their sense of achievement and the smiles on their faces when they can hit a ball over the net.

"I've loved every minute but I've probably reached my capacity now."

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