. >> reporter: that's how she met this bunch, bette paese, soeurette shook-kelly, and ellen mitchell. >> she was not a big person. but all of her went up, and the hair would fly up, and she would smash that ball. >> reporter: what would she do when she would make that shot and -- and the opponent was not able to return it? >> turn around, get ready for the next point. >> reporter: so she was humble? >> very humble. >> extremely. >> reporter: the ladies clicked off the court too -- bonding over post-match drinks. >> she had a great laugh. she throws her head back and chuckles, and just her whole body laughs. she had a real silly, funny, quirky side. >> reporter: i've heard that she was very private. would she talk about dating and guys with you all? or -- >> not with me. huh-uh. >> she just wasn't one to talk about herself, period, but i was always tryin' to find her somebody. >> reporter: how did she receive bette the matchmaker? >> well, she'd always be like, "oh no." >> reporter: husband or not, debbie was ready to plant some permanent roots. she bought a house in a gated community