May Baseliner 2025

MAGAZINE OK High school State results 2025 SCHEDULES vance mcspadden, jr inducted into American Indian  hall of Fame MAY 2025 | ISSUE NO. 33 baseliner THE 28 11 8 CONTENTS SUMMER CAMPS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS JUNIOR SCHEDULES ADULT INFORMATION WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MAY ISSUE l 16 click ahead TENNNIS PARTICIPATION SURGES WHERE ARE THEY NOW COLLEGE SIGNING MINIHAN SERVES NATIONALLY SUMMER CAMPS 6 FEATURES By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma ennis fans, witnessed some top quality tennis and a great time at Lafortune Park Tennis Center on May 2–3, 2025 at the Lafortune Legends fundraising event. This two-day event featured some of the most accomplished retired ATP tennis professionals—John Isner, Steve Johnson, and David Martin. It was an unforgettable experience with thrilling exhibition matches and exclusive opportunities to meet the legends of the sport. “We were thrilled to host LaFortune Legends in support of First Serve Tulsa,” said Melissa McCorkle, Director of Tennis, Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park.“First Serve Tulsa is such an impactful organization in our community that ensures that tennis is available to everyone”. LaFortune Legends was hosted to benefit First Serve Tulsa, a nonprofit organization committed to providing low-cost or no-cost tennis programs to youth and adults in the Tulsa area. Through initiatives like spring break camps,summer sessions, and after-school activities,First Serve Tulsa ensures that tennis is available to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. T 3 I thebaseliner.net CONNECT @ustaoklahoma Text USTA OKLAHOMA Why wait until high school to join a tennis team? USTA Junior Team Tennis, or “JTT”, brings together boys and girls, ages 5 to 18, to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles against other coed teams. Text With more than 320,000 tennis players taking part each year, USTA League is the country’s largest adult competitive tennis league. It’s a great way to stay active, improve your tennis game, and even have the chance to compete for a National Championship. JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS QUAD REPS USTA OK BOARD NE Quadrant Lisa Charvat NW Quadrant Carmen Bond SE Quadrant Megan Garlington SW Quadrant Dawna Johnston MAGAZINE USTA Oklahoma's website with ALL Adult League & Junior Information, Oklahoma tennis articles, and schedules. Text thebaseliner.net Text President Eric Wedemeyer Vice President - Adults Peter McCorkle Vice President - Juniors Ellie Bailey Secretary Emily Pomeroy Treasurer Jeff Bowser Published by USTA OKLAHOMA MORE THAN A SPORT JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS Text When you’re ready to play in ranked competitive tennis, USTA Junior Tournaments are a great way to get out on the court and test your game. You’ll have every opportunity to learn from the best, play against the best – and even make new friends along the way. Text ADULT LEAGUES 4 I thebaseliner.net Text see MORE ON PAGE 8 Text #tag this! Text Text WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 5 I thebaseliner.net Show us what you're doing on the court. Use #ustaoklahoma on your social media photos for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the magazine! 2025 In the latest data published by third-party research firms, the USTA today confirmed that tennis participation in the United States has surged to a new high of 25.7 million players following five consecutive years of growth*. The nearly two million player increase from 2023 (up 1.9 million from 23.8 million) marks a significant acceleration in excess of eight percent growth. This exceeds the five-year average ratio of one in 16 Americans. In an increasingly competitive sports and recreation environment, this expansion demonstrates tennis' broadening appeal and strengthening position in the U.S. Other significant findings on tennis participation growth from the research include: Retained and returning players are on the rise with a five percent increase in retention rates over 2023 reaching a five-year high, while those who returned to the game after a break of at least one year rose nine percent. First time and returning players brought 6.3 million players to the game in 2024 and tennis lost the fewest number of players year over year since 2020. This balanced momentum represents an ideal scenario for the sport – simultaneously cultivating committed players while broadening reach. Tennis is increasingly attracting a younger player base as players under 35 powered tennis' expansion in 2024, contributing nearly two thirds of all growth (+1.2 million players). The youth influence is especially clear among those under 25, who drove 45 percent of total gains. This concentrated growth among younger segments underscores the sport's strong appeal to new generations and suggests a promising trajectory for tennis' future in America. The game is increasingly more diverse with 26 percent growth in Black / African American participation, representing a 662,000 player increase, and Hispanic players up 15.4 percent, to 4.54 million players over 2023. Senior players too are on the rise with a 17 percent increase in growth to 302K participants. These trends suggest tennis is strengthening its position as a cornerstone of community engagement and healthy lifestyle choices. Tennis reached a new milestone in engagement in 2024, with Core players (those playing 10+ times in the past 12 months) growing to a record 13 million, representing 50 percent of all participants. This expansion in committed players surpassed 2023 by 11 percent and signals deepening engagement across the sport. The rise in frequent players has helped drive total play occasions to 575 million, a nine percent increase over the previous year. Also announced in a separate press release, the USTA has committed $10 million in grants to tennis courts and facilities across the country to ensure there are ample spaces to meet player demand, especially in underserved communities. Since 2005, the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services (TVS) grant program has awarded more than $19 million in grants, including $1.2 million in 2024 that impacted more than 500 courts in more than 60 communities. Court investments that refurbish, build and extend playable hours on courts is one of the three major strategic focus areas for the USTA in its growth strategy. “This report confirms what we know at the USTA: tennis popularity continues to grow and is a sport that is increasingly looking more like America than ever before,” said Lew Sherr, USTA CEO. “Along with our section partners, our mission is to get more people on the court to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere and we are thrilled to see these numbers validate the work we do. We will continue to do our part through an ambitious strategy to grow the game to 35 million players by 2035, a goal that is both actionable and achievable as we seek to bring the benefits of the world’s healthiest sport to more people across America.” The extraordinary growth in tennis last year comes as the USTA continues to execute against the goal to grow broad-based participation to 35 million players by 2035. The strategy includes a focus on innovating new programs and varied play formats; getting more directly involved with coaching to elevate, expand, and support tennis coaches at all levels; and ensuring court infrastructure meets player demand where they are. This ambition is in service of the USTA’s purpose-driven mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere. As more players take up the sport of tennis, the USTA is doubling down on its efforts to ensure safe play experiences for all with more than 27,000 people now Safe Play compliant. As a part of its Safe Play program, the USTA requires that any adult coaching tennis complete a criminal background screen, be educated on how to recognize and prevent misconduct in sport and acknowledge the Safe Play Policy which sets the standards for appropriate conduct in our sport. The USTA offers a searchable database of these coaches for players and parents to access nationwide — including both professional coaches and community-level instructors who provide on-court instruction and facilitation. In addition to the 27,000 Safe Play compliant coaches, an additional 23,000 individuals have completed the USTA’s Safe Play educational program, ensuring that an even brighter light is shed on how to recognize and prevent abuse in sport. *Tennis participation in the United States is measured through two complementary research studies: The Physical Activity Council (PAC) Study on Sports and Physical Activity, which has tracked tennis participation since 2007, draws from a nationally representative panel of over 1 million Americans and features responses from 18,000 people ages 6 and older. The study tracks participation across 122 separate sports, fitness and recreational activities, with strict quotas for gender, age, income, region, and ethnicity to ensure a balanced sample and is administered by Sports Marketing Surveys USA. 6 I thebaseliner.net U.S. TENNIS PARTICIPATION SURGES TO NEW HIGH OF 25.7 MILLION PLAYERS FOLLOWING FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF GROWTH "Tennis is more than just a game; it offers youth lessons in discipline, teamwork and resilience" CONTINUED: U.S. Tennis Participation Surges 7 I thebaseliner.net Back in 2017, Sarah Cameron was making headlines for her dominance on the tennis courts and her unmatched academic achievements. A standout at Jenks High School, she capped off her prep career with a state title in #2 Singles at the OSSAA Class 6A State Tournament, helping Jenks clinch the overall team championship. But it wasn’t just her tennis that turned heads—Sarah was also one of only four students nationwide accepted into all eight Ivy League universities. The tennis world knew her as a fierce competitor; her teachers and peers knew her as a scholar. Now in 2025, Sarah has added another title to her resume—wife, having married her high school sweetheart in 2024. Sarah “Cameron” Hughes has traded in her tennis uniform for a blazer and a fast-paced life in New York City, where she works for Deutsche Bank. After graduating from Yale University in 2021 with a degree in Economics, Sarah stepped into the world of finance and currently works in the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Coverage team within Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Bank division. Catching Up with Sarah "Cameron" Hughes: From USTA Oklahoma to Yale to New York City Tennis Accomplishments Tulsa World All-City High School Tennis Team Member (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) Member of an Oklahoma Class 6A State Championship Tennis Team (2014, 2015, 2017) 2017 Oklahoma Class 6A #2 Singles Tennis State Champion Jenks High School Team Captain 2016-2017 2017 Oklahoma All-State Team Tennis Team Member 2017 Tulsa World Spirit Aerosystems Sportsmanship Award Winner Two-time Recipient of the Yale Women’s Tennis Special Contribution Award Catch up with Sarah Hughes with this Q & A Where did you go to college? I graduated from Yale in 2021 with a degree in Economics. What did/do you love about college tennis? My favorite part about college tennis was getting to be a part of a team. As a junior, tennis is such an individual sport, but when you get to college, it is so rewarding to get to be a part of something bigger than just your own performance. The friendships that come out of that experience and the lessons you learn along the way are life changing. Where do you live now? I am now based in New York City. What’s next? Graduating, career, etc.? I currently work for Deutsche Bank, sitting in the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Coverage team within the Corporate Bank. A highlight of 2024 for me was getting to marry my high school sweetheart! Favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid? My favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid was the opportunities that it brought. Getting to travel to new places, meet new people and have different experiences completely shaped the person that I have become today. Favorite tennis memory? It’s impossible to name just one! My favorite memories were the little moments at tournaments — going out to dinner with friends after a match, passing the time on a rain delay, hanging out in the hotel lobby after a long day. It was in these moments where friendships formed that have lasted for years since. Why tennis? It’s a fast paced game that challenges you both physically and mentally. Where are they now? Sarah on the cover of The Baseliner in 2017 8 I thebaseliner.net By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma mcspadden inducted AMERICAN INDIAN HALL OF FAME 9 I thebaseliner.net VANCE MCSPADDEN, JR In a remarkable celebration of athletic achievement and cultural pride, Vance McSpadden, Jr. was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of legendary athletes who have made significant contributions to sports and their communities. Born in 1944 in Miami, Oklahoma, and raised in Muskogee, McSpadden's journey in tennis began in his youth. He graduated from Muskogee High School in 1962, where he showcased his talent by becoming a State High School Doubles Champion as a junior and a Singles Semi-finalist as a senior. His prowess on the court earned him a full tennis scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he continued to excel. During his junior year, McSpadden served as the team's co-captain and clinched the Big 8 Conference's #1 Doubles title. In his senior year, he captained the team and secured the Conference #3 Singles and #2 Doubles titles. His dominance in doubles continued as he was ranked #1 in Oklahoma and the Missouri Valley in 35, 45, and 55 Doubles multiple times. A Family Legacy in Tennis McSpadden's induction into the Hall of Fame is not only a personal achievement but also a continuation of a family legacy in tennis. He joins his father, Vance McSpadden, Sr., and his uncles, Tom and Ray, as members of the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame, underscoring the family's deep-rooted connection to the sport. Contributions Beyond the Court Beyond his athletic accomplishments, McSpadden has made significant contributions to the tennis community. He was elected as the first president of the Oklahoma Tennis E&R Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to the growth and development of tennis in the region. A Lasting Impact McSpadden's induction into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and the enduring impact of his contributions to tennis. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly within the Native American community, highlighting the importance of perseverance, excellence, and cultural pride in achieving greatness. As the Hall of Fame continues to honor athletes who have excelled in their respective sports, McSpadden's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to pursue their passions and strive for excellence, both on and off the court. GO find a court! COLLEGE FRESHMAN TENNIS By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma OKLAHOMA SENIORS HEADED FOR COLLEGE TENNIS John Brown university rhodes college I've been playing tennis for for five years. II am playing at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. I played at Regioce Christian School in Owasso. My favorite tennis memory is making it to state at 1 singles my freshman year. My mom, Jaquina Dobson. Braiding my hair and praying for strength to play well. My favorite female tennis pro is Aryna Sabalenka My favorite food is pineapples or grapes I use the head Boom Team racket. Highlighting some Oklahoma players signing to play tennis in college LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE PLAYERS 6 How long have you been playing tennis? Where are you playing in college? Where did you play in High School? Favorite tennis memory? Tennis coach? Pre-match ritual? Favorite tennis pro? Favorite Food? What racquet do you use? Kaiya Dotson I've truly been playing tennis since I was 8 years old. I started with orange ball drill groups at OKC Tennis Center and ever since I have been playing dedicatedly. I will be playing at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee while majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I play high school tennis at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City. My favorite tennis memory was winning state my Freshman year by one point over Cashia Hall. My tennis coach is Seth Moore from OKC Tennis Center, My highschool coach is Michael Bischoff. I like to talk to people before a match to calm me down, and keeps my mind off of pre-game pressure. My favorite tennis pro is Diego Schwartzman. My favorite food is chicken, cheese, rice, and guacamole burrito. I hit with the Yonex Ezone. Owen Fellrath COLLEGE FRESHMAN TENNIS I have been playing tennis for 14 years. I will be playing tennis at Tufts University I played High School tennis at Holland Hall. My favorite tennis memory is wimming state my Freshman year. My tennis coaches are Ashley Watling and Omar Elkheshen. My pre match ritual is to listen to music My favorite pro is Reger Federer My faavorite food is sushi I play with the Babola Pure Aero Logan Mahan southeastern oklahoma state Jasmine Crain midwestern state university Connor Shellem midwestern state Tufts university Jack Franklin CASADY, ADA, RIVERFIELD 5A EDMOND MEMORIAL HERITAGE HALL INDIVIDUAL EDMOND MEMORIAL 5A INDIVIDUAL ELK CITY 4A 5A: GIRLS 1S: Jasmine Craine, Heritage Hall 2S: Ellie Nasr, Heritage Hall 1D: Bradford/Henderson, Heritage Hall 2D: Butler/Liles, Cascia Hall 5A: BOYS 1S: 1D: TJ Shanahan, Bishop McG. 2S: Graham Link, Crossings Christian 1D: Dillon/Shapard, Crossings Christian 2D: Hays/Lau, Crossings Christian CHAMPIONS 6A 13 I thebaseliner.net CROSSINGS CHRISTIAN 4A 4A: GIRLS 1S: Lily Clark, Riverfield 2S: Lily Ross, Casady 1D: Bolin/Brown, Ada 2D: Cook/O'Neal, Ada 4A: BOYS 1S: Max Beard , Regent 2S: Bo Bayless, Regent 1D: Dennis/Ware, Byng 2D: Burns/Whiteside, Metro Christian 6A: GIRLS 1S: Haley Hibbets, Enid 2S: Allie Dolezal, Edmond Mem. 1D: Krise/Ruff, Edmond Mem. 2D: Hall/Sutton, Stillwater 6A: BOYS 1S: Luke Bishop, Edmond Mem. 2S: Eli Lemley, Edmond Mem. 1D: Bailey/S. Morrison, Edm. Mem 2D: Bowling/D. Morrison, Ed. Mem. STATE 6A High school OSSAA State Championship recently took place at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center FOR 2025! 4A Champions ADA, RIVERFIELD & CASADY 2025 Team OSSAA State Champions Crowned 6A Champions EDMOND MEMORIAL 4A Champions ELK CITY 5A Champions HERITAGE HALL 14 I thebaseliner.net 5A Champions CROSSINGS CHRISTIAN 6A Champions EDMOND MEMORIAL OKLAHOMA TENNIS HOF RELOCATES By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma OKLAHOMA TENNIS HALL OF FAME RELOCATES TO EDMOND CENTER COURT 15 I thebaseliner.net Oklahoma’s tennis history has found a new home. The Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame has recently moved from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, Jim Thorpe Museum to Edmond Center Court, a USTA premier tennis facility. This relocation signifies a significant step in preserving and showcasing the rich legacy of tennis in the state. Operated in partnership with USTA Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation, the museum offers a captivating journey through the history of tennis in Oklahoma. With exhibits honoring legendary players, coaches, and contributors, the Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to those who have shaped the sport at both the local and national levels. Edmond Center Court is an ideal location for the Hall of Fame, as it is a central hub for tennis players and enthusiasts, seeing approximately 350 people on average per day. Hall of Fame Committee Chair Richard Perry shared his thoughts on the move, stating, "I think the HOF has made a good move from the Bricktown area of OKC to the ECC in Edmond where visitation is available seven days a week and free parking is not an issue. Additionally, the increased space available to us at the ECC will allow for many improvements in our displays." The state-of-the-art facility provides an accessible and engaging environment for visitors to explore the museum and connect with Oklahoma’s tennis heritage. The move ensures that the Hall of Fame remains an integral part of the tennis community while continuing to inspire future generations. USTA Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation are dedicated to growing the sport and preserving its rich history. This transition reinforces their commitment to honoring the achievements of past players while fostering the development of new talent.. LISA MINIHAN GENERAL MANAGER edmond center Court "I CAN'T IMAGINE NOT BEING A PART OF THE USTA FAMILY AND THE WORK IT IS DOING FOR THE SPORT OF TENNIS." Nineteen volunteers hailing from the United States Tennis Association Missouri Valley have been appointed to serve on a USTA National committee, including four individuals tabbed to serve as chair or vice chair at the national level. For the 2025-26 term, Lisa Minihan (USTA Oklahoma) was named chair of the Nominating Committee, Larry Newton (USTA Nebraska) was appointed chair of the Local Play and Competition Committee, and Mallory Weber (USTA Missouri) was chosen as chair of the Public Parks Committee. Additionally, Scott Hanover (USTA Heart of America) was selected as vice chair of the Volunteer Management Council. An additional 15 individuals from USTA Missouri Valley were pegged for national committee service. Mary Buschmann, USTA Missouri Valley CEO and executive director, will serve as section executive director liaison to the League Committee and Community Tennis Devolpment Workshop Task Force. “It’s amazing we are here in the heart of America, and we’ve got all this talent at the national level,” said Beth Causey, president of the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors. “The USTA is lucky to have these individuals in these positions. They’re going to bring so much on a national level, a section level and a district level for everybody. Very proud to have them on there, and very proud that they’re from Missouri Valley.” Lisa Minihan, general manager of USTA Premier Facility Edmond Center Court, and her Nominating Committee recruit future members of the USTA Board of Directors as well as the ensuing Nominating Committee. Minihan’s team creates the application, interview questions and analytical tools used to assess and determine the most qualified candidates for the slate. “Volunteering for the USTA has become an integral part of my life,” Minihan said. “I can’t imagine not being a part of the USTA family and the work it is doing for the sport of tennis. … While the Nominating Committee and serving as its chair is an enormous chunk of time commitment and energy, I was able to see firsthand on the committee last year the impact it has. If I am volunteering, I want to roll up my sleeves, get to work and make a difference.” “I’m so proud of Lisa, Larry and Mallory serving in leadership roles this term,” Hanover said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and can-do approach of our section leaders. I’m rooting for them to have some great successes.” Minihan has enjoyed seeing the influx of USTA Missouri Valley representation at the national level from the time she initially began volunteering. She said these individuals can serve as advocates for USTA Missouri Valley at national meetings and bring back valuable information, resources and energy to local programs and communities within the section. She encouraged individuals to consider getting involved at the section and national levels. “Not only do you get to make an impact for the sport you love, the personal benefits are also significant,” Minihan said. “You are able to stretch and grow as a person and leader. You also get to meet so many wonderful people from all across our country. It truly expands your community, and I believe letting more people in our lives from different backgrounds and geographies helps us broaden our perspective, learn empathy and become better humans." Courtesy of USTA Missouri Valley 16 I thebaseliner.net LISA MINIHAN Women Making a Difference  MINIHAN SERVES AT NATIONAL LEVEL  USTA OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY TENNIS MANAGER MAGHIN ABERNATHY Tell us a little about where you are from. I grew up in the small town of Cordell that had a population of about 2,000 people with one stoplight and a Sonic in western Oklahoma. Tell us about your family. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Bobby, for 17 years. We have two children: Breck is in seventh grade and Claire is in fourth grade, both at Metro Christian Academy, in Tulsa, OK. Most evenings and weekends you can expect us to be anywhere from a lacrosse field to a basketball court. Do you play tennis? Yes! I joined some other school moms in late 2020 to start a drill team. Only two out of the 10 of us had ever played. Bless our drill coach for sticking with us. Although I am fairly new to the sport, tennis has brought so much joy. From the friendships to the community in Tulsa—I love it! Favorite tennis memory? Every fall my tennis drill team goes to La Jolla, Calif. to drill with the professionals at the La Jolla Tennis Club. It is such a fun experience! Why did you apply for this job? This position is a perfect pairing of my passion and love for the game of tennis and my professional experience. Who is your favorite tennis player? Jessica Pegula. I love her grit and determination to keep upping her game and working hard at success. What is your favorite thing about the sport? As a busy mom of two, tennis allows me to spend time with friends, exercise and bring out my youthful competitive spirit every now and again. USTA OKLAHOMA CTM USTA Oklahoma is excited to welcome Maghin Abernathy as our new community tennis manager. Abernathy brings a passion for growing the game and a commitment to making tennis more accessible for all. Get to know her a little better below: Please enjoy this Q & A with Maghin . Q&A 17 I thebaseliner.net MAGHIN AND FAMILY HUSBAND, BOBBY AND CHILDREN BRECK(14) AND CLAIRE (10) JTT LOCAL LEAGUE & MV J TT CHAMPIONSHIPS INFORMATION REGISTER TODAY COACH CAITLYN SAGRAVES & CUP TEAM klahoma junior tennis well-represented at Brewer Team Cup Four USTA Oklahoma junior tennis standouts and one Oklahoma coach earned selection to compete in the 2025 Level 1 Brewer Team Cup in Mobile, Alabama on March 1-4. JohnPaul Huston, Skylar Kasday, Ronin Kasday and Lawson Prather all represented USTA Oklahoma. In his fourth and final Brewer Team Cup, Prather competed and helped his team to a fourth-place finish. He also received a daily sportsmanship award at the event. “This is one of my favorite tournaments ever,” Prather said. “I still keep in touch with the coaches that I had each year, they all had an impact on me.” Edmond Center Court’s director of outreach and USTA Oklahoma DE&I chair, Caitlyn Sagraves, was selected alongside other national coaches to coach the top 32 players in the 14U, 16U and 18U age divisions from across the nation in the four-day event. The Brewer Team Cup has historically been a challenging and intense tournament. Each of the agedivisions are combined and separated into 16 teams for the competition.They then play matches in the college format, which includes playing both doubles and singles against another team. There is a separate 12U Brewer Team Cup hosted the same weekend in Tucson, Arizona, where Caroline Creevey was selected to play. “It was a great time; I loved competing on a team and having a coach to mentor and support me. I was able to make great memories and friends from all over the country,” Creevey said. Added Sagraves: “The Oklahoma players competed and represented our state incredibly well on their respective teams. I am so proud of how they performed.” In her debut as a Brewer Team Cup coach, Sagraves helped coach her team to an impressive third-place finish. “It has truly been an honor to have been selected to coach at this event and special to be trusted to work with the top players in the country,” Sagraves said BREWER CUP By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma OKLAHOMA JUNIOR TENNIS WELL REPRESENTED AT BREWER CUP 19 I thebaseliner.net O 20 I thebaseliner.net The Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame is proud to recognize the individuals who have made a lasting impact on the sport of tennis in our state. As the highest tennis honor in Oklahoma, this prestigious recognition celebrates those who have demonstrated excellence both on and off the court. Nominations are now officially open and will be accepted through July 31. The Hall of Fame honors outstanding players, educators, administrators, promoters, officials, tournament directors, teaching professionals, coaches, media representatives, and manufacturers who have lived in Oklahoma and significantly contributed to the sport. Whether through athletic achievements, tireless promotion, or dedicated service to the tennis community, these individuals have helped shape the legacy of tennis in Oklahoma. If you know someone whose influence on tennis in Oklahoma deserves this distinguished recognition, we encourage you to submit a nomination before the July 31deadline. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit The Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame website. By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR OKLAHOMA TENNIS  HALL OF FAME T Exciting Milestone... ITF WORLD TENNIS TOUR TO USE THE WORLD TENNIS NUMBER Following approval from the Woman's Tennis Association (WTA). Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and ITF Board, the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) will now be used for third acceptance criteria for singles into World Tennis Tour events as follows 1. WTA / ATP Singles Rankings 2. Players with an ITF World Tennis Ranking 3. Players with a verified WTN 4. Players with a National Ranking 5. Unranked players The ITF World Tennis Tour is a series of professional tennis tournaments for men and women. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) organizes tour. This will be effective for any Entry Deadline accuring on or after April 3, 2025, with the first tournaments taking place the wek of April 21, 2025. WTN offers players the ability to track results and monitor weekly progress! Be sure to track millions of player match results and check out updated stats. 25 I thebaseliner.net The USTA Foundation awarded a $118,000 grant to First Serve OKC to help resurface eight tennis courts at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. The project was successfully completed in March. The grant is part of the USTA Foundation's Court Resurfacing Initiative, which aims to rejuvenate over 200 tennis courts used by chapters of its National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. First Serve OKC is a youth development organization that provides a year-round safe environment for students from under-resourced communities to participate in tennis and educational programs designed to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of life. The USTA Foundation plans to fund approximately $3 million in resurfacing projects nationwide by the end of 2025. “Tennis is more than just a game; it offers youth lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” said USTA Foundation CEO Ginny Ehrlich. “By investing in tennis courts in under-resourced communities, we are helping to ensure that more youth and their families have a place to reap the physical and mental benefits of our sport.” The USTA Foundation’s mission is to use the powerful combination of tennis and education to change lives. For three decades, the USTA Foundation has helped make tennis more inclusive and accessible to young people, regardless of their race, gender, or economic circumstances.   USTA Foundation grants $118,000 to resurface Oklahoma City Tennis Center courts OKC Tennis Center Receives Grant By: DeAngelo Marquise Vaxter, OKC Fox 25 26 I thebaseliner.net CLICK HERE 110900 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY TULSA, OK 74137 PHILCRESTHILLS@GMAIL.COM 5302 S Hudson Ave Tulsa, OK 74135 918-496-6230 LAFORTUNETENNIS.COM GENESIS RIVERSIDE CLICK HERE 712 S Delaware Ave Tulsa, OK 74104 pensavalletennis@gmail.com 3030 E 91st St Tulsa, OK 74137 918-298-9500 Tiffanymilner17@gmail.com CLICK HERE TULSA & ADA FIND INDIVIDUAL COACHES AT COMNETGENERATION. LESSONS & CAMPS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC lafortune tennis center 1400 Cradduck Rd Ada, OK 74820 swopest@adapss.com philcrest tennis center Ada tennis center JUNIOR SUMMER CAMPS CLICK HERE TULSA & OKC OKLAHOMA TENNIS CAMPS CLICK HERE university of tulsa LIFETIME OKLAHOMA CITY TULSA & OKC CLICK HERE 3400 N Portland Ave OKC, OK 73112 405-946-2739 OKCTENNISCENTER.NET 2563 WEST MEMORIAL RD. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134 ifetime.life/clubs/ok/oklahoma-city.html OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER OKC/EDMOND 601 W 15th St Edmond, OK 73003 405-348-3120 EDMONDCENTERCOURT.COM HIDDEN TRAILS 3101 SW 119th St OKC, OK 73710 405-691-5430 EARLYWINETENNIS.COM EDMOND CENTER COURT CLICK HERE 27 I thebaseliner.net CLICK HERE JUNIOR SUMMER CAMPS EARLYWINE tennis center CLICK HERE 2025 CLICK HERE 6501 S Country Club Dr OKC, OK 73159 405-685-7751 WOLFTENNISACADEMY.COM 28 I thebaseliner.net We recently caught up with 2010, 2011 and 2013 Rally in the Valley (Formally Sweet 16) singles champion, Zeke Clarke. Zeke was one of the top players ever to come out of Oklahoma and is currently competing on the ATP and ITF professional tours. Where do you live now? am currently training out of Nashville, Tennessee. Home is Tulsa, Oklahoma though so always got to make it back to T-Town when I can. Where did you live when you competed at the Sweet 16? Back in my Missouri Valley days I was living and training out of Tulsa , Oklahoma at the Trent Tucker Tennis Academy. What is your favorite thing about the sport? love the one on one nature of the sport. You vs. me. I have always loved the competition, and having the weight of that on your shoulders at times can be a lot, but at the same time is why I still love and continue to play. Nothing beats it! Favorite Rally in the Valley (Sweet 16) moment? Honestly, my favorite Sweet 16 memories have to be traveling with all the kids from Tucker, and competing and spending that time on and off court with each other. Players and coaches. We had such a tight knit group, so having each other's backs, and supporting and competing at the top Mo Valley event was what I remember enjoying the most. Tell us about your experiences with the Rally in the Valley (Sweet 16) and what made it stand out from other tournaments. Sweet 16 was always one of those events you had marked on your tournament calendar well in advance. You wanted to make sure you were playing your best tennis then, because you were going to be up against the toughest competition. Higher level opponents and competition has always really fired me up, and something I really look forward to, and that's exactly the challenge and opportunity this event provided. Did you go on to play college tennis? After my junior tennis days I went onto play tennis at the University of Illinois where I finished up in May of 2021. What were some of your stand-out accomplishments in tennis? I am still playing full time professionally, so we will keep pushing for more as always, but some accolades I have achieved so far in my career are a career high ATP singles ranking of 469, and doubles ranking of 209. In college I reached a career ITA ranking high of #28 in singles, and #14 in doubles. Two first team All-Big 10 selections, and a Big Ten tournament title in 2021. In juniors I achieved a career high ITF junior ranking of #47. What are you doing now? I am still playing full time, so travelling a ton , and when I'm not playing tournaments I'm training and trying to make as much time to catch up with family as I can. It is a tough balance, but I am still loving it. Will continue to play as long as that's the case. Last, do you have any advice for the junior players today? If I had to offer one piece of advice to junior tennis players, it would be to not sweat the results one bit. Make it all about your all-round development as a player. Obviously, the competition is important, and you need to be in that pressure field situation to really see growth, but the more concerned you get with results, points, UTR, this that, you are already getting in your own way. At the end of the day, junior tennis results will wash away, and it will be those that really were able to hone in and focus on their games that will flourish at higher levels of the sport. The game also becomes a heck of a lot more fun to play when you are doing just that. Just playing the game. Not so uptight about a particular outcome. A lot easier said than done, but that is one thing that I would preach to younger players. Enjoy the process, and the day to day. If you do that, you will set yourself up nicely. zeke clark rally in the valley Past Champion for Rally in the Valley (Sweet 16) Missouri Valley Tournament Rally in the Valley Tennis Tournament is back (formerly known as the Sweet 16) and it's bigger and better than ever before. On June 12-15, 2025, the courts at Edmond Center Court will be buzzing with excitement as players from all over the Section gather to showcase their skills. By David Minihan, USTA Oklahoma STORY COURTESY OF THEMIAA.COM 29 I thebaseliner.net SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –Central Oklahoma won its fourth MIAA women’s tennis championship in six years with a narrow, 4-3, victory over Northwest Missouri on Sunday afternoon at Cooper Tennis Complex. Both teams fought their way through the two rounds, including taking down top-seeded Nebraska Kearney and No. 2 seeded Washburn in the semifinals, teams who both received a bi-match in the opening round. Central Oklahoma battled every step on its path to the championship beginning with a narrow 4-3 win over No. 5 seeded Emporia State in the opening round before taking down No. 1 Nebraska Kearney, 4-2, the following day in semifinals.  Northwest Missouri coasted through its opening round with a 4-0 sweep over No. 6 Northeastern State before facing off against No. 2 Washburn. The Bearcats previously beat the Ichabods, 4-3 on April 19 and posted the exact same score in the semifinals to ride a nine game winning streak into the title match.  Central Oklahoma put the first point on the board after its No. 3 duo of Hui Yii Soo and Karina Yurchenko took down the Bearcats’ Polina Gontaryk and Carolina Lima De Oliveira, 6-1. Backing them up to secure the doubles point was the No. 1 duo of Anika Ouwejan and Nefeli Zafeiri triumphing over the Bearcats’ Camilla Franzin and Marielena Muench, 6-4.  Over on court two, Northwest Missouri’s Miru Nonaka and Alva Norberg snagged a 6-4 win over Ayaka Koga and Pete Komada.  Northwest Missouri struck first in singles play and added its first point behind Norberg’s 6-3, 6-2 win in the No. 2 slot. It wasn’t much longer until Komada earned UCO’s second point on court one with a 6-3, 6-4, victory over Muench for the Bronchos to go back up, 2-1. All four of the remaining courts went into an extra set.  Polina Gontaryk and Carolina Lima De Oliveria took courts three and four for the Bearcats while the Bronchos tallied another win in No. 5 singles to even the score at 3-3. With the decisive match coming down to the No. 6 slot, it was Soo’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Franzin to seal the fourth UCO point and victory over Northwest Missouri.  With the title, Central Oklahoma also clinched the Association’s automatic berth into the NCAA postseason.  The regionally ranked MIAA women’s tennis teams will watch the NCAA Division II selection show for a chance to receive an at-large bid to join Central Oklahoma in the postseason. The selection show is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 8:30 p.m. Central Time. MIAA fans can watch the selection show online at www.ncaa.com.  N0. 4 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA BATTLES TO MIAA WOMEN'S TITLE The Oklahoma State Cowgirls tennis team concluded their 2024–25 season with a strong performance in the NCAA Tournament.They secured a 4–0 victory over Tulsa in the opening round on May 2, 2025, advancing to the second round of the tournament.Oklahoma State University Athletics In the second round, the Cowgirls faced Tennessee. The match was closely contested, but Oklahoma State ultimately fell 4–2 to the Volunteers, ending their season in the Super Regional.News On 6+1Oklahoma State University Athletics+1 Despite the season-ending loss, the Cowgirls had an impressive year, finishing with a 29–1 record. Their achievements included winning the ITA Indoor National Championship and both the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles. They concluded the season ranked No. 2 nationally in the final ITA team rankings 30 I thebaseliner.net OKLAHOMA STATE MAKES A RUN IN NCAA TOURNAMENT By Maghin Abernathy, USTA Oklahoma 18 & under 18 & under 2025 Jan 3-5 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 8-9 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 8 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Mar 9 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Mar 15-16 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 15 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE Mar 22-23 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 22 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE Apr 5-6 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Apr 5 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE Apr 12-13 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Apr 12 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Apr 13 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Apr 26-27 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Apr 26 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE May 17-18 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE May 17 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE May 24-25 Union L6 REGISTER HERE May 24 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE May 31-1 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE May 31 Duncan L7 REGISTER HERE June 7-8 Tulsa Univ. 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