THE
NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2025 | ISSUE NO. 32
baseliner
MAGAZINE
2025 SCHEDULES & RECAP
FEATURES
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OKTF 2024 IMPACT REPORT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT WHERE ARE THEY NOW? HENRY HEREOS CHAMPS 2025 SCHEDULES
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click ahead
CONTENTS
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JANUARY ISSUE
YEAR IN REVIEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES COMMUNITY JUNIOR SCHEDULES ADULTS
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USTA OK BOARD
USTA Oklahoma's website with ALL Adult League & Junior Information, Oklahoma tennis articles, and schedules.
President Eric Wedemeyer Vice President - Adults Peter McCorkle Vice President - Juniors Ellie Bailey Secretary Emily Pomeroy Treasurer Jeff Bowser
USTA OKLAHOMA
Cover Photo: Missy Mayo Photography
QUAD REPS
Published by USTA OKLAHOMA
JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS
ADULT LEAGUES
MORE THAN A SPORT
thebaseliner.net
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.
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.
@ustaoklahoma
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.
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
CONNECT
NE Quadrant Lisa Charvat NW Quadrant Carmen Bond SE Quadrant TBA SW Quadrant Dawna Johnston
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT
LETTER
A heartfelt thank you goes to our volunteers, coaches, and officials, whose hard work and dedication are the backbone of our success.
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Eric Wedemeyer President, USTA Oklahoma
ear USTA Oklahoma Tennis Family, As 2024 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've shared in the world of tennis across Oklahoma. It has been an honor to serve as your president and witness the passion, sportsmanship, and dedication that make our tennis community so special. This year, we celebrated remarkable achievements both on and off the court. From our juniors to our seasoned players, Oklahoma athletes represented our section with outstanding skill and spirit. Whether competing at local events or national championships, your efforts exemplify the essence of tennis – resilience, integrity, and camaraderie. We also saw exciting developments within our programs and initiatives. Thanks to your support, we expanded opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, introduced innovative community engagement events, and upgraded facilities to ensure the game remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I’m especially proud of the strides we’ve made in growing youth participation, supporting underserved communities, and fostering lifelong love for tennis through our NJTL programs throughout our State A heartfelt thank you goes to our volunteers, coaches, and officials, whose hard work and dedication are the backbone of our success. Your contributions make everything we do possible, and your commitment to the sport inspires us all. As we look ahead to 2025, we are eager to build on the momentum of this past year. From enhancing tournament experiences to increasing diversity and inclusion in our sport, we remain dedicated to creating opportunities for every member of our tennis family to thrive. On behalf of the entire USTA Oklahoma leadership team, thank you for being a part of our journey. Your love for the game and support for our mission fuel everything we do. Here’s to an even brighter future for tennis in Oklahoma! Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May your courts be fast, your volleys crisp, and your matches unforgettable in 2025. Warm Regards,
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!
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
B18 Sportsmanship Owen Fellrath G18 Sportsmanship Milana Quick B16 Sportsmanship JohnPaul Huston G16 Sportsmanship Maggie Butler B14 Sportsmanship Knox Tucker G14 Sportsmanship Kate Crook B12 Sportsmanship Max Moore G12 Sportsmanship Scarlett Milner B10 Sportsmanship Will Stafford G10 Sportsmanship Kanchan Thomas
see MORE ON PAGE 14
#tag this!
Through seven outreach clinics, the foundation reached over 700 children, introducing them to the lifelong benefits of tennis.
2024
oklahoma tennis foundation
see the 2024 usta missouri valley winners ON PAGE 13
usta oklahoma sportsmanship winners
25 teams
ADULT PARTICIPANTS
inside oklahoma numbers
up 6.7%
advanced to national championships!
685
9,870
,
93
2.5 ok teams
Adult League Teams
CARMEN BOND NW
WHO ARE WE?
DAWNA JOHNSTON SW
LISA CHARVAT NE
MARY JO TASKER Past President
MEGAN GARLINGTON SE
At USTA Oklahoma, our success is built on the unwavering commitment and hard work of our volunteers. Serving as the backbone of our organization, the USTA Oklahoma Board of Directors exemplifies leadership, integrity, and a passion for growing the game of tennis. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for helping us serve the tennis community with integrity and passion.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is made up of 17 Sections across the country, each dedicated to growing and promoting the game of tennis. Within the USTA Missouri Valley Section, there are seven districts, including USTA Oklahoma, which proudly represents our state.
EMILY POMEROY Secretary
board of directors
JEFF BOWSER Treasurer
PETER MCCORKLE Adults
quadrant reps
ELLIE BAILEY Juniors
ERIC WEDEMEYER President
"Close to 10,000 registrations in 2024 Adult Leagues"
YEAR IN REVIEW
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ennis is alive and thriving in Oklahoma! With growing participation, expanded programming, and outstanding performances on and off the court, 2024 has been another remarkable year for USTA Oklahoma. Here’s a comprehensive look at the year’s achievements and milestones. USTA Oklahoma’s ADULT LEAGUE participation hit new highs this year, highlighting the sport’s continued appeal. Total Teams: 685 (5.71% increase from 2023) Tulsa Teams: 466 OKC Teams: 219 2.5 Teams: Tulsa: 71 (43 without Tri-Level) OKC: 22 (including four non-advancing teams) Unique Players Statewide: 3,189 (3.98% increase) League Registrations: 9,870 (6.73% increase) Tulsa: 6,687 OKC: 3,183 These numbers reflect a thriving community of players embracing tennis as a sport for health, camaraderie, and competition. OFFICIALS The backbone of organized tennis lies with its officials, and Oklahoma continued to strengthen its pool of certified professionals. There were 25 total certified officials in 2024:17 Re-Certified, 8 Newly Certified, and 3 Prospective Officials completing training. Some notable contributions were officiated 68 USTA-sanctioned tournaments and league competitions. Supported unsanctioned events like Boys/Girls State Championships, NCAA dual matches, and the OTF Open 25K. Represented Oklahoma at prestigious events such as the US Open and NCAA National Championships. New officials, including Mallory Van Horn and Paxton Crawford, have brought fresh energy, while ongoing recruitment efforts aim to grow this vital group. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION North American Indian Tennis Association National Championships Held over Memorial Weekend at Edmond Center Court, this event featured 112 players from 20 Native American tribes, showcasing Oklahoma’s commitment to inclusivity in tennis. Play It Forward Tennis Foundation The foundation hosted more adaptive athlete competitions this year and is set to host two major events in 2025: the Fred Johnson All-Stars and the Adaptive National Qualifier. First Serve OKC Annual Fundraising event “Raise your Racquet” earned over $200,000 this year. It’s featured guest was Bob Bryan of the Bryan Brothers. These funds will help First Serve with their many outreach programs in OKC Public Schools and Parks and Recreation Department. First Serve Tulsa Offered year-round programming that included winter fitness, spring drills, spring break camp, summer drills, and fall drills. This year, we also introduced "Community Drills", aimed at expanding their reach by hosting tennis sessions in different neighborhoods across Tulsa. Through these efforts, we had the privilege of serving over 150 youth in the Tulsa community. Special Olympics Tennis was part of the Oklahoma Special Olympics for the first time this past summer JUNIOR STANDOUTS Ian Wu won the National NJTL Essay Contest, receiving his award at the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium. JohnPaul Huston and Taytum Jones represented Oklahoma at the NJTL Excellence Cup in New York. ADULT STANDOUTS Henry’s Heroes capture USTA League 55 & Over 9.0 Men’s National Championships, held in Scottsdale, Ariz., from Nov. 1-3. COLLEGIATE TENNIS Oklahoma State University hosted NCAA Championships, May 16-24, 2024. Both OU and OSU remained active, with over 40 members each practicing regularly. They competed in the Missouri Valley Fall Invite, with OSU reaching the semifinals. Both schools aim to qualify for Nationals in 2025, highlighting strong leadership and community support. OKTF The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation's 2024 Impact Report highlights a transformative year for tennis in the state. Through seven outreach clinics, the foundation reached over 700 children, introducing them to the lifelong benefits of tennis. Additionally, 15 grants totaling over $100,000 were awarded to support tennis programs and initiatives. The foundation also provided 17 scholarships worth $50,000, empowering young players to pursue their passion for the sport. If you would like to learn more about USTA Adult Leagues, Junior Leagues, JTT or the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation, please reach out to the contacts below: USTA Adult Leagues: oquin@ustaoklahoma.com USTA Junior Leagues: minihan@ustaoklahoma.com Oklahoma Junior Team Tennis: mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com Oklahoma Tennis Foundation: oktennisfoundation.org For all USTA Oklahoma information and articles go to www.thebaseliner.net
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
rook was born on December 31, 1985 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She grew up with her wonderful family (3 sisters and parents) in Yukon. Her mom, Gayle, has played tennis ever since she can remember, and it was through being rolled around in a tennis cart while her mom was taking lessons from Tim Ritchie that she first spent time on the tennis court. It wasn’t until around 12 years old that she decided to commit all her time and energy to tennis, but once that decision was made, she fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Brook began playing tournaments around 12 years old. She made it onto the Oklahoma team a the #10 spot to compete within the Missouri Valley section in 12s. It was during this time that she reached out to Kelcy Tefft to see if she might be able to play doubles with her at an upcoming tournament. At the time, Kelcy had already committed to play doubles with someone else but that ended up falling through. Thankfully, that changed the trajectory of Brook’s entire tennis career as she and Kelcy ended up playing doubles together for another decade. In her junior tennis career, Brook was ranked #1 in the USTA in the 16s, was a 4-time Oklahoma State Champion at number 1 singles, was ranked #11 in the USTA in the 18s, and won 5 USTA national doubles championships with Kelcy (Tefft) Flores. She attended the University of Notre Dame on a tennis scholarship and was team captain her senior year, 2007-2008. Her college awards include: NCAA Division I All American in 2008, National Indoor Doubles Champion 2007, Big East team champions 2008, 2006, and 2005, named to the ITA All-Star team in 2008, Byron V. Kanaley Award and Francis Patrick O’Connor Award at Notre Dame in 2008, ITA Midwest Player of the Year 2007-2008, ITA Sportsmanship Award 2007-2008, and Monogram Letter Winner at Notre Dame 2005 – 2008. After college, she was the assistant tennis coach at the University of Oklahoma from 2008 – 2011, and earned ITA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2011. Brook and her husband, Jack, live in Columbia, Missouri.
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Brook buck
For more information go to oktennishalloffame.org
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elissa McCorkle is a dedicated teacher, coach, and advocate for tennis, with a career marked by significant achievements as a player, mentor, and community leader. Her passion for tennis and commitment to her “students” of all ages has transformed tennis in her community and beyond. Born in 1961, Melissa McCorkle discovered her love for tennis at nine years old in a summer program at Tulsa’s Florence Park. Melissa attended Oklahoma Baptist University, which did not have a women’s tennis program at the time, but she stayed connected to the sport through local tournaments and later through USTA Adult Leagues. Melissa achieved a NTRP rating of 5.0 and spent most of her league career at the 4.5 and 4.0 levels. After college, Melissa began her teaching career at Metro Christian, coaching tennis, and basketball. She later joined Sand Springs Public Schools, where she established a historic record with the high school girls’ tennis team, leading them to their first OSSAA state playoffs and a medal finish. In 2003, Melissa accepted the role of Director of Tennis at LaFortune Park, inheriting 12 aging courts and a modest building. Through her leadership, she spearheaded four major fundraising campaigns, securing over $10 million in private funds to combine with public funding to revitalize the facility with 21 outdoor and soon to be six indoor courts, making LaFortune Park a premier tennis venue. Under Melissa’s leadership, player participation surged, with USTA teams growing from 24 in 2003 to over 250 today. More than 100,000 players will take to the court this year and LaFortune Park hosts more than 25 tournaments annually. Melissa’s outreach efforts include programs like First Serve Tulsa, and the League of Exceptional Players. Melissa hasn’t achieved this success alone. She enjoyed support of husband David but also son Peter.
melissa mccorkle
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trent tucker
ent Tucker’s tennis journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at age 11 under the tutelage of Doug Boswell. By 13, he was a top 5 competitor in USTA Missouri Valley events. In high school he led Holland Hall to victory in the SPC Conference as the top singles player in 1993. Trent held the #1 ranking in Oklahoma from Boys 14s to 18s, which earned him a scholarship to the University of Kansas (1993-1998). There, he achieved a 3rd best school record of 114-38 in singles, was first team All Big 12, 4-times Big 8 singles champion and team champion. In 1997 he had a 23-1 singles record matching the best record in the NCAA. Trent was academic all conference, team MVP, and captain. After college he earned ATP rankings in both singles and doubles. In 2001, Trent founded the Tucker Tennis Academy (TTA) in Tulsa, now a globally recognized junior tennis powerhouse. TTA has qualified players for all four junior grand slams and produced over 300 national titles and hundreds of Missouri Valley championships. Players have earned 60 gold, silver, and bronze balls nationally. TTA was named the USTA’s Most Outstanding Developmental Program in 2014 and has helped students secure over $15 million in college scholarships with over 275 players in college tennis. Tucker Tennis Academy has world class coaches, a highly organized teaching system and family culture combined to achieve these outstanding results. The player experience and team bonding is unique and special to their program. TTA strives to empower and equip our students with the tools to have a successful life on and more importantly off the court. Trent’s holistic approach emphasizes not just technical skills but also resilience, teamwork, and life lessons. His proudest achievement is the impact TTA has had on former coaches and players preparing them for life and careers beyond the game. Trent has support from his wife Chelsea and two kids, Taytum and Trace
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The Barki Family, known for their tennis and volunteerism, have impacted their community through coaching, mentoring, and service, including living aboard a Mercy Ships hospital ship in Africa.
Congratulations to all our Oklahoma USTA Missouri Valley Award Winners!! The MV Annual Conference and Awards Banquet was held ON December 7 in overland park, Kansas.
Scarlett Milner
WINNERS FROM OKLAHOMA
facility of the year
AWARDS
Retired engineer and U.S. Army veteran, has officiated tennis since 2017, earning USTA accolades for his expertise, mentorship, and dedication to the sport.
Kanchan Thomas
junior team tennis organizer
charlie smith
girls 12 sportsmanship
boys 16 sportsmanship
tennis family of the year
johnpaul huston
the barki family
outstanding official
SECTION
philcrest hills
established in 1972, has been a Tulsa landmark, hosting prestigious events and fostering tennis and pickleball for players of all ages.
a leader at Vince Westbrook Tennis Academy since 2018, has grown its Junior Team Tennis program into a championship-winning powerhouse, fostering opportunities for young athletes.
cristian pensavalle
girls 10 sportsmanship
"My favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid was the social aspect. Being able to see all my friends and having a way to connect with my family on the court is why I was brought into the sport."
Favorite thing about tennis as a kid?
get to know
"Competing and being able to challenge myself constantly along with learning discipline"
Nico Heng
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Gracie Epps
"Tennis is amazing because nothing can quite capture all the life lessons you learn. Discipline, hard work, working in a team, mental aspects, technical aspects, physical aspects, and learning to lead are all lessons I would not have learned without tennis."
Catching up with Past Top Oklahoma Junior Players with a Q & A: Gracie Epps & Nicolas Heng
Why did you start playing tennis?
Honestly, I don’t know how to answer this is a couple of sentences. The main thing is that I’ve always loved to challenge myself and I’ve always loved to work until o got good at things. Tennis was something my family loved and I quickly fell in love with it as well. At 8 years old I chose for tennis to be my everything. God gave me the blessing of being good at tennis so I am able to glorify him and touch other people through tennis and show them God’s love.
nico heng
Where do you go to college? I am currently a junior playing at Auburn University. What did/do you love about college tennis? What I love about tennis is that it's one of the most demanding sports in the world. There is nothing quite like dealing with the physical and mental exertions of a tennis match and being able to problem-solve through the tough times. Where do you live now? My hometown is Madison, Alabama, and I stay in Auburn, Alabama for school. What's next? Graduating, career, etc? I am unsure of what will happen after graduation. I am completely open to any sort of profession and will most likely pursue an internship next summer. Favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid? My favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid was the social aspect. Being able to see all my friends and having a way to connect with my family on the court is why I was brought into the sport. List a few of your biggest tennis accomplishments? SEC Freshman of the Week - Week 8, 2023/ 2022 USTA Boys' 18s National Clay Court Champion (Singles)/ 2021 Junior US Open Participant/ 2021 USTA Boys' 18s National Clay Court Runner-Up (Singles) Favorite tennis memory? In my 2023 freshman season, we beat rival Alabama 4-3 at home in a dramatic finish.
where are they now?
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Q & A Cont.
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Where did you go to college? I transferred from UGA to Oklahoma State and I absolutely love it! What did/do you love about college tennis? Having such positive coaches and being able to train with such high level individuals and having teammates that I can do travel and playing with. They definitely push me out of my comfort zone in many ways and it’s been awesome getting to navigate. Where do you live now? Stillwater, Oklahoma What's next? Graduating, career, etc? I still have 2-3 years left of college tennis but after college, I’m planning on coaching and working in ministry as a psychologist. Favorite thing about playing tennis as a kid? Competing and being able to challenge myself constantly along with learning discipline. List a few of your biggest tennis accomplishments? Ranked 1-4 in my recruiting class growing up, ranked 80 in ITF, I won multiple ITFs in singles and doubles, I have 3 national balls, I have now officially played my first fall and I qualified for NCAAs. I didn’t win my first round but it was a cool experience and I’m excited to do better next fall. Favorite tennis memory? Late night tennis with my family. We used to go out after my dad would get off work and my whole family would go. We would play music on a speaker sometimes or we would just go out there and play and have fun. My family spent a lot of time together and some of my best memories with my family were during tennis moments.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), announced that it awarded a $118,000 grant to First Serve OKC to help resurface eight tennis courts at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. 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 grant is part of the USTA Foundation's Court Resurfacing Initiative. This forward-looking project aims to help resurface more than 200 tennis courts utilized by chapters of its flagship National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, of which First Serce OKC is part. The network, created in 1969 by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, provides more than 150,000 under-resourced youth with access to free or low-cost tennis and academic programming. The USTA Foundation's Court Resurfacing Initiative's long-term vision is to support the NJTLs as part of a sustainable tennis ecosystem that nurtures talent and promotes inclusivity. This grant helps to ensure NJTL chapters have access to consistent playing surfaces, extend the lifespan of their courts, enhance player performance and increase tennis play opportunities within their communities. The USTA Foundation anticipates funding 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 to make tennis more inclusive and accessible to young people, regardless of race, gender or economic circumstance. To learn more about the USTA Foundation, its NJTL network and ways to get involved, click here.
First Serve OKC Receives $118,000 USTA Foundation Grant to Resurface Courts
"Tennis is more than just a game; it offers youth lessons in discipline, teamwork and resilience"
Courtesy of: https://nsga.com
NSGA Names Host Cities for 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games
CLEARWATER, FL – The National Senior Games Association, Inc. announced Tuesday Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Birmingham, Alabama, as host cities for the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games, respectively. This will be the first time the National Senior Games is held in Tulsa and marks a return to Birmingham after The Games were hosted there in 2017. The massive biennial competition attracts over 11,500 athletes ages 50-100+ to compete in 25+ sports over two weeks and generated an estimated $32 million in economic impact when last contested in 2023. The event also creates invaluable social impact by showcasing active aging. “We’re excited to partner with leaders in Tulsa and Birmingham to bring the National Senior Games to these thriving sports destinations. Our athletes will enjoy the excellent venues, unique attractions, flourishing cultures and easy-to-navigate geography in these cities,” said Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President & CEO. “Interest in senior athletics events is growing in cities across the country, and we saw this reflected in a strong host bid cycle.” Both communities were named in Sports Business Journal’s “2024 Top Cities for Sports Events” for cities without a Big Five sports team. Conveniently located in the central United States, Tulsa fuses Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style. Tulsa’s sports resume includes hosting events with IRONMAN, NCAA, PGA, USA Gymnastics, USA Volleyball and more. “It’s an incredible honor to be chosen to host the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa. A year ahead of Olympic events taking place in Oklahoma City, Tulsa will host one of the largest sporting events in the city’s history, putting Oklahoma on center stage in the sport world for two consecutive years. Thanks to our incredible community partners for helping bring this inspiring, thrilling sporting event to Tulsa,” shared Joel Koester, Tulsa Sports Commission Director of Sport Sales. “The National Senior Games are an incredible sporting event, and we’re thrilled to have them in Tulsa,” said Renee McKenney, Senior VP of Tourism, Tulsa Regional Chamber, and President of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “This is a wonderful example of how Tulsa is a true destination for all. We can’t wait to welcome these amazing athletes and let our local attractions, restaurateurs, hoteliers and business owners shine, showing Tulsa really is the most welcoming city.” The Birmingham region welcomes over 3.9 million visitors each year and regularly hosts sporting events of all shapes and sizes. Recent multi-sport events in the Magic City include The World Games 2022 and 2024 Transplant Games of America, with the 2025 World Police and Fire Games on the horizon. “We could not be more excited to welcome the National Senior Games back to Birmingham in 2029,” said John Oros, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is such a special event with an important mission, and it left an incredible legacy when we hosted in 2017 – welcoming more than 10,500 participants and generating $38 million in economic impact for Jefferson County. The Greater Birmingham CVB, in partnership with the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, can’t wait to provide another exceptional experience that leaves an even bigger impact in 2029, and further establishes Birmingham as a premier destination for sports events.” To participate in most sports at the National Senior Games, athletes must qualify at a State Senior Games in the previous year. Dates for the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games will be announced at a later time.
About the Tulsa Sports Commission In 1993, the Tulsa Sports Commission (TSC) was created to attract and develop sporting events and conventions for economic impact on the Tulsa community. Since its inception, the TSC has accounted for more than $500 million in economic impact to the Tulsa region by helping attract, market and host championships and sports-related events and conventions to the region. The TSC is a founding member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and lives within the Tulsa Regional Tourism umbrella organization. Learn more at visittulsa.com/sports.
About the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to individuals aged 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and hosts the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for seniors. The Association is comprised of over 50 independent Member Organizations that conduct qualifying competitions. The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit NSGA.com.
Edmond Center Court Honored as 2024 Municipal Tennis Facility of the Year
Edmond Center Court has received a remarkable accolade, being named the 2024 Municipal Facility of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine. This recognition is part of RSI’s Champions of Tennis awards, designed to honor the often-unsung heroes and organizations that elevate the sport and business of tennis. The Champions of Tennis awards, including categories such as Person of the Year, spotlight 28 additional winners in their 2024 lineup. The January 2025 digital edition of Racquet Sports Industry featured these honorees in detail. Click here to read the digital edition (ECC on pages 24, 25, 37). Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, Edmond Center Court is celebrated as one of the premier public tennis facilities in the world. Recognized as a USTA Premier Facility, it features 24 outdoor courts, including two stadium courts with spectator seating, six indoor courts, and a state-of-the-art 31,000-square-foot clubhouse. Conveniently situated at 15th and Kelly, this impressive facility was made possible through a partnership between the City of Edmond, Edmond Public Schools, and the local tennis community. Racquet Sports Industry (formerly Tennis Industry), the largest racquet sports trade magazine in the world, has been covering the racquet sports business for 53 years. It is published 10 times a year by Tennis Channel Inc. Available in both print and digital editions, RSI is the official publication of the Racquet Industry Research Group, U.S. Racquet Stringers Association and American Sports Builders Association. Visit www.tennisindustrymag.com.
EMMA STAKER
PREMIER FACILITY
LAFORTUNE UPDATES
The Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park is set to double its indoor court capacity, with the addition of three brand-new indoor courts, bringing the total to six. This significant expansion, the first since 2015, will raise the total number of courts at the complex to an impressive 27, including 21 lighted outdoor courts. This project, slated for completion by April 15, also includes the addition of new parking facilities and improved access to and from 51st Street. These upgrades aim to accommodate the growing demand, with over 170,000 players utilizing LaFortune’s facilities annually. As the heart of tennis in Tulsa, LaFortune Park aspires to attract more college tournaments and provide expanded opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. From youth programs to adult drills and matches, LaFortune offers a wide range of tennis activities—and it’s all membership-free!
NEW INDOOR COURTS
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Updates for the Expansion of The Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park Updates
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Henry’s Heroes for their incredible victory at the 2024 USTA Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Men’s National Championships, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from November 1-3, with teams from across the country battling it out among 17 USTA sections. Captained by Stan Swyden and James Billingsley, this outstanding team represents the very best of Oklahoma tennis. Inspired by the legacy of Steve Henry, Henry’s Heroes honors his remarkable contributions as a player, friend, and mentor. Steve’s passion for tennis and his commitment to the community continue to inspire players across the state. Thank you, Henry’s Heroes, for representing USTA Oklahoma and USTA Missouri Valley with such heart and dedication.
ADULT LEAGUE
55 & OVER men National champions
HENRY'S HEROES
Stan Swyden Neale Pashley Lee Crowley Treak Tasker Bob Berlien James Billingsley Ted Moore Lane Wilson Matthew Kutch William Mee Marcelo Puiggari Richard Alexander Kevin Hill Tim Ritchie
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Henry’s Heroes capture USTA League 55 & Over 9.0 Men’s National Championships, held in Scottsdale, Ariz., from Nov. 1-3. Captained by Stan Swyden and James Billingsley
The 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships were held on May 16-25 at Greenwood Tennis Center in Stillwater.
Henry’s Heroes capture USTA League National Championship
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Oklahoma State University hosts NCAA D-I Tennis Championships
Tennis makes its debut at Special Olympics Oklahoma
Oklahoma State's third-ranked women's tennis team claimed the first ITA Indoor National Championship in program history with a thrilling 4-3 win over No. 5 Michigan in Seattle.
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The foundation reached over 700 children, introducing them to the lifelong benefits of tennis. Additionally, 15 grants totaling over $100,000 were awarded to support tennis programs and initiatives. And provided 17 scholarships worth $50,000, empowering young players.
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Oklahoma State Wins Programs First ITA National Team Indoor Championship
2024 Highlights
HUGE Year for Oklahoma Tennis Foundation
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In May, tennis was featured for the first time at Special Olympics Oklahoma. The journey to this historic moment began approximately four years ago with the initiation of the application process and preliminary pilot programs.
2025
Junior Catch-All Site thebaseliner.net/juniors
USTA OK L5-L7
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. L6 REGISTER HERE June 7 Union L7 REGISTER HERE June 14-15 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE June 14 Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE June 21-22 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE June 21 Genesis L7 REGISTER HERE June 28-29 Ada L6 REGISTER HERE June 28 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE July 5-6 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE July 5 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE July 12-13 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE July 12 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE July 13 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE July 19-20 Union L6 REGISTER HERE July 19 Tulsa Univ. L7 REGISTER HERE July 26-28 OKCTC L5 REGISTER HERE July 26 Lawton L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 2-3 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 2 Union L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 9-10 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 9 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 10 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 16-17 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 16 Union L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 23-24 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 23 Duncan L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 30-31 Union L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 30 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 6-7 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 6 (B) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 7 (G) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 13-14 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 13 Union L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 20-21 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 20 Duncan L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 27-30 ECC L5 REGISTER HERE Sept 27 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 4-5 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 4 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 5 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 11-12 Union L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 11 Genesis L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 18-20 LaFortune L5 REGISTER HERE Oct 19 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 20 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 25-26 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 25 Union L7 REGISTER HERE Nov 8 (G) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Nov 9 (B) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Nov 14-16 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE Dec 5-7 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Dec 14 (G) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Dec 15 (B) Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE
18 & under
Junior Catch-All Site thebaseliner.net/juniors usta.com/juniorplay
TENNIS COMPETITION JOURNEY
usta ok
junior circuit schedule
ages 10-18 entry level Tournaments
Jan 18 (BG 10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Jan 19 (BG 10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Feb 8 (BG 10 O, BG 12 ) Oak Tree REGISTER HERE Feb 9 (BG 10 G, BG 18) Oak Tree REGISTER HERE Feb 15 (BG 10 Orange) Enid REGISTER HERE Feb 16 (BG 10 Green) Enid REGISTER HERE March 9 (BG 10 -18) Center Court REGISTER HERE March 15 (BG 10-18) LaFortune REGISTER HERE April 5 (BG 10-18) Genesis REGISTER HERE April 13 (BG 10-18) Center Court REGISTER HERE May 10 (BG 10-18) Center Court REGISTER HERE May 24 (BG 10-18) Earlywine REGISTER HERE June 7 (BG 12 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE June 8 (BG 10-18) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE June 21 (BG 10-18) Indian Springs REGISTER HERE July 5 (BG 10-18) LaFortune REGISTER HERE July 12 (BG10-18) Oak Tree REGISTER HERE August 2 (BG 10-18) Tulsa Univ. REGISTER HERE August 16 (BG10-18) Ind. Springs REGISTER HERE Sept 6 (BG 12 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Sept 7 (BG 18) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Sept 7 (BG10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Sept 7 (BG10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Sept 20 (BG 10-18) Enid REGISTER HERE Oct 4 (BG12 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Oct 5 (BG18) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Oct 5 (BG10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Oct 6 (BG10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Oct 25 (BG 10-18) LaFortune REGISTER HERE Nov 8 (BG 10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Nov 9 (BG10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Dec 6 (BG10 Orange) Enid REGISTER HERE Dec 8 (BG10 Green) Enid REGISTER HERE Dec 13 (BG10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Dec 14 (BG10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE
2025 schedule
FALL
July 15 & 16 @Edmond Center Court
JUNE 9 - JULY 21 MATCH PLAY - TBD (During the week) *STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS August 6 & 7 @ Edmond Center Court
jtt section qualifier
jtt section championships
Questions? Contact Casey McKenzie mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com
SEPTEMBER 7 - OCT 19 MATCH PLAY SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
*Non-Advancement to Section Championships
section qualifier
SPRING
Qualifier Format: Boys singles Girl singles Boy doubles Girl doubles Mixed doubles
Each team plays at least 2 matches & TOP teams from each age divsion ADVANCE to Missouri Valley Section Championships
TO QUALIFY for SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS YOUR TEAM HAS TO PLAY IN THE JTT QUALIFIER
NOTE: There will be NO National Championships in 2025. Only Section Championships. Weekend Events.
DIVISIONS: (no 10/12 & under) 14 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Intermediate
MARCH 9 - April 27 MATCH PLAY SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
SUMMER
local League
DIVISIONS: 10 & Under Orange 12 & Under Green 14 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Advanced (FALL)
June 18 & 19 @ LaFortune Tennis Center
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9, 870 league registrations in oklahoma
usta national champions from ok
HUGE Thanks to Oklahoma Teaching Pros Introducing USTA to Players
Oklahoma 6% growth since 2023
USTA oklahoma had a total of 685 teams 466 of the teams were from tulsa
Oklahoma had a total of 93 2.5 teams in 2024!!
Adult League District Coordinator, Michelle O'quin
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**All local league winners will advance to the District Championships. There will no longer be a local play-off.
okc area
USTA OKLAHOMA LEAGUE
Leagues
Adult 18 & Over: April – July Adult 18-39 Men’s and Women’s: September - November Adult 18-39 Co-Ed: September - November Adult 40 & Over: September - November, last matches in March Adult 55 & Over: March - May Adult 65 & Over Indoor: January - February 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: September - November, March 55 & over Mixed: January - March, indoor Tri-Level 18 & Over: July – September
Adult 18 & Over 2.5, 3.5, 4.5: June 21- 22 Oklahoma City Tennis Center Adult 18 & Over 3.0, 4.0, 5.0: July 12-13 Edmond Center Court Adult 40 & Over: June 14-15 LaFortune Park, Tulsa Adult 55 & Over 6.0, 8.0: June 7-8 Edmond Center Court Adult 55 & Over 7.0, 9.0: June 7-8 Edmond Center Court Adult 65 & Over: May 30 - June 1 University of Tulsa Mixed 18 & OveR: August 9 - 10 TBD Mixed 40 & Over: July 26 - 27 LaFortune Park, Tulsa Tri-Level 18 & Over: September 27 - 29 Westwood, Norman Mixed 55 & over: October 11 - 12 LaFortune Park, Tulsa
tulsa area
Adult 18 & Over: April – July 18 & Over Women's Day: August – November Adult 40 & Over men's and women's: September- November, March Adult 55 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0: March – May Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Women only: Mid-January - March Indoor Adult 65 & Over: March - May 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: March – June 55 & over Mixed: May - July Tri-Level 18 & Over: June – August
ADULT LEAGUES DATES
oklahoma
district championships
scorecards
2.5 and 5.0: 3 lines, 1 singles and 2 doubles Mixed and Seniors: 3 doubles 40s: 4 lines, 1 singles and 3 doubles 18s: 5 lines, 2 singles and 3 doubles
usta regulations
Friend at Court and The Code - general tennis rules and etiquette National Adult League Regulations Missouri Valley League Regulations Tulsa Local League Regulations Coman Tie Break Procedure Experienced Player Guidelines - guide to the Self-rate Questionnaire and Ratings
New Captain's Guide to Tennislink - find Match Schedules, Match Summary, Player Roster, and Captain's Contact info Opt in for communications Nominate for 2025 Sportsmanship Award
Captains
have questions?
championship schedule
click under the adults tab for everything you need to know about adult leagues, the captains corner, and everything below
USTA Adult League Championship Schedule
how to's
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spring sign up
Don't miss out on the Spring League season, sign up now! Find out how, in the next step to step page. Need a team? Reach out to oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
2025 regulation changes
Oklahoma City League Regulation Changes A team must have more than half of its players residing in the local area of the league unless there are only 2 teams in the league (1 from OKC and 1 from Tulsa). Maximum number of players on a team: Mixed 55&over - 12 No More than 6 players from a nationally advancing 65&over or mixed 55&over may play together at the same level the following year. (Missouri Valley) No More than 6 players from a nationally advancing mixed 55&over may play together at the same level the following year. (Missouri Valley) Tulsa Local League Regulation Changes 8. Maximum number of players on a team – MIXED 55&OVER -12 (MV reg) 10.f. A team must have more than half of its players residing in the local area of the league unless there are only 2 teams in the league. 2.e. No refund if a team folds after the schedule is created. Players may move to a new team but no credit will be given. 34.4. MUSU Mixed 55&over: No more than 6 players from a nationally advancing mixed 55&over team may play together at the same level the following year.
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adult league
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP $0
okc
tulsa
okcleagues@ustaoklahoma.com
why usta?
A Self Rating is an NTRP entry-level rating generated upon a new player or a player re-entering the USTA League Adult Division with a M (Mixed) or T (Tournament) rating, after completing the USTA Self-Rate Questionnaire. To participate in USTA League, all players must have a valid Computer Rating or Self-Rating. The USTA Questionnaire is available on Tennislink.
(JTT)
When you are ready to join a USTA team, you will need create a USTA Profile and login. Then apply for a USTA membership.You can go to USTA.com and in the top right corner, you will see the blue tab to JOIN USTA. Create account. Current prices are listed below.
USTA LEAGUES How to Join a Team & Self Rate
With more than 300,000 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 have the chance to compete for a National Championship. If you love tennis, you’ll love USTA League and being part of a team. League play starts at the local level for players 18-and-over, and are largely organized according to the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) by age group. Top teams from local leagues earn the chance to compete in district and/or sectional championships, while the winners of sectionals advance to USTA League National Championships.
self-rate
CLICK HERE
SETH MOORE
Michelle O'quin
After getting your membership and membership number, you will log in to Tennislink.usta.com. Once logged in, you will be able to “self-rate.”This is located under the “Find NTRP Rating Info” heading.You will answer a set of questions and the system will assign you a level. Once you have that level, you are eligible to play leagues. You can play at your level or .5 higher (so a 3.0 player can play on a 3.0 or 3.5 team.) You will use your team number given to you by a captain to join the team through TennisLink. All fees for the season are paid through tennislink.
oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
ADULT MEMBERSHIP $44
If you don't have a team or team # please contact:
WHAT'S THE SCORE?
SERVE?AFTER TIE BREAK
RULE REMINDERS
Question: During my doubles match, I served a ball that clearly was long. My partner and I made no attempt to play our opponent’s return because I was anticipating a second serve. Our opponent claimed he won the point because he made a good return. We said that the serve was out, and it should be a second serve. Who was right? Answer: The opponent was right in claiming he won the point. According to Code 5, players makes calls on their own side of the net, so even if you thought the ball was long, you still need to continue play as your opponent may have been giving you the benefit of the doubt.
Have you ever been uncertain about a rule during a tennis match? Don't worry, whether you play for fun or play competitively, it happens to us all! Check out some of the most common disagreements and go to THEBASELINER.NET/ADULTS for more rules and regulations.
Question: At my daughter’s tennis tournament, her opponent took her water bottle with her onto the court and placed it near the back tarp. Between points she would periodically take a drink, but didn’t delay the game. Is this allowed by USTA rules? Answer: It is allowed if, when the player was serving, she did not violate the 20 seconds between points and, as a receiver, was following the reasonable pace of the server. As you stated, this action did not delay play so it is permissible. Receiver readiness is covered in Section No. 32 of "The Code".
USTA OKLAHOMA ADULT LEAGUES
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that' SERVE WAS out
Click here for the latest edition of Friend at Court.
Question: Does the length of a tiebreak game determine who serves at the start of the next set? If someone wins a tiebreak, 7-5, versus a 15-13 tiebreak, does it change? Answer: Luckily, no matter the length of the tiebreak game, you just need to remember who received at the very beginning of it. If you (or your team) were the receiver for the first point of the tiebreak, you become the server for the first game of the next set. So go forth and play long tiebreaks; just remember who received first. (ITF Rule 5)
what's the call?
Courtesy is expected. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy.
crossing the net
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let
Scoring: The first team/player to win 10 points by a 2 point margin wins the match. Points are simply scored 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on. If the score in the match tiebreaker becomes tied at 10 points, play continues until a player or team has a 2-point lead Order of Serving: The original order of service continues. Before the start, though, doubles teams can change their order of serving and receiving, and this order remains until the end of the tiebreaker. Who Serves First: The player or team whose turn it is to serve, serves the first point of the tiebreaker. The next two points are then served by the opposing player or team. From then on each player or team alternates serving two points until the end of the tiebreaker. Changing Sides: The player whose turn it was to serve in the set serves the first point of the tie-break. Their opponent serves the next two points and after that the serve rotates after every two further points. The players change ends after every four points.
10-point Tie-break in lieu of 3rd set
Touches, hitting ball before it crosses net, invasion of opponent’s court, double hits, and double bounces. A player shall concede the point when: • A ball in play touches that player; • That player touches the net or opponent’s court while a ball is in play; • That player hits a ball before it crosses the net; • That player deliberately carries or double hits a ball; or • A ball bounces more than once in that player’s court. The opponent is not entitled to make these calls. The principle of giving the opponent the benefit of any doubt applies.
A player should always give the opponent the benefit of any doubt. When a match is played without officials, the players are responsible for making decisions, particularly for line calls. There is a subtle difference between player decisions and those of an on-court official. An official impartially resolves a problem involving a call, whereas a player is guided by the principle that any doubt must be resolved in favor of an opponent. A player in attempting to be scrupulously honest on line calls frequently will keep a ball in play that might have been out or that the player discovers too late was out. Even so, the game is much better played this way. Ball that cannot be called out is good. Any ball that cannot be called out is considered to be good. A player may not claim a let on the basis of not seeing a ball.
Question: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls onto court. A let is called. The server had previously served a fault. Is the server now entitled to a first service or second service? Answer: First service. The whole point must be replayed. In all cases when a let is called, except when a service let is called on a second service, the whole point shall be replayed. NOTE: All LET calls must be made immediatley.
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NATIONAL LEAGUE REGULATIONS
opponent gets benefit of doubt
super tie break
6
Charlie Smith selected as USTA Missouri Valley Outstanding Official
“Tennis becomes a community, especially of officials”
GLASS BALL RECIPIENT
With November designated as Officials Appreciation Month, USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing the impact of local tennis officials. Read about seven officials who earned district recognition for their work by clicking here. Upon retiring in 2015 from a distinguished engineering and geological career, which included four years of service in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, Charlie Smith spent quite a bit of his newfound free time at one of his favorite spots—the tennis court. Smith learned from his mother how to play tennis at just 3 years old, and a lifelong passion for the sport was ignited. He continued competing in tennis throughout his life, including three decades as a resident of Edmond, Okla. But Smith’s knees began to swell up with increasing intensity during his post-retirement play. After a few months of watching her husband lumber around with bags of ice wrapped around his knees, Smith’s wife suggested he try something different to stay in the game. Officiating came calling, with Smith taking his first USTA online classes in 2017. “It would have been really difficult to not be involved in tennis in some way,” Smith said. “I always thought, ‘Well, if I can’t play, at least I can maybe give back and help kids and other people who want to play.’ I’ve always seen officials as facilitators of the game. They help us enjoy the game rather than trying to dictate the terms of the game. I want to be an official that helps people enjoy playing tennis.” This past year alone, Smith chaired 123 matches, completed 46 roving days, called seven days of professional lines and refereed six events where he was in charge of officials for the tournament. An NCAA Division II conference assigner and ITA dual-match official, Smith has worked an array of tennis competitions at the USTA Oklahoma, USTA Missouri Valley and USTA National levels. “I tell anyone, ‘If I have a day I’m not doing something about tennis and you have an opening, I’ll go do it,’” Smith said. "The reason I love tennis so much is it’s a game of life. If you can learn to manage yourself on a tennis court, you can manage yourself in life. I love watching any level of tennis that’s competitive. And yet the people are generous to one another even though they want to win so bad.” For his service to the sport, Smith was selected for the 2024 USTA Oklahoma Outstanding Official Award. He was then chosen for the 2024 USTA Missouri Valley Outstanding Official Award. Smith will be one of 30-plus award winners honored as part of the USTA Missouri Valley Annual Conference, which takes place Dec. 5-7 in Overland Park, Kan. “Frankly, I was very honored and surprised,” Smith said of his recognition. “All I want to do is go do a quality job every time I show up at the courts. I don’t do this for money. It’s not a job to me. It’s an occupation of love." Smith was honored yet again when he was recently named the 2024 USTA Missouri Valley Glass Ball recipient. The award recognizes officials for their dedication, service, reputation for a high standard of officiating and leadership on and off the court. Smith said he particularly enjoys working USTA Level 6 tournaments or similar events in which he can help educate juniors who are beginning their tennis journey as well as their parents. He also loves the competitiveness of college tennis and running into players he officiated earlier in their careers. “Tennis becomes a community, especially of officials,” Smith said. “We all know each other. People who are working together to achieve a common objective, that’s a powerful thing. We have very nice, very good quality officials not only in Oklahoma but throughout the Missouri Valley. “Especially in Oklahoma because those are the ones I work with the most, we pride ourselves on being very good at our jobs. We help each other try to improve. Any time any one of us has an issue or problem, we cover for one another. That’s a great camaraderie in the officiating staff I didn’t expect, but it’s there. And I’m pleased it’s there.” To learn more about becoming a tennis official, click here. To read an article about seven officials within the USTA Missouri Valley who received local awards in 2024, click here. Courtesy of USTA Missouri Valley Josh Sellmeyer
December 1st Adult Ratings are Released on Tennislink.
ADULT LEAGUE RATINGS
FAQ
What does the letter after my rating mean? S- Self-rate A- Appeal C- Computer D- Disqualified M -Mixed exclusive year-end T -Tournament exclusive year-end
NTRP LEVEL BY LEVEL INFO VIDEOS:
FAQ NTRP Rating What is NTRP? National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP)is a classification system developed in 1978 that identifies and describes the general characteristics of thirteen levels of tennis-playing ability. What is a Dynamic rating? A dynamic rating is the result of a player's current match averaged with up to three of your most recent dynamic results generated. A dynamic rating is calculated after each match. A dynamic rating may change with each match played by the player. What is a year-end rating? A year-end rating is a NTRP level assigned at conclusion of the league championship year that reflects level of ability.A player’s year-end rating shall be used to enter leagues during the following year and will be valid for up to three years for players 59 or under or two years for players 60 and over or until another rating is generated.Year End Ratings are available December 1. How does the year-end NTRP calculation work? Computerized ratings are affected by the score of a match as well as your partner’s and your opponent’s dynamic NTRP rating. Based on player dynamic ratings at the start of a match, the NTRP algorithm expects a particular outcome of a match. The actual outcome is then compared to the expected outcome and, as a result, a player’s dynamic rating adjusts up or down (or there is no change, if the outcome was as expected.) Computerized ratings are not directly affected by what position you played, your actual number of wins and losses, age, or team standing. How many matches are required to generate a Year-End rating?A minimum of three matches in qualifying leagues or NTRP tournaments opted-in for are needed to generate a year-end rating. FAQ Self-Rating What is a self-rating? A self-rating is an entry rating level determined by the new player or a player re-entering the Adult Division with an M (mixed) or T (tournament) rating, based on questions asked in the TennisLink registration process.All players must enter league tennis with a valid computer rating or self-rate using TennisLink questionnaire. When and how do I get a self-rating? If you do not have a computer rating you must self-rate before entering a USTA League program. Go to national.usta.com and you will be connected directly to TennisLink.You may click on the self-rate link and complete the process without a team number. FAQ Dynamic Disqualified Who can be NTRP dynamic disqualified? Year-end computer (C) players are not subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification. All other players who play in Adult Divisions are subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification. Can my rating level change during the championship year? Yes. ·If you receive the 3rd strike and are dynamically disqualified at your present level. If an NTRP Grievance is upheld, this may also result in raising your level. Why would I be dynamically disqualified? When a player receives three strikes, he or she will be notified that he or she has been NTRP Dynamically Disqualified. This happens because when a self-rating that is much too low for the player's ability is selected. How high can my dynamic rating go before I earn a “strike”? The Dynamic NTRP system allows a certain tolerance for player improvement—more for lower level players where rapid improvement is more likely; less for higher-level players. The specific improvement factor is not published because of concerns that individuals, captains or others may attempt to manage their ratings. If I receive a third strike while participating in another division, but following the conclusion of my Section Championship for a given year and Division, will I be allowed to advance to Nationals if otherwise qualified? No. The exception is if you are playing in a league using combo ratings (Mixed Adult 55 & Over, Combo). As long as the player's (at the new NTRP level of play) and his or her partner's combined ratings do not exceed the NTRP level of your team, the player will be allowed to continue to play on that team. What are the consequences of NTRP Dynamic Disqualification? In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level in all USTA League programs. Each USTA Section will determine which of two methods the Section will follow at the local and the championship level. The effect on team standings may vary, depending on when the NTRP Dynamic Disqualification occurs.
55s 6.0 women Jeanie Sacra Tulsa 55s 7.0 women Tiffany Steinke and Shelley Lewis Tulsa 55s 8.0 women Patti Burton Tulsa 55s 6.0 men Rhett Paxson and David Files Tulsa 55s 7.0 Men Richard Davis and M.Thagard OKC 55s 9.0 men Stan Swyden & J. Billingsley OKC
40 & over
65 & over
2024 ADULT LEAGUES section winners
18s 2.5 women Bailey Hendrix Tulsa 18s 3.0 women Ashely Medley Tulsa 18s 3.5 women Wendy Madden OKC 18s 4.0 women Amy Wilson and Anglea Macrae Tulsa 18s 3.0 Men Jones and Young OKC 18s 4.5 men Bartlett Ramsey and Dustin Tims OKC
18 & over
Mixed 18s 6.0 Andrew Smith and Lucia Chavez OKC
40s 3.0 Men Alan Clark Tulsa 40s 3.5 Men Richard Davis OKC 40s 4.5 Men Terry Storch and William Choi OKC 40s 3.0 Women Kelly Spencer Tulsa
65s 7.0 women Gloria Mullenix Tulsa 65s 6.0 men Larry Dotson Tulsa
55 & over
--mixed--
Mixed 40s 7.0 Chris Dickason Tulsa Mixed 40s 6.0 Tony Daniels OKC
nATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
champions
Tri Level 4.-5.0 Women Yolande Plavoet Tulsa Tri Level 3.0-4.0 Men S. Phipps and Dar Patel OKC
Mixed 55s 6.0 Kevin Cooper Tulsa Mixed 55s 8.0 Anne Wood and Michael Thagard OKC
tri-level
mckenzie@ustaoklahoma
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