the
OCTOBER 2022
USTA OKLAHOMA ANNOUNCES THE 2022 HALL OF FAME AND AWARD WINNERS
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ISSUE no 24 USTA OKLAHOMA TENNIS MAGAZINE
award winners
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USTA Oklahoma
Published by USTA OKLAHOMA
find yourself in the game
USTA OKLAHOMA BOARD
Special Thanks to Article and Photo Contributors: soonersports.com Photo Cover Contributor: Lloyd Clayton/Your Game Face yourgameface.com
OK Executive Director
Text
President Mary Jo Tasker Vice President - Adults Peter Pappas Vice President - Juniors Eric Wedemeyer Secretary Emily Pomeroy Treasurer Dwayne Campbell NE Quadrant Peter McCorkle NW Quadrant Carmen Bond SE Quadrant Lee Crowley SW Quadrant Dawna Johnston
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CONTENTS
FEATURES
OCTOBER ISSUE
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24
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JUNIORS COLLEGE OKTF COVER ADULTS
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OKLAHOMA PLAYER AT US OPEN ADULT LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
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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usta oklahoma sportsmanship winners
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2022
B18 Sportsmanship creed skinner G18 Sportsmanship carrington hessen B16 Sportsmanship lawson prather G16 Sportsmanship jasel bailey B14 Sportsmanship max beard G14 Sportsmanship sophia gillett B12 Sportsmanship dylan hwang G12 Sportsmanship kennedy orr B10 Sportsmanship jackson nelson G10 Sportsmanship parker hays
oklahoma tennis foundation
see MORE ON PAGE 20
family of the year
see all the 2022 usta oklahoma award winners ON PAGE 22
This summer oktf hosted three Hall of Fame free tennis clinics in Okmulgee, Guthrie, and Clinton! partnering with these communities to bring the game we LOVE to over 200 kids.
SPOTLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
USTA Oklahoma's
August, September, & October
Q&A
WITH
BILL RIGGAN
ADDI KLEHM
AUGUST
Where do you play? Edmond Center Court Favorite tennis memory? Playing tennis with my friends and getting to see David Minihan at practices How long have you been playing? Four years Favorite athlete? Serena or Venus Who is your tennis coach? Coach Caitlyn What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Ramen Noodles What racquet do you use? Head Instint Forehand or backhand? Backhand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Swimming Favorite food? Tomotoes and cheese-its
Where do you volunteer? I volunteer in person in Norman, Noble, and the greater Oklahoma City metro area. Outside the state I financially support a number of national and international charitable organizations. What organization(s) do you volunteer for? Locally and regionally, I have a) served USTA/MoValley/USTA-OK as a league team captain for 32 consecutive years; b) served 20 years total on 3 MoValley panels (self-rate appeals committee, 4 years; NTRP grievance committee, 12 years as chairman; Section Grievance Committee 4 years and counting); c) assisted the District and Section League Coordinators at several sectional championships; d) served the OU Retirees Association as Communications Director and newsletter writer/editor/publisher for 18 years; e) served a 105-year-old OU academic club as chronicler and historian for 21 years; f) donated time and money to Norman’s leading organization benefitting the town’s unhoused population; g) donated time and money to Cleveland County’s busiest and best animal rescue organization. Do you play tennis? Yes. Did not take up tennis until my late 20s, but have played regularly and often (too often, my wife sometimes says!) for almost 50 years now. Pre-match ritual or meal? Lots of pre-match stretching, especially legs, core, shoulders, and neck. A piece of fruit and/or an energy bar plus plenty of fluids an hour or so before a match.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
SPOTLIGHTS
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
ADAPTIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Where do you play? Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Favorite tennis memory? My twin sister and I use to play doubles together our freshman year of high school so it was always fun to walk out on the court, not only wearing the same outfit, but also looking completely identical! The other team would get so confused on who was serving, who was at the net, and where to hit the ball. It was so fun and hilarious to see peoples reactions! Where are you from? Tulsa, Oklahoma How long have you been playing? About 8 years in total Favorite athlete? Roger Federer Who is your tennis coach? Seth Moore What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Chewing a piece of gum to help calm the nerves. What racquet do you use? Babolat Pure Aero Forehand or backhand? Backhand Favorite sport, besides tennis? I love to play volleyball! Favorite food? My favorite foods are pizza, cookies, and ice cream!
AMY MUELLER
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
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Where do you play? I play at RH91 (Racket and Health 91st St.) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Favorite tennis memory? My favorite tennis memories have been more recently getting to play on the high school team at holland hall and bringing in two state championships as a team and in one doubles freshman year and two doubles sophomore year. I have also helped coach at RH91 with little kids playing with red balls and though sometimes it’s hard, it is really fun to see the kids grow and get better over time. How long have you been playing? I have been playing tennis since I was three or four but I didn’t start playing “for real” until I was nine. Tennis has been an essentially part of my personality and will be with me for the rest of my life. Favorite athlete? My favorite athlete was probably Serena Williams because when someone mentioned pro tennis that’s who I thought of, but I think over the years I have grown to admire my coach (Jorgelina Cravero) as an athlete and love to watch her play in the proam, a tournament at our club with a pro and an amateur tennis player.. Favorite food? My favorite food is probably tacos. It’s has everything I like chicken, lettuce, cheese, chips, etc. you can’t go wrong with tacos except if you eat them before exercising!
Where do you volunteer? I volunteer in fund development for LaFortune Park Tennis in Tulsa. What organization(s) do you volunteer for? Besides LaFortune Park Tennis, I also volunteer with my church, Redeemer Church, and I serve my neighborhood as President of the homeowners’ association. Do you play tennis? Yes, but not well. I do, however, have good teammates. I am the captain of two USTA teams that qualified for Nationals this year. Favorite tennis memory? There are so many fun memories and it is so hard to choose! I guess my favorite so far was when my 65+ team won Sectionals. This is a new team this year and I had no idea how good we were so it was great to win. I knew my 55+ team was good so it wasn’t as much of a surprise. One of the best laughs I’ve had on a tennis court was with my daughter at LaJolla Beach and Tennis Club with the LaFortune women last year. The pro was feeding mile high balls for overheads and my daughter, Jennifer McPhail, and I were waiting to return them. After about 20 misses in a row, a player caught the ball in the racquet frame. We couldn’t stop laughing. Where are you from? Tulsa How long have you been playing tennis? I took up tennis after I retired. That was seven years ago.
Where do you play? LaFortune Park Tennis Center Favorite tennis memory? The first time I made my opponent ran to the net by hitting the ball softly, when she returned the ball, I return it over her head to the base line so she can’t reach it to return my ball. Where are you from? Broken Arrow, OK. How long have you been playing? One year and 5 months Favorite athlete? Venus Williams Who is your tennis coach? Carlos Salazar What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Drink chocolate shake What racquet do you use? Yonex ezone 100 Favorite sport besides tennis? Swim Favorite food? Ice Cream
SEPTEMBER
NJTL PLAYER OF THE MONTH
JEANNIE SACRA
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ELLA PHANG
KENNEDY COX
COACH OF THE MONTH
Where do you play? Mainly LaFortune, butI’ve played everywhere in the Tulsa! What made you start playing tennis? When I was a kid I went to a summer tennis camp and loved it! Favorite tennis memory? Playing with friends for fun has made all the best memories! I’ve honestly made some of my best friends through tennis! Where are you from? McAlester, OK How long have you been playing? I started in grade school, played through high school, then took about 24 years off and started playing again! So a long time! Favorite athlete? Federer and Nadal because their greatness is accompanied by humility, and the Williams sisters because I love a good story! Oh and Lleyton Hewitt because watching him made us decide to name our son Leyton! What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Is this really a thing? Haha! A lot of water during the day. Maybe a blueberry Rx bar, but definitely not a meal! Forehand or backhand? Both! I really enjoy both equally! Favorite sport, besides tennis? Golf. My son loves the sport, and I love watching him play what he loves!
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BRAD LUND
Where do you play? LaFortune Tennis Center Favorite tennis memory? Tennis drills with the Bryan Brothers Where are you from? Tulsa How long have you been playing? 2017 Who is your tennis coach? Julie Harrelson Forehand or backhand? Backhand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Swimming Favorite food? It’s a tie - queso or chocolate!
OCTOBER
ANNA LOBAUGH
Where do you coach? BCC Tennis Academy in Oklahoma City How long with organization? Nine years Do you play tennis? Severe tennis elbow seven years ago put a stop to playing tennis - which actually became blessing in disguise - freeing up time with the academy. NOTE: Played junior tennis in Tulsa (actually worked front desk at LaFortune Park from 9-12th grades), and played as adult on a number of 4.0 and 4.5 USTA teams. Favorite tennis memory? Taking our 14U team to the USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships in Orlando - and winning! Where are you from? Tulsa! Proud graduate of Metro Christian Academy's inaugural Class of 1984. Who is your tennis coach? Never had formal instruction…hit against the wall and with friends. How long have you been playing? Have been involved with the sport as a player, coach or administrator for 44 years. Favorite sports figure? Barry Switzer Forehand or Backhand? 100% Backhand (and backhand lobs). Favorite sport other than tennis? College football and golf. Favorite food? Coney I-Lander in Tulsa
AMY WILSON
JUNIOR CIRCUIT BG 10 ORANGE @ HIDDEN TRAILS
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TH
LEVEL 4 TEAM MV B14 @ RACQUET & HEALTH 91
ADULT "FOOD BANK" OPEN @ THE GREENS
PLAYTENNIS.USTA.COM/TOURNAMENTS
LEVEL 6 BG 16-18 @ OKCTC
november
JUNIOR CIRCUIT BG 10 GREEN @ HIDDEN TRAILS
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It is important to create a connection of trust between the player and the coach by not only focusing on the development of the tennis player, but also as a good human being. Willingness to do extra positive environment, strong culture, etc. are all key components of a successful program. throughout Oklahoma.
Matias Marin Named USPTA Missouri Valley 2021 Professional of the Year Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated September 15 thru October 15 Alma and Andrea Mendoza
S
director of tennis tucker tennis academy
ept. 15 – Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage month and USTA Oklahoma is taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the state’s top tennis professionals. Matias Marin is the Director of Tennis at Tucker Tennis Academy in Tulsa and is a native of Rosario, Argentina. Recognized as one of the best youth instructors in the region, Marin was recently named the Missouri Valley USPTA Professional of the Year for 2021. The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) was founded in 1927 and is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development and was the first USTA accredited association under the USTA Accreditation Program. With more than 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions nationwide, the Association’s mission is to raise the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and to promote a greater awareness of the sport. Advertisement Congratulations to Matias and Tucker Tennis Academy for this recognition. Learn more about Matias Marin with the Q & A below: When did you start playing tennis? I started playing tennis at the age of 5 yrs old. My childhood house was 2 blocks for a social club in my hometown in Argentina where I played tennis and soccer. Did you go to college and did you play tennis? I went to play college tennis at Baylor University in 2001. My senior year, I was the team captain, and we won the NCAA Team Championship (1st National Team Title for any sports at Baylor). I got a degree in Business Adm and Human Resources Management. kids at the academy, but I do not play in any tournaments. How many years have you been coaching? I have been coaching tennis for 15+ years. I started as volunteer assistant coach at Baylor University for one year while I was finishing my degree in 2005. After that, one year at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. Then I moved back to Argentina to spend two years at Hewlett-Packard as part of a management program where I lived one year in Switzerland and one year in Argentina. Right after that I started a tennis academy with former #3 ATP player Guillermo Coria who is a good friend of mine in Argentina for 3 years until we decided to move back to the US to work at Tucker Tennis Academy in 2012. Matias Marin How long have you been at RH-91? I have been at Tucker Tennis Academy / RH91 since 2012. I became the Director of Tennis in 2020. What inspired you to become a tennis coach? I always love the sport of tennis. By teaching and coaching, I want to give back by trying to inspire and mentor young players to achieve their goals and learn life lessons. Who was your mentor or coach growing up? I was very lucky to be surrounded and exposed to a lot of great coaches when I was growing up, as well as great mentor/coaches when I started my coaching career. Do you have any key influences on how you coach? It is important to create a connection of trust between the player and the coach by not only focusing on the development of the tennis player, but also as a good human being. Willingness to do extra, positive environment, strong culture, etc. are all key components of a successful program. How does it feel to be MV Professional of the Year? It is very special and humbling to receive this award. It wouldn't be possible without the support of my family, RH91 club and our amazing team (coaches, players and parents) What piece of advice would you give to your players coming through your program? Work hard, be humble and respectful at all times. Be coachable. Always problem solve. Never stop learning. Be a good person. Have fun. What is your favorite tennis memory as a coach? I have so many fun and great memories as a caoch that after many years of teaching tennis, it is extremely rewarding to see the journey of many of these players coming to the club at an early age, becoming teenagers and leaving as young adults. .
Q & A
Matias Mari N Q & A CONTINUED....
"Work hard, be humble and respectful at all times. Be coachable. Always problem solve. Never stop learning. Be a good person. Have fun. "
Do you still play tennis? I do play some during the weeks with the kids at the academy, but I do not play in any tournaments. How many years have you been coaching? I have been coaching tennis for 15+ years. I started as volunteer assistant coach at Baylor University for one year while I was finishing my degree in 2005. After that, one year at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. Then I moved back to Argentina to spend two years at Hewlett-Packard as part of a management program where I lived one year in Switzerland and one year in Argentina. Right after that I started a tennis academy with former #3 ATP player Guillermo Coria who is a good friend of mine in Argentina for 3 years until we decided to move back to the US to work at Tucker Tennis Academy in 2012. Matias Marin How long have you been at RH-91? I have been at Tucker Tennis Academy / RH91 since 2012. I became the Director of Tennis in 2020. What inspired you to become a tennis coach? I always love the sport of tennis. By teaching and coaching, I want to give back by trying to inspire and mentor young players to achieve their goals and learn life lessons. Who was your mentor or coach growing up? I was very lucky to be surrounded and exposed to a lot of great coaches when I was growing up, as well as great mentor/coaches when I started my coaching career. Do you have any key influences on how you coach? It is important to create a connection of trust between the player and the coach by not only focusing on the development of the tennis player, but also as a good human being. Willingness to do extra, positive environment, strong culture, etc. are all key components of a successful program. How does it feel to be MV Professional of the Year? It is very special and humbling to receive this award. It wouldn't be possible without the support of my family, RH91 club and our amazing team (coaches, players and parents) What piece of advice would you give to your players coming through your program? Work hard, be humble and respectful at all times. Be coachable. Always problem solve. Never stop learning. Be a good person. Have fun. What is your favorite tennis memory as a coach? I have so many fun and great memories as a caoch that after many years of teaching tennis, it is extremely rewarding to see the journey of many of these players coming to the club at an early age, becoming teenagers and leaving as young adults.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
ORLANDO, Florida (October 9, 2022) -- BCC Tennis Academy out of Oklahoma City defeated Southern California 46-37 to capture the USTA Junior Team Tennis 14U National Championship Sunday at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. BCCTA is only the second team from the five-state Missouri Valley section to win a JTT National Championship and the first NJTL member to capture top honors. BCCTA went 3-0 in pool play, upending Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Arizona, and defeated Kansas City in Saturday’s semifinals. The academy qualified for nationals by winning the Oklahoma National Qualifier in June and Missouri Valley National Qualifier in July – completing its title run with a perfect 11-0 dual record. The faith-based academy began fielding JTT teams in 2017, has captured 30 team titles at the local, state, regional and now national levels, winning .818 percent of its matches. Currently, BCCTA has 52 juniors ages 6 to 17 participating in year-round on-campus programming and at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City, a partnership in its ninth year. Members of the 14U championship team, listed alphabetically: Gray and John Paul Dillon, Noah Gou, Tokara Henderson, London Marsh, Alma and Andrea Mendoza, Raleigh Miller, Braver Reineke, TJ Shanahan, and Levi Solomon. BCCTA is coached by Jessica Reineke, Brad Lund, Rob Braver and Mike Hays.
Racquet & Health 91 received 4th place in 18 & under National Championships
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BCC Tennis Academy Captures USTA JTT National Championship
TEAM CHALLENGE
GO TO...
JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS
JUNIOR CIRCUIT
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
A USTA Junior Circuit is an event that uses a non-elimination, round-robin draw format for junior tennis players of all ages so you can gain match experience in a tournament setting and then see your individual results. These fun events give you the opportunity to develop your skills through level-based play while learning and demonstrating good sportsmanship. (Most of these touranments are ages 10 & Under)
https://playtennis.usta./touranments
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. There are seven levels of events ranging from Level 7 (Intermediate) to Level 1 (National Championships) and a universal ranking system that distributes points consistently across the country.
INTRODUCING COMPETITIVE TENNIS
NET GENERATION PLAY TRACKER
Starting 2021: 7 and 8 year olds can now unlock green ball by reaching 1,000 points in orange ball as an additional option to a coach's assessment. All players that have reached 1,000 orange ball points since January 1, 2021 will automatically unlock green ball. Enhancements to the Net Generation Play Tracker will be viewable in your usta.com player profile. You can find your child's Play Tracker by accessing the Family tab when you login to your USTA account. Click here to learn more about Play Tracker. Click here to learn more about USTA Junior Programs.
So when is the right time to introduce competition to children and what is the right approach? The USTA has developed a research-supported-pathway to guide junior tennis players, parents, and coaches. These USTA-developed junior tennis programs are all designed to discover, develop, and play tennis for a lifetime.
A USTA Team Challenge is your first step into tennis competition. Team Challenges offer a low-pressure team environment for beginner junior tennis players of all ages to develop their skills with others of similar experience. These events are not focused on winning and losing, instead focusing on positive teamwork.
The Net Generation PlayTracker is for players aged 5-10 and their parents to track progress at USTA competitive events, all in one place.
USTA Junior Team Tennis brings together boys and girls, ages 6 to 18, to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles against other coed teams. Beyond being fun and a great form of exercise, Junior Team Tennis is a competitive, level-based environment that promotes individual growth, social growth and life skills..
HALL OF FAME
BILL NELSON
THE HEADINGTON FAMILY
TULSA MARRIOTT SOUTHERN HILLS
USTA OKLAHOMA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2022...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023
&
INDUCTEES
Tim, Greg, Jeanette, David, Chris, & Julie
The Sooners will return to the court with those who qualify for the ITA National Fall Championships in San Diego, California November 2-6
PLAYERS HEADED TO THE ITA FALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSIHPS
The Oklahoma men's tennis team won both the singles and doubles title at the ITA Central Region Championships, the first time since 2012, in Fayetteville, Ark. "I'm excited for our guys and the program," said head coach Nick Crowell. "They battled for five days and put their hearts on the line each match. As a coach, that's what you want to see." Junior Nathan Han secured the singles title after defeating Wichita State's Kristof Minarik 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, while Jordan Hasson and Mark Mandlik claimed the doubles title with a 0-6, 6-4, 10-6 win over Arkansas' Burdet/Sau. Han earned a first-round bye and went on to take four wins over Hugo Piles (Nebraska), Mykhailo Kvantaliani (Wichita State), Connor Di Marco (Tulsa) and Roni Hietaranta (Nebraska) to advance passed the quarterfinals. "Nathan played with discipline all week and raised his game in the big moments. He's always been one of the hardest workers in the nation and it's great to see him play his tennis!" Crowell said. The duo also received a first-round bye before tallying five straight wins to claim the title over Arkansas' Burdet/Sau, 0-6, 6-4, 10-6, becoming the first duo to win since Gullermo Alcorta and Axel Alvarez in 2012. "Mark and Jordan, playing for the first time together, really found the spark that we've been looking for in doubles," Crowell said. "They came back from being down a set twice this tournament and showed the toughness and energy we've been talking about everyday in practice!" With their wins, Han, Hasson and Mandlik punched their tickets to the ITA National Fall Championships in San Diego, Calif., at the Barnes Tennis Center beginning Nov. 2. Also at the tournament, Baptiste Anselmo and Justin Schlageter advanced as far as the quarterfinals, tallying two wins over Kvantaliani/Bracks (Wichita State) and Christiansen/Hietaranta (Nebraska). They eventually fell to Oklahoma State's Garcia/Ferguson, 8-2. In singles, Hasson found himself on a four-match winning streak, but fell short in the semifinals. Four Sooners advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition out of the remaining eight players. Han and Hasson was joined by Anselmo and Mandlik, who both went 3-0 before falling in the quarterfinal. The squad notched 27 victories throughout the five-day tournament. In the Sooners' last two appearances at the tournament, they claimed three out of four titles, with Jordan Hasson taking the singles championship in 2021. The Sooners will return to the court with those who qualify for the ITA National Fall Championships in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 2-6. Go to soonersports.com for more Sooner articles.
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FAYETVILLE, ARKANSAS
We are so excited to launch a fun fall fundraiser on social media!! Our “Bedlam Backhand Battle” and we would love for you all to please pick your favorite team, donate and then send the link to all your friends and family! Let’s see which team raises the most and we are so excited that both OSU & OU tennis coaches are going to help us promote this!! We will be posting pics and videos with fans from both teams!! So be watching our Facebook & Instagram for the next month!! “Please join us in this fun Bedlam Backhand Battle Campaign by donating on behalf of your favorite Bedlam team. If you’re an OU fan, click on the OU tennis ball to make your donation and same for OSU fans. The campaign will begin on October 19th and end on November 20th. We will announce the team winner of the donation campaign on Sunday morning following Bedlam! We will also choose each team’s “last fan (donor) standing” to receive a prize basket with OKTF and OU/OSU merchandise! Your donations will help support our scholarship funds and free Hall of Fame tennis clinics around the state!”
A Letter from the Foundation...
WE START WITH LOVE
Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Positively impacts lives by supporting and funding organizations that promote tennis and education throughout the great state of Oklahoma!
DONATE HERE
bedlam backhand battle
2022 AWARD WINNERS
NOAH GOU
TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR
WINNERS
GRACIE EPPS
EMERGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR FEMALE
ERIC TABOR
ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR 4.0 BELOW
ELLISON CLARK
PLAYERS AWARDS
ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR 4.5 ABOVE
THE PRATHER FAMILY
IAN BRACKS
EMERGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR MALE
BART RAMSEY
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR FEMALE
AWARD
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HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR MALE
OUTSTANDING ADULT/SENIOR TOURNAMENT
UNION TENNIS CENTER
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH TENNIS PROGRAMS
MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
CAMILO SABOGAL
USTA JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS ORGANIZER
RACQUET AND HEALTH 91
TULSA AREA TENNIS ASSOCIATION
CELESTE FREY
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
USTA OKLAHOMA AWARD WINNERS CONT.
CONTRIBUTOR AWARDS
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO THE USTA LEAGUE TENNIS PROGRAM
CAITLYN SAGRAVES
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
USTA MV SUMMER CLOSED LEVEL 3-PETER MCCORKLE
FACILITY OF THE YEAR
THE NORMAN OPEN
RUSSELL WARNER
BOYS 16 SPORTSMANSHIP
FIRST SERVE TULSA
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
SOPHIA GILLETT
GIRLS 18 SPORTSMANSHIP
BOYS 10 SPORTSMANSHIP
KENNEDY ORR
BOYS 12 SPORTSMANSHIP
OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL
BOYS 18 SPORTSMANSHIP
HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR
PARKER HAYS
JACKSON NELSON
JASEL BAILEY
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
CHARILIE SMITH
CARRINGTON HESSEN
GIRLS 16 SPORTSMANSHIP
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT
CREED SKINNER
GIRLS 12 SPORTSMANSHIP
GIRLS 10 SPORTSMANSHIP
DARREN COBBLE
MAX BEARD
LAWSON PRATHER
DYLAN HWANG
GIRLS 14 SPORTSMANSHIP
BOYS 14 SPORTSMANSHIP
BILL ROMPF JUNIOR TENNIS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP
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The Bill Rompf Junior Tennis Foundation is a certified 501C-3 organization with the mission of providing financial assistance to Oklahoma City area junior tennis players with the opportunity to reach their tennis goals and dreams. The $2500 annual scholarships are available to an Oklahoma City area boy and/or girl who is a ranked USTA/MVTA sectional player for tournament and travel expenses. The scholarship is based on potential, character, desire, and proven financial need. The Bill Rompf Junior Tennis Foundation’s mission, scholarship criteria, application, and history can be found at their website: billrompftennis.com. Applications for the 2022 calendar year are being accepted through November. Bill Rompf is a successful tennis coach and administrator who established the Rompf/Summerfield Tennis Academy during the 70’s and 80’s in Oklahoma City. The academy produced hundreds of state and HS, over 85 MVTA sectional, and dozens of USTA National junior champions, in addition to several NCAA and All American collegiate champions and ATP/WTA professional players including Mary Norwood, Meredith Geiger, Krunch Kloberdanz, and Brian Devening. He is the former Executive Director of IMG Academies and the former Director of Tennis/Vice President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information on the foundation or scholarships, please visit the website or contact the foundation’s President, Bryan Geiger at 405-830-3028
JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP
@OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
It's estimated over 400 players AND THEIR family members will attend each weekend of the three weekEND event
Oklahoma City Tennis Center (OKCTC) is hosted the 2022 USTA League National Championships this October for three weekends in a row. The competition began the weekend of September 29 and concluded the weekend of Oct. 14-16. This is the third time OKCTC has hosted the USTA League National Championships, the first being in 2019 when the facility became the first in Oklahoma to ever host the National Championships. Each USTA League season culminates with the annual USTA League National Championships, where representatives from all 17 sections compete in 16 League national championship events in locations across the United States. In addition to Oklahoma City, 2022 host sites include Scottsdale, Arizona; Surprise, Arizona; and Orlando, Florida. The Facility Director for the Oklahoma City Tennis Center, Steve Henry, says hosting this event is a big undertaking with a lot of pressure, but is confident OKCTC and the local tennis community is up to the challenge. “It is still very special and rewarding for our site and state to be listed as a national championship location. I can’t pull this off without help from our volunteers and support from local area clubs,” says Henry. That support includes backup locations in case of weather delays. “Imagine traveling here from as far away as Hawaii and it rains. Our friends at Edmond Center Court, Lifetime Fitness and Oaktree Country Club are this year’s indoor rain backup.” The Oklahoma City Tennis Center at Will Rogers Park is part of the Oklahoma City Public Parks and Recreation Division. The Tennis Center in Oklahoma City offers 36 tennis courts, 24 outdoor, 6 indoor and 6 youth courts. In 2020, a new 2.1-million-dollar pro shop was added. The new pro shop connects to the indoor tennis building providing viewing into the indoor courts, restrooms, offices, and a new and larger pro shop. During the National Championships, it is estimated more than 400 players and family members attended each weekend of the three-weekend event. Organizers say that between incoming flights, car rentals, dining out and over 2,700 nights of hotel accommodations this is a great way to generate revenue for the Oklahoma City area.
OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER HOSTED USTA LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
18 & OVER 3.5 MEN CAPTAIN ERIC TABOR
18 & OVER 6.0 MIXED CAPTAIN DAVID SCHMIDT & ALAN CLARK
40 & OVER 3.0 MEN CAPTAIN CHRIS DICKASON
18 & OVER 4.5 WOMEN CAPTAIN DE'AUN SANDVIG
18 & OVER 9.0 MIXED CAPTAIN JOHN WALKER
55 & OVER 8.0 MEN CAPTAIN GREG LANE
NATIONAL championships
55 & OVER 6.0 WOMEN CAPTAIN JEANNIE SACRA
18 & OVER 3.5 WOMEN CAPTAIN KATIE ALLEN
12 Oklahoma teams traveling across the US to compete for the Gold ball!
18 & OVER 3.0 WOMEN CAPTAIN AMBER VAWTER
55 & OVER 7.0 WOMEN CAPTAIN PAULA CASEY/DAWNA JOHNSTON
18 & OVER 3.0 MEN CAPTAIN TONY DANIELS
55 & OVER 9.0 MEN CAPTAIN JAMES BILLINGSLEY
ADULT LEAGUE
On October 14 -16, at USTA Nationals in Orlando, Florida the 55+ 7.0 women’s team made it all the way to the finals and finished 2nd out of 1170 teams.
55 & Over 7.0 Women-OKC Captains Paula Casey & Dawna Johnston
55 & OVER women National RUNNER-UP
Paula Casey Roxy Castner DIane Cline Debbie Geist Rochelle Hale Dawna Johnston Wendy Madden Leslie Mills Carole ONeal Melinda Parsons Renee Pascale Maria Rocha Colleen Stevens Anne Wood
Women’s 3.5-4.0-4.5 Tri Champions OKC Captain Maricel Kuhn
An unforgettable memory for a young Tulsa area tennis player at the US Open. Scarlett Milner had the honor of performing the coin toss for the Sept. 3 match between Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet. It was the end of a whirl-wind day in New York for the 10-year-old, who had been looking forward to the day for months. Milner did not know which match she would be part of and was thrilled when she found out one of her favorite players, Nadal, would be part of it. She said it felt like a dream to meet the players, and that it’s sparked an even deeper love for the game. The Cedar Ridge Elementary 5th grader says she now hopes to attend the US Open every year!
Headed to sectionals in Omaha
DISTRICT TRI-LEVEL CHAMPIONS
Men’s 3.5-4.0-4.5 Tri Champions OKC Captain Craig Hays
minihan@ustaoklahoma
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