the
JANUARY 2022
ADULT LEAGUE UP 8.5% SINCE 2019
baseliner
oklahoma league Growth continues
| ISSUE no 21 USTA OKLAHOMA TENNIS MAGAZINE
USTA Oklahoma
Special Thanks to Article and Photo Contributors: cameronaggies.com gosoutheastern.com soonersports.com okstate.com utulsa.edu nsuok.edu
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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
Published by USTA OKLAHOMA
OK Executive Director
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USTA OKLAHOMA BOARD
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Thanks to our Oklahoma tennis facilities, usta oklahoma staff and volunteers, and our fantastic oklahoma tennis players of all ages, i have only good news as we start 2022
LETTER
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
appy New Year! It is good to be a tennis player in Oklahoma! For as crazy as 2020 was, with all its “pivots” Oklahoma tennis bounced back strong in 2021! Thanks to our Oklahoma Tennis facilities, USTA Oklahoma staff and volunteers, and our fantastic Oklahoma tennis players of all ages, I have only good news as we start 2022! Oklahoma Adult leagues grew substantially in 2021 with adult league growth up 9% from 2019. We have a total of 6769 adult tennis participants in 2021. The most amazing data point is that in the last 7 years, Oklahoma has gone from zero 2.5 teams to having 48 2.5 teams and a total of 435 participants! Our Oklahoma juniors are also experiencing exceptional growth. Our junior tennis tournaments are up by almost 8%! In 2021, we held 77 events with 5,112 participants. Junior Team Tennis reached an all-time high in participation in 2021, and we look forward to even more tournaments and JTT growth in 2022. Our Oklahoma Tennis Foundation has given away more than $26,600 in grants, awarded $8,500 in scholarships and has an exciting $250,000 matching grant for 2022! I hope to see you at our USTA Oklahoma Banquet on March 26th in Edmond where we can celebrate all this good news, and good tennis together! It is good to be a tennis player in Oklahoma! Mary Jo Tasker
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JANUARY ISSUE
5
29
COMMUNITY JUNIORS COVER ADULTS
CONTENTS
FEATURES
click a head
on the cover
2022 JUNIOR SCHEDULES 2022 ADULT SCHEDULES YEAR IN REVIEW SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH HALL OF FAME WINNERS 2021 MV AWARD WINNERS
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Adult League Teams
junior participants
573
up 8.5%
5,100
over
up 37%
7,100
inside oklahoma numbers
,
junior Tournaments
junior team tennis participants
ADULT PARTICIPANTS
77
1,012
2021 was a all time high
2022
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"More participation than any other District in Missouri Valley"
"Over 7,000 registrations in 2021 Adult Leagues"
YEAR IN REVIEW
he desire to play tennis is alive and well in Oklahoma! Building off a tremendous year in 2021, the stage is set for USTA activities to reach new heights in the new year. Participation in local leagues has surged as players embrace tennis as the ideal sport for healthy exercise, sportsmanship, competition, and social distancing admits an ongoing pandemic. A look back at the previous year shows growth in three key areas: USTA Oklahoma Adult Leagues, USTA Oklahoma Junior Tournaments and Oklahoma Junior Team Tennis. Nearly 2,800 people participated in a USTA Oklahoma Adult League in 2021, representing more than 7,000 overall registrations. That represents an 8.5% increase since 2019. “We give a lot of credit to the tennis pros and facilities”, says Michelle O’quin, Adult League District Coordinator. “They enthusiastically introduce USTA to these players, many of them picking up a racket for the first time.” O’quin says “a prime example is the 2.5 women’s league, where more than 430 players representing 48 teams participated.” Participation in UTSA Junior competition is up a whopping 37% since 2019. A new competition system launched last year brought uniformity across all 17 UTSA Sections, with 77 tournaments taking place at different clubs and facilities across the state. Multiple tournament formats and skill level options were available to the more than 5,100 junior participants who took part, with even more availability set to come in 2022. Junior Team Tennis (JTT) is growing as well. More than 1,000 players took part in an Oklahoma JTT league 2021, more than any other district in the Missouri Valley section. These competitions included the best of the junior teams facing off in the JTT District Championships this past July. Over 200 players ranging in age from 8 to 18 squared off at Edmond Center Court in Edmond, OK, competing in a festive atmosphere of cheering crowds, food trucks and snow cones. Some of the best players in the State took part in this competition. A great experience for sure! 2021 was also a banner year for the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation, which positively impacts lives by supporting and funding organizations that promote tennis and education. The OKTF board of directors and Executive Director, Carmen Bond continue to make an impact on Oklahoma youth with their FREE Hall of Fame Tennis Clinics. One such clinic was given in 2021 at “Positive Tomorrows” school for homeless children. The OKTF team including 33 volunteers introduced tennis to over 100 homeless kids ages 4 years to 6th grade. Another way the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation makes a difference is by supporting other tennis organizations and individuals. Grants totaling $36,600 were given out to programs in several different Oklahoma counties to help support adaptive tennis programs, the development of junior tennis players and educational opportunities. An additional $18,500 was also given in need-based academic and performance scholarships in 2021. If you would like to learn more about UTSA 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
David grew up in Midland, Texas and began competing in tennis at the age of 12. Playing competitively in USTA Texas junior tournaments and for his high school, David earned two State Championships (1991, 1992) and a scholarship to Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, Texas. David moved to Oklahoma in 1994 and was hired as the Director of Tennis in the summer of 1996 at Westwood Tennis Center in Norman, Oklahoma. In his 21 years there, Westwood was transformed from an 8-court facility to a beautifully landscaped complex that includes 12 outdoor courts, 4 youth courts, 2 indoor courts and clubhouse which was recognized in 2007 as the USTA National Outstanding Facility of the Year. In 2017, David was hired to manage Kickingbird Tennis Center while assisting the City of Edmond during the construction of the Edmond Center Court facility and then transitioned to Director of Tennis at ECC upon completion in 2020. David has spent most of his career highly involved with USTA. In 2014, one of David’s significant contribution to USTA Oklahoma was authoring the Oklahoma Earned Advancement System that brought new structure and growth to Oklahoma junior tennis. David is passionately involved in non-profits that target communities that would not have access to the sport of tennis otherwise. He is a Founding Family and a volunteer for the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation. He is also the founder and President of the Board of Directors for Play It Forward Tennis Foundation that brings tennis to adaptive and low-income players. He also authored a book, Coaching Your Tennis Champion, which was published by Mansion Grove House in 2008 and has written articles for numerous publications. He is also the founder and editor of the USTA Oklahoma magazine, The Baseliner. David has been awarded a myriad of tennis awards through the various organizations he has been a part of. The recognitions he most values is earning his Master Professional status with USPTA in 2008 and the USTA National Family of the Year award in 2020.
USTA OKLAHOMA
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HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
david minihan
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Jarin Skube first held a tennis racquet at the age of 18 months when his father, Mark, introduced him to the lifelong sport while living in the Chicago area where Jarin was born. He more formally began his tennis career at the Edmond Racquet Club at the age of 7 when Mark purchased Prince Jr. tennis racquets for he and his brother, Justin, for Christmas. Jarin quickly became one of the top juniors in the country by the age of 11 with unwavering support from coaches Bill Rompf, Lee Wright, Randy Witzel, Tim Ritchie and Rick Lashley, among others, as well as numerous elite players that provided invaluable guidance and inspiration including Krunch and Paul Kloberdanz and Brandon and Brian Bethea to name a few. He further credits his father and his mother, Kris, for making his career possible by ensuring he made it to every practice and match, setting “having fun” and “sportsmanship” as top priorities as well as his brother Justin for always providing the optimal balance of competition and support. Jarin claimed numerous victories in Oklahoma and Missouri Valley junior tournaments with #1 rankings in all age groups while also receiving the MVTA Sportsmanship Award in 18s. Jarin further realized success at the national level winning gold and silver balls in 14s, 16s and 18s. Jarin competed for Edmond Memorial High School where he played #1 singles all 4 years finishing with 139 singles wins. He won 3 #1 singles state championships and became the first freshman to win the state championship at #1 singles in the OSSAA’s largest division. Jarin received the Oklahoma Coaches’ Association Jim Thorpe High School Player of the Year Award and was named to the All-Decade Tennis Team for the 1990s. After graduating in 1998, Jarin continued his career at Texas A&M University reaching the top 10 in NCAA doubles while also earning first team all-conference and Academic All-American honors. Jarin served as team captain and graduated with honors from Texas A&M in 2003. After collegiate tennis, Jarin opted to pursue a career in finance, spending more than 10 years as an investment banker in New York, NY. Jarin retired from his investment banking career in 2019 and currently spends most of his time in Nosara, Costa Rica where he recently made a minority investment in a specialty coffee roasting company and is currently in the process of opening a small coffee shop at the beach. He continues to play tennis recreationally for exercise and enjoys mentoring local players on the strategic elements of the game.
jarin skube
CONTINUED: OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WINNERS
EDMOND CENTER COURT Facility of the Year
BRIAN DIEFENDERFER Adult Player of the Year (4.5 & Above)
junior sportsmanship
Jamie Wheat is audacious in his goals for coaching the Crossing Christian School’s Middle School and High School tennis team. It is the definition of a no-cut program. Coach Wheat’s program is high performing and successful as its varsity level.
SAMANTHA NGUYEN
SCARLET MILNER
Krise decided to try tennis during her medical recovery and fell in love with her new sport. Krise has been dominating on the court and off the court. She is ranked 420 Nationally in G14's, ranked #50 in MV, and ranked #2 in Oklahoma in G14's
JAMIE WHEAT High School Coach of the Year
Brian Diefenderfer has been a USTA member for nearly 20 years and during this time has actively competed in USTA leagues and tournaments. Diefenderfer finished the year 14-3 at the 4.5 and above level.
SECTION
LAUREN KRISE Junior Emerging Player of the Year-Female
Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, the brand new Edmond Center Court is considered one of the top public facilities in the country. Center Court has 24 outdoor courts including two stadium courts with seating, 6 indoor courts, as well as a state of the art 31,000 square foot clubhouse.
MISSOURI VALLEY AWARD WINNERS FROM OKLAHOMA fNON-EMBARRASSMENT
IVY WILSON
Dean Richardville is the USTA Oklahoma Chair of officials, this includes making all the officials work assignments for all USTA Tournaments in the state. He is the vice chair of officials for the Missouri Valley, and assigns all the Big 12 college tennis matches. He chairs college matches, works USTA Junior tournaments at the District, Sectional, and National level.
DEAN RICHARDVILLE Outstanding Official of the Year
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OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER Member Organization of the Year
USTA GIRLS 16 SECTION INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS BY TIFFANY MILNER @RH-91 Junior Tournament of the Year
In 2021, 16 year old Gracie Epps is ranked #1 in Oklahoma in Girls 18s. Her current national ranking in Girls 18s is #72, ITF Junior Ranking is #137, and she is ranked top 130 in the world right in juniors. Epps recently won the ITF title in Cancun.
OKCTC includes twenty four outdoor courts, three permanent 36' outdoor courts, three permanent 60' orange ball outdoor courts, and 6 indoor courts making it the largest facility in the Missouri Valley. The Tennis Center is home to 2,000 matches of USTA league play and over 300 courts of local CTA play yearly.
GRACIE EPPS High Performance Junior Player of the Year-Female
This 5-day, Level 1 tournament with a draw of 128 and the first national championships to run fully in Serve Tennis for all age divisions. There were no delays in the scheduling and the one day of rain, the tournament director was able to secure indoor courts within 15 minutes allowing play to continue.
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Estimated over 400 players and family members will attend 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.
"FATHER OF OKLAHOMA TENNIS" STATUE UNVEILIED
In every aspect for USTA Oklahoma tennis and tennis throughout the country there has been a significant growth in participation. People have started playing this great sport as a safe way to stay active and healthy throught the pandemic.
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A titan of Oklahoma tennis is now a permanent part of the new Edmond Center Court tennis facility. A statue honoring former University of Central Oklahoma tennis coach Francis Baxter was dedicated during a special event on May 2, 2021.
OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER HOSTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
THEBASELINER.NET/ADULTS
2021 Highlights
One stop shop for any adult league information, including 2022 schedules, rules and regulations, article, and much more .
Edmond Center Court has 24 outdoor courts including two stadium courts with seating, 6 indoor courts, as well as a state of the art 31,000 square foot clubhouse.
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HUGE Year for Oklahoma Tennis
EDMOND CENTER COURT COMPLETED
NEW ADULT LEAGUE "CATCH-ALL" PAGE
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When Should I Start Playing in USTA Junior Team Tennis? USTA Junior Team Tennis teams offer options for players ages 5 to 18. Players who start on a JTT team are expected to be able to serve, maintain a rally and know how to keep score. USTA Junior Team Tennis Counts Towards the Net Generation PlayTracker.
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TAKE A LOOK
over 1,000 players participated in Oklahoma JTT in 2021
J T T
How Do I Start a USTA Junior Team Tennis team? Nearly 100,000 kids nationwide play Junior Team Tennis annually, thanks to the parents who donate their time and talents. If you would like to get involved contact your local tennis facility or email the Oklahoma Junior Team Tennis Coordinator for more information at mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com
WhY Should i PLAY in USTA Junior Team Tennis? On a tennis team, you’ll learn about unity, sportsmanship and how to work together to achieve success. You’ll also learn that success isn’t just about winning; it’s about how you play the game and respond to challenges. For players ages 10 and under, they will receive PlayTracker points for every USTA Junior Team Tennis event they participate in.
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
jtt section qualifier
*Non-Advancement to Section Championships
JUNE 1 - JULY 18 MATCH PLAY - TBD *STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS July 26 & 27 @ LaFortune (Top 2 teams from Tulsa & OKC)
FALL
DIVISIONS: (no 12 & under) 14 & Under Intermediate 14 & Under Advanced 18 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Advanced
Each team plays at least 2 matches & TOP 2 teams from each age divsion ADVANCE to Missouri Valley Section Championships
MARCH 6 - APRIL 24 MATCH PLAY SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
2022 schedule
NOTE: (Advancing to Section & National Championships have nothing to do with the local JTT season)
Questions? Contact Casey McKenzie mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com
SUMMER
SPRING
SEPTEMBER 11 - OCT 23 MATCH PLAY SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
Local Season Format: TBD before each season at the Mandatory Coaches Meeting or Zoom Call.
JUNE 28 & 29 @ Edmond Center Court ALL DAY SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
Qualifier Format: Boys singles Girl singles Boy doubles Girl doubles Mixed doubles
local League
*NEW ADVANCING FORMAT* TO QUALIFY for SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS YOUR TEAM HAS TO PLAY IN THE JTT QUALIFIER
I am between the age of 5-10, have played Team Challenges and now ready to take the next step. What's next? A USTA Junior Circuit is a new program that utilizes a non-elimination round robin draw format for players of all ages to gain match play experience in a tournament setting with a focus on individual results. This experience will encourage players of all ages to develop their skills through level-based play and demonstrate good sportsmanship. It is designed to be delivered as a single event, up to a half-day, with the objective of providing a competitive environment guaranteeing individual match play. A USTA Junior Circuit can be played with orange, or green tennis balls. Player ratings can be used in green and yellow ball to help group players into flights and facilitate level-based play. An eye test can be used during the group warm-up to flight players in the orange ball division. A USTA Junior Circuit event can be delivered by registered Net Generation providers as a fantastic way to help foster a lifelong love of the game by supporting appropriate play opportunities! As we continue to develop the USTA Junior Circuit program, additional draw types and formats of play may be included to ensure a fun and developmentally appropriate environment. Play Tracker Click here to learn more about the Play Tracker.
junior Circuit Play tracker BG10
CONGRATS
TENNIS COMPETITION JOURNEY
ages 10-18 entry level Tournaments
Jan 22 (BG 10 Orange) Enid REGISTER HERE Jan 23 (BG 10 Green) Enid REGISTER HERE Feb 19 (BG 10 Orange) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Feb 20 (BG 10 Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE March 5 (BG 10 -18) Ind. Springs REGISTER HERE March 12 (BG 10-18) Earlywine REGISTER HERE April 9 (BG 10-18) Westwood REGISTER HERE April 23 (BG 10-18) Center Court REGISTER HERE May 14 (BG 10-18) RH-91 REGISTER HERE May 28 (BG 10-18) LaFortune REGISTER HERE June 4 (BG 10-18) Earlywine REGISTER HERE June 25 (BG 10-18) Center Court REGISTER HERE July 9 (BG 10-18) Enid REGISTER HERE August 6 (BG 10-18) Earlywine REGISTER HERE August 20 (BG10-18) Ind. Springs REGISTER HERE Sept 3 (BG 10-18) LaFortune REGISTER HERE Sept 24 (BG 10-18) Enid REGISTER HERE Oct 8 (BG10-18) Ind. Springs REGISTER HERE Oct 29 (BG 10-18) Westwood REGISTER HERE Nov 19 (Orange) Hidden Trail REGISTER HERE Nov 20 (Green) Hidden Trails REGISTER HERE Dec 3 (G10-18) Oak Tree REGISTER HERE Dec 4 (B10-18) Oak Tree REGISTER HERE
usta ok
Junior Catch-All Site thebaseliner.net/juniors usta.com/juniorplay
junior circuit schedule
I am between the age of 12-18, never played a USTA tournament and consider myself a beginner-tournament player, where do I start? These tournaments are non-elimination and played in a fun and exciting environment! This circuit is a great way to get educated on the USTA Oklahoma circuit and general information on the do’s and don’ts of USTA tournaments. Who can play the BG12-18 Junior Circuit? a. Look for any tournament that reads Junior Circuit (Name of Tournament) BG12-18 b. Anyone ages 12-18 c. Beginner-Intermediate players that are new to USTA tournaments d. Out of state players may participate in a Junior Circuit tournament e. Players that compete on the Junior Tour (L1-L7) should not be playing the junior circuit.
junior Circuit BG12-18
After players have achieved success in USTA Junior Circuit events, they may want to explore USTA Junior Tournaments. We strongly recommend beginning at Level 7 tournaments, an intermediate level competitive tournament that guarantees multiple matches in a short period of time. Seven Levels of Competition The structure of USTA Junior Tournaments utilizes 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. For intermediate players who are ready to earn ranking points, you can start by playing in Level 7 and Level 6 events which offer low cost of entry. How Do I Know When I Am Ready to Move to the Next Level? There are different philosophies for advancing through competition, but one universal principle is that a player should only advance to the next level if they are consistently winning more matches than they are losing.
I am between the age of 7-10, have played the Junior Circuit and have completed the Play Tracker requirements, what's next? Or... I'm am between the age of 11-18 and have competed in the Junior Circuit, what's next?
Junior Tour L5-L7
Junior Catch-All Site thebaseliner.net/juniors
18 & under
USTA OK L5-L7
Jan 7-9 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Feb 4-6 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE March 5-6 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE March 5 (B) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE March 6 (G) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Mar 12-13 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 12 RH-91 L7 REGISTER HERE Mar 26-27 Westwood L6 REGISTER HERE Mar 26 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE April 9-10 RH-91 L6 REGISTER HERE April 9 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE April 23-24 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE April 23 Enid L7 REGISTER HERE May 21-22 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE May 21 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE May 27-29 OKCTC L5 REGISTER HERE May 28 Enid L7 REGISTER HERE June 4-5 Duncan L6 REGISTER HERE June 4 Tulsa Union L7 REGISTER HERE June 10-12 ECC L5 REGISTER HERE June 11 Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE June 18-19 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE June 18 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE June 25-26 Enid L6 REGISTER HERE June 25 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE July 2-3 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE July 2 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE July 9-10 Ada L6 REGISTER HERE July 9 (Girls) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE July 10(Boys) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE July 16-17 Tulsa Union L6 REGISTER HERE July 16 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE July 23-24 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE July 23 Lawton L7 REGISTER HERE July 29-31 LaFortune L5 REGISTER HERE July 30 RH-91 L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 6-7 Duncan L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 6 Enid L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 13-14 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 13 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 20-21 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 20 Lawton L7 REGISTER HERE Aug 27-28 RH-91 L6 REGISTER HERE Aug 27 Tulsa Union L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 3-4 Enid L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 3 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 10-11 Duncan L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 10 Tulsa Union L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 17-18 Earlywine L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 17 Oak Tree L7 REGISTER HERE Sept 24-25 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE Sept 24 Tulsa Union L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 1-2 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 1(Girls) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 2 (Boys) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 8-9 Tulsa Union L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 8 Ind. Springs L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 15-16 Enid L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 15 ECC L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 22-23 LaFortune L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 22 LaFortune L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 29-30 ECC L6 REGISTER HERE Oct 29 (Boys) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Oct 30 (Girls) Earlywine L7 REGISTER HERE Nov 18-20 OKCTC L6 REGISTER HERE Dec 2-4 Ind. Springs L6 REGISTER HERE
Players will be selected off the most recent USTA standings list. Entry count limited to 24 players per singles event. Deadline will be the Monday prior to the tournament at 4:59pm.
Players will be selected off the most recent USTA standings list. Entry count limited to 16 players per singles event. Deadline will be the Monday prior to the tournament at 4:59pm.
Level 5
Level 7
There is not an entry limit for Level 7 tournaments. Deadline will be the Tuesday prior to the tournament at 4:59pm.
Note: Some tournaments might not have a concurrent Level 7 event. Please check the searchable schedule.
If a player is not one of the top 16 players selected, they have until 4:59pm the Tuesday prior to the tournament to register for the concurrent L7 event.
Level 6
If a player is not one of the top 24 players selected, they have until 4:59pm the Tuesday prior to the tournament to register for the concurrent L7 event.
USTA Oklahoma Tournament Registration Process
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Own Your Developmental Path
There is no black and white roadmap for developing into any kind of athlete. I challenge all players to take ownership of where they are in developing their game. No matter what the end goal is you have to understand and OWN where you are in your tennis development! Everyone develops at a different pace. It’s pretty easy for coaches, parents, and players to worry about what everyone else is doing and not focus enough on ourselves. Frankly, we all spend too much time looking over our shoulders, and need to be reminded to run our own race and do what WE need to do to get better every day. I’ll use myself as an example. My little brother was always way better than me, and it really was always on my mind. I spent more time feeling sorry for myself than I did worrying about what I was doing to get better. When I was a Junior in High School I actually wanted to quit. My dad was a tennis pro, and I felt like I was an embarrassment not bringing home a trophy like my little brother did every weekend. My ranking stunk and it was so frustrating. I trained longer and harder than him, and I still lost all of the time – while he won all of the time. Luckily my dad convinced me to stick it out, and keep working, but focus all of my energy on what I could control not what anyone else was doing. We identified that I was worried about all of the wrong things and not focused on myself enough. We sat down and made a specific list of the things that I needed to improve if I wanted to win more consistently. We focused on my weaknesses, and made sure to keep developing my strengths. After a few months on this plan I started winning a lot more and it was like a light bulb went off in my head. The next year I had improved enough and signed with Virginia Tech. Two years after that I won my first Gold Ball and became an NCAA All-American. Who would have known! The funny thing is that my brother who won his whole life ended up in the same place I did! Crazy! In conclusion, Own your game. Own your strengths as a player. Own your weaknesses as a player. Own where you are development path. Own where you are with your ranking. Try not waste time worrying about things you can’t control. Sit down with your coach and make a very specific list of areas to improve, and relentlessly work to improve them. We all develop differently.
By Aaron Marchetti, USPTA Edmond Center Court
2022 College Tennis SCHEDULES
Cameron University student-athlete Melany Opolz was named to the Lone Star Conference All-Academic and Sportsmanship Teams, while four others were named honorable mention All-Conference
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
CLICK HERE FOR THE MEN'S SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE WOMEN'S SCHEDULE
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA
DAVID BRYANT CLARENCE DYER DILLARD EUBANK IKE GROCE KIMM KETELSON MARK MILLIGAN CURTIS RICHMOND STEVE ROEMER JAMES WADLEY WARREN WOMBLE JOANIE KITCHENS GOSS
sOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE HAS A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF ALUMNI THAT HAVE BEEN INDUCTED IN THE southeastern athletics TENNIS HALL OF FAME. cHECK OUT ALL THE SOUTHEASTERN HALL OF FAMERS!
cowgirl tennis fall recap It has been an eventful fall for Oklahoma State's women's tennis team on and off the court. OSU signed Sofia Rojas, Oona Orpana, Mhai Mananchaya and Martina Zerulo to begin the season. The Cowgirls set the stage this fall for high expectations come the spring season between the three returners and four signees. The newcomers got off to a fast start. Zerulo won the Tucker Tennis Academy UTR event after defeating fellow Cowgirl Sofia Rojas in the semifinals and Laia Conde Montfort of Tulsa in the finals, 6-4, 6-1. In her five wins, she didn't lose more than five games in a match. In October, the duo of Oona Orpana and Martina Zerulo won the doubles draw at the Norman Open Series. In the semifinals, Orpana and Zerulo defeated fellow the Cowgirl duo of Ayumi Miyamoto and Mhai Sawangkaew, 7-6, 6-3. They would go on to complete their perfect week with a victory over Mckenna Schaefbauer and Kelly Williford 6-2, 5-7 [10-6]. Ayumi Miyamoto and Mhai Sawangkaew won the doubles draw at the Big 12 Fall Invite to close out the fall season. To win the doubles championship, the duo took down Texas Tech's Kailey Evans and Avelina Sayfetdinova, 8-4. The Cowgirls got it done off the court this fall as well. Oklahoma State women's tennis student-athlete Lora Boggs was one of 51 students recognized by the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association as a 2021-22 Senior of Significance. The Seniors of Significance Award recognizes students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to campus and community and have brought distinction to OSU. The 51 students represent the top one percent of the Class of 2022, including all five OSU undergraduate academic colleges. OSU currently has three student-athletes ranked in the 2021-22 ITA Tennis Division 1 national women's tennis rankings, with freshman Oona Orpana earning the highest singles ranking of any Cowgirl as she landed at No. 55, while fellow newcomer Mhai Sawangkaew checked in at No. 86. In addition, Ayumi Miyamoto and Mhai Sawangkaew are the 56th-ranked doubles duo in the nation. The Cowgirls will begin their spring season Jan. 14-17, at the Freeman Memorial tournament in Las Vegas. OSU's first seven dual matches will take place at the Greenwood Tennis Center starting January 19 against Princeton. For the latest information on the Oklahoma State women's tennis team, follow the team on social media @CowgirlTennis..
The 50,000 square foot tennis center is located just north of Boone Pickens Stadium. The indoor facility houses six tennis courts, along with coaches' offices, locker rooms, and a sports medicine hub complete with a hydrotherapy center. The indoor facilities are able to seat at least 350 spectators.
CLICK HERE FOR THE woMEN'S SCHEDULE
Cowgirl Cowboy Culture
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NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE CONT.
Oklahoma had a total of 48 2.5 teams with 435 participants
Adult League District Coordinator, Michelle O'quin
OKC has gone from ZERO 2.5 women to 181 and 1 9 teams
Oklahoma 8.5% growth since 2019
Since 2015 Tulsa has increased 51%
Tulsa is close to having more registrations than any other district
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HUGE Thanks to Oklahoma Teaching Pros Introducing USTA to Players
Adult 18 & Over: Saturday, July 9 -10 OKCTC & Earlywine Adult 40 & Over: Saturday, July 23 - 24 LaFortune Adult 55 & Over: Saturday, June 18 -19 Edmond Center Court Adult 65 & Over: Saturday, June 4 - 5 University of Oklahoma, Norman Mixed 18 & Over: Saturday, August 13 -14 LaFortune Park Mixed 40 & Over: Saturday, June 11 - 12 OKCTC Tri-Level 18 & Over: Saturday, October 1- 2 LaFortune Park
tulsa area
district championships
Adult 18 & Over: April – July Adult 18-39 Men’s and Women’s: September - November, last matches in March Adult 18-39 Co-Ed: September - November, last matches in March Adult 40 & Over: September - November, last matches in March Adult 55 & Over: April - July Adult 65 & Over: January – March (Indoor) 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: September - November, last matches in March 55 & over Mixed: December - February (Indoor) Tri-Level 18 & Over: July - September
ADULT LEAGUES DATES
oklahoma
USTA OKLAHOMA LEAGUE
Adult 18 & Over: April – July 18 & Over Women's Day: August – November Adult 40 & Over: (Women) March – May Adult 40 & Over: (Men) September – November, March Adult 55 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0: March – June Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Women only: Mid-January – March indoor Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Men only: April - July Adult 65 & Over: March - May 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: March – June 55 & over Mixed: TBD Tri-Level 18 & Over: June – August
Leagues
okc area
31 I thebaseliner.net
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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
communication opt in
Please go through the quick and easy process to opt into the USTA Oklahoma Adult League Communication Center before the season kicks off. Communication Center allows for League administrators and coordinators to easily message players who have registered and subscribed to receive League communications. Players can take advantage of the new TennisLink Communication Center feature by subscribing to messages under Event Communication while completing their league registration 1. Login to the TennisLink “My Tennis” page. 2. Under USTA League, click Subscribe next to desired team, as seen in this image. 3. In the Event Communications box, enter the required fields, as seen in this image: email ddress cell number 4. Ensure that the ”Receive announcements and communications related to this league via email and/or text message” box is checked. 5. Click Subscribe. Please contact Michelle O'Quin at oquin@ustaoklahoma.com with further questions.
adult league
spring sign up
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.
okc
USTA LEAGUES How to Join a Team & Self Rate
Michelle O'quin
tulsa
If you don't have a team or team # please contact:
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.
ADULT MEMBERSHIP $44
oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
(JTT)
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.
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.
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP $0
hale@ustaoklahoma.com
ADULT LEAGUE
Kara Hale
CLICK HERE
why usta?
self-rate
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.
ADULT LEAGUE RATINGS
December 1st Adult Ratings are Released on Tennislink.
NTRP LEVEL BY LEVEL INFO VIDEOS:
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
NOVEMBER
SPOTLIGHTS
JONESY NUNLY
Where do you volunteer? Britton Christian Church Tennis Academy in Oklahoma City Favorite tennis memory? BCCTA memories for sure. From the beginning, we simply wanted to provide kids in our church, in our neighborhood the opportunity to learn the game of tennis. That mission statement is still very much alive but, in addition, we now have several kids ranked high in the state and Mo. Valley. Watching kids grow in their faith and on the court has been a real blessing for all of us. Do you play tennis? Yes, it’s in my family’s DNA. My brother, Don Brewington, was one of the top juniors in the Mo. Valley during his era and went on to be a top player in his 30’s and 40’s. He encouraged me to get my USPTA teaching pro certification which I did two years ago. How long have you been playing? Around the age of ten my brother gave me one of his Wilson Kramer racquets and I started hitting balls off a brick wall under a pecan tree at my Grandma’s house. Favorite Athlete? Roger Federer Forehand or backhand? Love the forehand but once in awhile can sneak in a greasy backhand. Favorite sport, besides tennis? Golf Favorite food? Sushi from The Sushi Bar
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STEVE PORTER
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
2021
Where do you play? The Club at Indian Springs Favorite tennis memory? Winning my first tournament Where are you from? Broken Arrow, OK How long have you been playing? About a year. I used to only play in the summer’s until I started playing tournaments. Favorite athlete? US Women’s National Team Player, Carli Lloyd Who is your tennis coach? Doug Stone & Tyler Cobb What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? I always listen to “pump up music” before any tournament. I typically have a banana and nutrigrain bar before early morning matches. What racquet do you use? Babolat Pure Drive Forehand or backhand? Forehand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Soccer! Favorite food? Thai
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
NJTL PLAYER OF THE MONTH
TAYTUM JONES
Where do you play? ECC, Edmond Center Court Favorite tennis memory? Going to regionals with Team Tennis and being the victors! Where are you from? Edmond, OK How long have you been playing? I've been playing for about 4 years Favorite athlete? Arthur Ashe! Who is your tennis coach? Alli & Aaron What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? I listen to hip hop and I always wear this ankle bracelet on his left ankle. The ankle bracelet means "Jesus came down to earth, he died for our sings on the cross, he was buried, he rose from the dead and went back to heaven and he will return." People alwyas ask me what it means and I can share my faith! What racquet do you use? Wilson Clash Forehand or backhand? Forehand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Basketball Favorite Food? Burgers and fries from Dairy Queen
CURTIS BRADSHAW
JANUARY
SAM ROBERTS
ADAPTIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
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Where do you play? LaFortune Park Tennis Center Favorite tennis memory? My first tennis camp at LaFortune with Vince Schmidt, Julie Harrelson and Melissa McCorkle where I first played tennis and all of my friends who volunteer to help. Where are you from? Tulsa, OK How long have you been playing? I've been playing for about 6 years Favorite athlete? There are so many in the world it’s hard to pick. Some of them are Amy Bockerstette and Brad Hefner – golfers and friends who happen to have Down Syndrome. Favorite tennis athlete, Serena Williams and the ORU tennis players. Who is your tennis coach? Peter McCorkle! He’s awesome! What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Drink lots of water. Best Tip, wear sweatbands, I like Adidas! What racquet do you use? A Head racquet Forehand or backhand? Backhand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Nothing else but I used to play Bocci, Basketball, Bowling, and Baseball. Favorite Food? Everything!
Where do you play? Edmond Center Court Favorite tennis memory? The first time I was able to make my mom run around all over the court for a ball. Where are you from? Houston, TX How long have you been playing? About 2 years. Favorite athlete? Alex Bregman on the Houston Astro's Who is your tennis coach? Caitlyn Metseff What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Eggs & Toast or a Banana What racquet do you use? Babolat Pure Drive Purple Forehand or backhand? Forehand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Swimming! Favorite food? Steak and brown gravy, made by my mom!
ADALIE SMITH
Where do you volunteer? Edmond Center Court How long have you been volunteering at this organization? 2-3 years Do you play tennis? Yes Favorite tennis memory? Winning my first tournament. How long have you been playing? Probably for 13 or 14 years, but only competitively for 6 or 7 years. Where are you from? Edmond, Oklahoma What racquet do you use? I mainly use Wilson racquets. Favorite Athlete? Ronald Acuña Jr Who is your tennis coach? Julius Lubicz What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? My pre match ritual is to tap the back fence of the court with my racquet 3 times, I have no idea why I started doing this. Forehand or backhand? Forehand Favorite sport, besides tennis? Favorite sport to watch is Football. My other favorite sport to play is Baseball. Favorite food? Spaghetti with Parmesan cheese
thebaseliner.net
usta.com
minihan@ustaoklahoma.com
405.312.5252
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USTA Oklahoma Adult League oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
USTA Oklahoma Juniors mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com