| ISSUE no 9 USTA OKLAHOMA TENNIS MAGAZINE
the
meet lisa minihan
JANUARY 2019
2019 Schedules for Juniors & College
MISSOURI VALLEY'S NEW PRESIDENT FROM EDMOND, OKLAHOMA
in this issue
Adult National Champions
baseliner
Where are they now?
Published by USTA OKLAHOMA
President Bill Towler Vice President - Adults Mary Jo Tasker Vice President - Juniors Eric Wedemeyer Secretary Bart Ramsey Treasurer Dwayne Campbell NE Quadrant
Peter McCorkle NW Quadrant
John Sedlack SE Quadrant
Dawna Johnston SW Quadrant
Phil Barnes
USTA OKLAHOMA BOARD
Special Thanks to Article Contributors: Todd Widom - www.twtennis.com Rose Drebes - Edmond Life & Leisure Dr. Larry Lauer & USTA Player Development Coaches www.uco.edu.
USTA Oklahoma
Advertise with us!
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OK Executive Director
Text
find yourself in the game
Check out USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame & Award banquet where some Oklahomans were recognized
JUNIORS
Oklahoma's own, Lisa Minihan, was slated as the new section President for USTA Missouri Valley. Check out her interview and ideas for the future.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
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click a head
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COVER
on the cover
CONTENTS
20
FEATURES
ADULTS
COLLEGE
COMMUNITY
JANUARY ISSUE
28
OKLAHOMAN'S WIN
Take a look at where some of the top junior players from Oklahoma have gone and how they're doing today
Tennis is a game that enjoys a unique social fabric. The team and tournament aspect of our programming leads to close friendships and fellowship. I think all of us would say that many of our closest friends, social experiences and fond memories are wired around tennis.
hile numbers are not always the measure of a successful year there are a few I would like to share with our USTA Oklahoma Membership for 2018: 194 Net Generation providers in our state – 64 more than the next closest district in Missouri Valley 1951 youth players registered to Net Generation – most in the Valley 114 Youth Tournaments 7560 Youth Participation’s in tournament play 7734 USTA Adult League Participants – by far and away the most in the Valley 1837 Adult Tournament Participants – most in the Valley. These numbers just give a little insight into the level of activity and engagement we enjoy in Oklahoma. Beyond the level of play, however, is a unique commitment to taking the game to the undeserved. In 2018 our 4 NJTL’s (Youth at Heart, Play It Forward, First Serve and the Britton Christian Church Tennis Academy along with the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation raised $550,000 to invest in capital projects and programming. Pretty amazing! As impressive as the numbers are, the most impressive attribute of USTA Oklahoma are our people. This is an absolute fact. We have an incredible staff at both USTA Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation. Our volunteers in both organizations spend countless hours giving back to and working to grow the game. The commitment to our NJTL’s from volunteers is as impressive. Tennis is a game that enjoys a unique social fabric. The team and tournament aspect of our programming leads to close friendships and fellowship. I think all of us would say that many of our closest friends, social experiences and fond memories are wired around tennis. As we move into 2019 we will strive to polish and improve as an organization serving our members and constituents. We will make it clear to all interested in getting started as well as those who have been playing for decades a clearly defined strategic pathway to engage in our game. On that note if you are interested in getting involved or have any questions at all about USTA Oklahoma or just getting started in tennis please do not hesitate to call or ask any member of staff or one of our volunteers. We are always happy to talk tennis! Cordially, Bill Towler, USTA Oklahoma President
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
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LETTER 

In his 22 years of coaching tennis, Kickingbird Director of Tennis David Minihan said operating the Play It Forward Tennis Foundation is by far the favorite part of his career. Play It Forward is an outreach foundation that celebrates the idea that anyone from anywhere should be able to play and compete, he said. "Our focus is diversity and inclusion, reaching out to those with special needs and those that might not have the means to afford tennis instruction,†he said. "It really tugs at my heart.†"I believe if you ask any of my staff, they would say the same thing. It is an honor to coach these wonderful athletes.†Minihan, a master professional with the United States Professional Tennis Association, took the helm of the Kickingbird Tennis Center on Jan. 1. Prior to Kickingbird, he operated Westwood Tennis Center in Norman, the 2007 USTA National Facility of the Year, for 21 years. He is best-known for his work with "grassroots†tennis and has been recognized with many awards by both the USTA district and section. Minihan has also published many articles and tips which can be read by going to www.thebaseliner.net. Most recently, Minihan founded and is the chief editor of the Oklahoma tennis magazine, The Baseliner. Minihan and his wife Lisa established the Play It Forward Tennis Foundation. He said the idea for the organization arose out of the fact that Kickingbird is a great facility. "In 12-16 months we are going to have one of the top tennis complexes in the country,†he said. "We have a great opportunity to give back with the resources that we currently have and will have in the future. What a great way to use tennis to give back to our community.†Play It Forward offers programs for the Down syndrome community, as well as a USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning clinic for kids who are underserved and Attire for a Smile. Attire for a Smile was founded by the Minihans’ daughter Chloe. It partners with the Hope Center of Edmond to provide clothing and shoes to children of the community. Reaching out to the Down syndrome community was a new experience for Minihan. In July, Kickingbird hosted the USTA Girls 18 National Selection. "We wanted to do something special to give back to the community in conjunction with our national event,†Minihan said. "We had a customer come in to our clubhouse one day with his daughter with down syndrome.†"I went up to shake her hand and instead she gave me the biggest hug. I was sold, we were going to start a down syndrome program within our foundation.†Play It Forward thus kicked off the new program with a free clinic in conjunction with the national tournament. Eleven national tournament players volunteered to be a buddy to the children with down syndrome. The foundation works closely with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, which has been a great help with advice on such things as coach-student ratio, Minihan said. "We keep our ratio to one coach per two athletes,†he said. "In addition, we have a volunteer (a buddy) for each athlete, so they are getting great one-on-one attention.†Participants in any of the foundation’s clinics can expect to hit lots of tennis balls, Minihan said. "We teach them the lines of the court, how to hold the racquet and the mechanics on how to hit the ball,†he said. "We also do agility training.†"We typically have five stations that focus on different aspects of the game. After 10 minutes, the athletes will rotate to another station.†Minihan said he hopes the young athletes will get hooked on the game. "I think the end goal is for these athletes to fall in love with the game and want to come back for more tennis.†Players can register online through the organization’s website, www.playitforwardedmond.com. The cost is $10, but Minihan said full scholarships are available for those that might not have the means to afford the class. All revenue generated goes to the foundation which is a 501 c3. By Rose Drebes
Courtesy of Edmond Life & Leisure
Play it Forward Tennis Foundation 
Does Outreach & Stresses Inclusion
2018 Oklahoma 
Hall of Fame Inductees
Jessica Braver Reineke
Kathy Kraft West
HALL of FAME & AWARDS
Oklahoma Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet
The 20th Annual USTA Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony will take place February 2, 2019 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club located at Hall of Fame located at 7000 NW Grand Blvd, Nichols Hills, OK 73116. Join us as we recognize those that stood out during the 2018 year along with the Hall of Fame inductees. If you would like to attend, click here and email for more information.
Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
First Serve Facility of the Year
RH-91 Member Organization of the Year
LaFortune Tennis Center Tennis Family of the Year
The Minihan Family Junior Player of the Year - Male
Chris Dyer Junior Player of the Year -Female
Zoe Hammond Recreational Junior Player of the Year-Female Lauren Michalcik Recreational Junior Player of the Year-Male
Graham Clark Adult Player of the Year David Box Recreational Adult Player of the Year
Roxy Castner JTT Organizer of the Year
Gabrielle Carillo Event of the Year
Game Set Match-LaFortune Outstanding Adult Tournament
The Greens Outstanding High School Coach Tyler Ashley Outstanding Junior Tournament
Kickingbird-July Nationals Distinguished Service
Steve Henry Outstanding Community Service Britton Christian Church High School Coach of the Year
Tyler Ashley - Union High School Outstanding Contributor to Youth High Performance
Tomas Stillman Outstanding Official
Jeff Wilson Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Taylor Howard
Saturday, February 2, 2019
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2018 USTA Oklahoma Award Recipients
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Please join us as we recognize our new 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees and Award Winners
Note: To reserve a ticket(s) or table, please email markmaxted@me.com for more information. Registration deadline is January 21, 2019.
AWARDS BANQUET
Your invited
USTA Oklahoma & Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Cordially invite you to the
Saturday, February 2, 2019 Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club 7000 North West Grand Boulevard Nichols Hills, OK 73116 11:00 am Doors Open 11:30 Lunch will be served Attire, Business Formal
20th Annual USTA Oklahoma Awards & Hall of Fame Banquet
Individual adult ticket $75.00 Individual child (12 and under) ticket $25.00 Table sponsor (8 guests) $750.00
Lisa Minihan, USTA Missouri Valley President
Meet Missouri Valley's Newest President
Lisa Minihan resides in Edmond, Oklahoma. She recently took over as President of the USTA Missouri Valley section. Where are you from? I'm from Mason, Texas - which is a tiny town of 2,000 in the middle of the Hill Country. While it might be small, it is a huge tennis town. Everyone plays. Favorite Food? Seafood - anything shrimp, crab or lobster. Take me to Boston and feed me a lobster roll any day. How many children do you have? Two children - Aspen (15) and Chloe (11) ....and a dog, and a stray cat....and a hamster. Oh and a husband, David. :) Do they play tennis? They both play tennis. They have played competitive USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Oklahoma tournaments, as well as Junior Team Tennis. Aspen played middle school tennis and will be continuing with high school tennis at Crossings Christian School. Chloe has been selected for the EDC developmental camps. While they play tennis, their first love dance - and that is perfectly okay with mom. Have you always played tennis? My dad was a tennis coach so there are photos of tennis racquets in my hands before I could even walk. I don't remember a world without tennis. Best Tennis Memory? There was a female (which was rare back then) tournament director at the HEB Tennis Center in Corpus Christi, Texas when I was playing juniors. My brother and I both played junior events at the facility 2-3 times a year. Over the course of years, we formed a special bond and I always looked forward to playing her events. She was different than any other tournament director I had met. You instantly knew that you mattered as a person, and not just a name on the draw. My last USTA junior tournament before I graduated was at her facility, and she surprised me with a graduation gift. I had had no idea that she had treasured our friendship as much as I had. She is the reason I love serving as a tournament director. I try to pay it forward and positively impact the lives of the kids that come across my desk. What do you do besides volunteer your time as President of USTA Missouri Valley? Mostly I serve as an uber driver for my 2 children to all their activities. I am the Director of Athletic Operations at Oak Tree Country Club, working with both the tennis and fitness departments. Our family attends Crossings Community Church. In my free time, I love to read and travel. Your biggest accomplishment? I was very lucky to have a lot of really great experiences in my academic years, both undergrad and graduate. Topping that list would be winning one of the Presidential Scholarships at my alma mater and being chosen as a Senior keynote speaker. However, the most meaningful award I have received is the Blue Ribbon National Tournament Director Award because of how much running a good tournament means to me. In this next chapter, David and I are working to organize and grow a new NJTL program in Oklahoma, Play It Forward. I have a feeling that our experiences with this program will outweigh all the previous endeavors. What roles have you been in as a volunteer for USTA tennis? I began volunteering for USTA as the USTA Oklahoma Vice-President on the Board of Directors. Part of this role was to chair the Oklahoma Junior Competition Committee and serve as a representative on the USTA Missouri Valley Junior Competition Committee. On the following terms, I served as USTA Oklahoma President, USTA Missouri Valley Treasurer, and USTA Missouri Valley 1st Vice President. During this time, I kept of with my first passion still serving as the board liaison to the USTA MV Junior Competition Committee, serving as a member of the the National Local Play & Competition committee and the National Junior Competition Committee. As Past President of USTA Oklahoma, I also served as chair of the Nominating Committee. Today, along with my Missouri Valley duties, I still serve as a member of the USTA Oklahoma Junior Competition Committee. What is your mission as president? My mission is simply USTA's - TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP THE GROWTH OF TENNIS. My background is in operations and I value organization, processes, and procedures. Since we are in such a great time of success and positive growth in Missouri Valley, I would like to use the next 2 years as an opportunity to review our policies and processes. For instance, we have already formulated a ByLaw Review Task Force that will review the Section's bylaws and make recommendations for any changes. It's housekeeping chores and not everyone's cup of tea, but I really value and enjoy working through the organizational aspects of leadership. I would also like to see our USTA Missouri Valley Tennis Foundation revitalized and active again. Oklahoma has shown everyone how many people can be reached through a non-profit foundation, and the benefit that outreach is to furthering our mission to the grow the game of tennis. Favorite part of your job or as the MV President? My favorite part of being the USTA MV President is the opportunity to get to collaborate with the Presidents from the other Sections. The Presidents meet face to face 2-3 times a year and share information and best practices. When I attended one of these meetings with our Past President, Larry Haughness, I was blown away by the amount of knowledge, skill, and passion in the room. I'm looking forward to listening and learning, and bringing back the very best of ideas to our Section and our District. Interview with Casey McKenzie, USTA Oklahoma
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EDMOND BORN
EDMOND RAISED
Freshman Standout Gets National Runner-up
Photo credit: UCO Photo Services
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EDMOND – Isabella Dunlap entered the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional tournament at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center this past fall with no real idea of the ramifications of the event. She prefers it that way. The laxed approach led to the University of Central Oklahoma freshman going 6-0 in the national championship qualifying event. Dunlap’s first collegiate event was two weeks earlier – the UCO Quad. She and her new Broncho teammates hosted the likes of Oral Roberts, Oklahoma Baptist, and Tarleton State. She then took her first road trip as an NCAA athlete up to Wyoming for a similar event featuring the hosts, Air Force, and Colorado Springs. To her, the ITA Regional was just another event. The idea of winning the tournament and making a trip to the national championship and being the first UCO women’s tennis player to ever accomplish such a feat was nigh to be found in the mind of Dunlap. So, she went out and played. She went to the court she was assigned to, stared down the opponent she was scheduled to face, went through her regular pre-match routine, and she just played. Then she won. Then won again. Then won again. Again, again, and again, and she won the ITA Regional and earned a spot in the national quarterfinals and became the first UCO women’s tennis player to ever accomplish such a feat. Finally knowing the ramifications of the event, Dunlap realized it was a bigger deal than she initially thought, but she didn’t change her state of mind. She continued to just go out there and play. She arrived at the Rome Tennis Center, a sprawling 30-acre, 60-court site, in Rome, Ga. and won her first two matches to reach the ITA Division II National Championship. EDMOND BORN, EDMOND RAISED Dunlap came to UCO just a few months ago, but the freshman didn’t have to make a long journey. “Born and raised,†Dunlap proudly states of Edmond, Oklahoma. “I’ve lived in the same house my whole life.†Dunlap began playing tennis when she was 10 years old. She hasn’t stopped playing since. By the time she made it to high school at Edmond Memorial, it became serious. She earned All-City honors from The Oklahoman that year and she said that it was then she knew it was something she could take more seriously and focus on getting better. Dunlap homeschooled the remainder of her high school days and spent a little extra time working on her game, traveling to different venues to train and get better. That’s when she met – by random chance – Jenny Marcos. Formerly Jenny Bautista, the local tennis coach also happens to be the most decorated tennis player in Central Oklahoma history. At then Central State University, Marcos was a four-time All-American that won 136 matches for the Bronchos. She was inducted into the UCO Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. Dunlap learned from Marcos, not only in training but in any way she could. And that’s how she met Central Oklahoma head tennis coach Jaron Maestas. Marcos took Dunlap to a UCO tennis match at Oak Tree Country Club to watch the Bronchos play. Soon after, Dunlap was committed to becoming a Broncho herself. She signed a national letter of intent to play tennis at Central in November of 2017, less than one year before she would be playing for the Division II national championship. HONOR BRONZE & BLUE Dunlap loves the University of Central Oklahoma. She’s quick to rattle off numerous reasons why. Being part of the tennis program helps. But there are also the campus activities to be found on a regular basis year-round. There is also the easy access to help when it comes to her studies. Central Oklahoma’s newest athletics facility – the Sports Performance Center – houses an Academic Center where students not only have the opportunity to find a quiet place to study, but also have access to the Broncho Education and Learning Lab. Dunlap has decided to pursue a degree in nursing. She’d like to work in that field after she’s played as much tennis as she possible can. Like dozens of other student-athletes at Central, the top-notch UCO nursing program is the degree of choice despite a rigorous schedule of classes, clinicals, and what can seem like a non-stop cycle of studying. But Dunlap, like many of those other student-athletes, can adapt to the challenge, with some assistance when needed, the same way they do on the court or the field or the water – wherever they represent the Bronchos in competition. Dunlap is just a freshman at Central Oklahoma. She hasn’t yet progressed into the nursing program’s more serious grit and grind. But the same can be said about her UCO tennis career. Despite playing only one semester so far, and having not seen a conference dual yet, Dunlap has already won a regional tennis championship and earned a spot in the individual championship. THE END IS THE BEGINNING Dunlap arrived at the Rome Tennis Center for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II national championship, the first Central Oklahoma tennis player to ever reach that stage, as a true freshman aged 18 years, and used every attempt to treat the match like any other. The match was the same in her mind – have a little fun, be relaxed and focused, listen to her favorite song. “All I do is win,†Dunlap said with a laugh about her favorite song. “We waited to play it until the last day.†The song was a fitting tribute to everything she had done in what will seem like the blink of an eye 20 years from now. In two short months, Dunlap went 6-0 in Oklahoma City to win a regional title. She then knocked off two higher ranked opponents in Georgia to reach the national championship. But the song would not be a precursor to what happened in the championship match. And It would not take long before she realized this would be learning experience as opposed to a victorious celebration. Dunlap lost the match in straight sets: 6-4, 6-1. She wasn’t fazed. Despite a loss there. She’s ready to take an already successful tennis team to the next level. “I just can’t wait to play in the spring and start winning as a team,†she said. “The national championship was a big learning experience and I want to take that and help my team win now.†Courtesy of uco.edu
ADULT GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OPEN When: February 8-10 Where: Greens Country Club I.D.#: 400041219 This tournament benefits "Hearst For Hearing". This is one of many adult tournaments that the Greens Country Club host. Refer to the search-able schedule for more of their events. THE CLUB AT INDIAN SPRINGS CHAMPS (MV LEVEL 5) When: February 8-10 Where: Indian Springs CC I.D.#: 400011619 This is one of many champ level tournaments across the state. Players must complete the Challenger and/or Smasher circuits to be eligible for Champ events. OAK TREE BG10 SMASHERS When: February 24 Where: Oak Tree CC I.D.#: 400013019 Smashers are for players that are ages 7-10. Players will progress from orange to green in this circuit. Once a player completes their orange mission they progress to green ball. THE CLUB AT INDIAN SPRINGS CHALLENGER When: March 1-3 Where: Indian Springs CC I.D.#: 400011519 Challenger events are for players trying to qualify for Champs. Players need to earn 375 points in their 5 best tournaments in a 12-month rolling period.
IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO PLAY
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All year long, tennis clubs and organizations host USTA Tournaments for players all ages and skill levels. Whether you play singles or doubles or want to compete locally or nationally, USTA Tournaments are designed and run specifically for you. Face off against competitors of a similar age, or test your skills in family events n the hundred events held around Oklahoma.
A GLANCE AT SOME OF MANY OPTIONS ACROSS THE STATE
USTA TOURNAMENTS
The Minihan Family have been involved in the Oklahoma tennis community for over 20 years. David serves as the USTA Oklahoma Executive Director and manages Kickingbrid Tennis Center. Lisa Minihan currently works as the Director of Athletic Operations at Oak Tree Country Club overseeing the tennis and fitness departments. David and Lisa have served and continue to serve on the USTA Board at the Section level and National level for several years. Lisa was just slated USTA Missouri Valley President. Both David and Lisa volunteer their time with their recently created Play It Forward Tennis Foundation, a USTA NJTL program. Their daughter, Aspen, competes in USTA Oklahoma and USTA Missouri Valley tournaments, Junior Team Tennis teams, Middle School and High School tennis. The youngest daughter, Chloe, plays USTA Oklahoma tournaments, Junior Team Tennis, and has been selected to participate in the EDC camps. Chloe has also developed her own charitable outreach called Attire for a Smile and has partnered with Play It Forward to raise funds to provide clothing for underprivileged children in the tennis community. The Minihan’s are consistently finding ways to enrich and grow the game of the sport they love.
HALL OF FAME & AWARDS
Emily Sloan Johnston
Steve Henry served as USTA Oklahoma Board of Directors quadrant representative in 2008 and served as USTA Oklahoma Board of Directors Vice President of Adults from 2009-2013. He also served as USTA Oklahoma's President from 2014-2016. In 2014 Henry joined USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors and currently serves as secretary, while also serving as the National Junior Team Tennis Committee since 2017. Steve Henry is currently the Director of Tennis at the Earlywine Tennis Center and Oklahoma City Tennis Center. Since 2012 he is the Tennis manager at the Bart and Nadia Sports Experience. Steve Henry has been a USTA League player since 1982, has been the Tournament Director for 119 tournaments in the past 11 years, including 83 District tournaments, 19 Sections tournaments, 14 National tournaments and three Men's Pro Circuit $15,000 events.
Steve Henry
Distinguished service
tennis family of the year
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY
the Minihan family
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Girls 18S sportsmanship award
junior tournament of the year
Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park
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First Serve at OKC
Oklahoma City’s, First Serve mission is to strengthen the lives and enhance the character of Oklahoma City youth through tennis and education. First Serve’s objectives are to help students acquire life skills that will allow them to be independent, productive adults, they want to help students improve their academic skills and education outcomes, and promote healthy lifestyle choices with positive character traits though tennis. First Serve supports tennis in the OKC Public Elementary Schools through their “Serving Up Aces†program, it cultivates a love for tennis through Summer Camps at Oklahoma Tennis Center, and invests in 50 students in the “Play It Forward†after school program.
The USTA L2 National Selection event in Edmond on June 30-July 3, 2018 was the first USTA National Junior Tournament to ever be held in Edmond, Oklahoma. The L2 National Selection was a 64 player, 4-day event run by David and Lisa Minihan. The tournament staff strongly believes in communication with their participants. All the players received player packets at registration including a t-shirt and a personalized bag tag and filled with several goodies. Ample officials, staff and volunteers at both Kickingbird Tennis Center and Oak Tree Country Club (the indoor backup) made for a great event that was efficient, friendly and stress-free. However, the best part of the tournament came the day before during the registration period. The Minihans’ organized a complimentary non-profit clinic utilizing the NJTL chapter, Play It Forward, and reached out to future athletes through the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. They had 11 national players volunteer to spend their Friday evening being tennis buddies at the clinic. It was a great evening that was truly special watching the players at this caliber spending their evening giving back to the sport of tennis and their host community.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION
USTA L2 National Selection Tournament
Missouri Valley League Facility of the year
Peter McCorkle | Board of Director
VOLUNTEER POSITION: USTA Oklahoma NW Quadrant Representative TENNIS BACKGROUND: I grew up in Alameda, CA, where I played junior tennis in the USTA's NorCal section. I went on to play NCAA Division II tennis for 4 years at East Central University in Ada, OK. Graduating in 2011, college tennis ended for me, but I am still enjoying trying to improve my game while playing in USTA Adult 5.0+ leagues and Men's Open tournaments around the Missouri Valley/Texas area. WHY I LOVE TO VOLUNTEER: I love to volunteer because I really want to help grow the popularity of the sport of tennis in Oklahoma. Tennis isn't the biggest sport in the U.S., especially in states like Oklahoma where the biggest sports around here are football, basketball and baseball. If there is anything I can do to help put tennis on more people's radar; that's a win for me.
VOLUNTEER POSITION: USTA Oklahoma SE Quadrant Representative TENNIS BACKGROUND: I was introduced to the sport of tennis in the late 70’s but was unable to actually play until the early 90’s while living in Rockwall, Texas. I was invited to a member/guest mixer at a local tennis club. I was a complete novice and began by taking lessons & drills, then progressed to local USTA leagues. As my husband’s career advanced our family relocated many times throughout the USA. After finding new homes, schools for the kids, finding a place to play tennis was important to me. I was able to feel comfortable in my new surroundings, make life-long friendship and get great exercise all while playing a sport I love. WHY I LOVE TO VOLUNTEER: I am very fortunate and believe it is my duty to volunteer and help whenever I can. When my children were young and at home I volunteered at each of their schools and helped with whatever task was needed and have also chaired many large fund-raising projects as well. It was satisfying and fulfilling. Now, I use my time to help with things I am passionate about. I want to promote the sport of tennis throughout Oklahoma for both young and old and also support the welfare & care of animals.
Dawna Johnston | Board of Director
John Sedlak | Board of Director
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER POSITION: USTA Oklahoma NE Quadrant Representative TENNIS BACKGROUND: I started playing tennis when I was four years old. Both of my parents helped coach me when I was young and I grew up around the tennis courts at Sand Springs High School as my mom was the High school tennis coach and taught tennis camps there. I played the USTA junior circuit and eventually played college tennis at Oklahoma Baptist University. After OBU, I coached high school tennis at Cascia Hall Preparatory School for three years and taught tennis at Lafortune Tennis Center. I then moved back to OBU and coached the men's and women's tennis teams at my alma mater. In 2017 my wife and I moved back to Tulsa where I am now the assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Oral Roberts University and teach tennis at Lafortune Tennis Center WHY I LOVE TO VOLUNTEER: Being a volunteer means that one has to be passionate about what they are volunteering for. I am passionate about the game of tennis. I have seen the effects that it has for all levels. In tennis there are so many life lessons that can be learned for people of all ages. These life lessons are learned through both the physical and mental aspects of our sport. I believe that USTA and USTA Oklahoma are great avenues to both improve and spread the game to as many people as possible. I hope that through my volunteer-ism I can help the game of tennis reach more people.
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO
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Photo credit: Joe Jordan
Norman Open
MEN DOUBLES
KIDS DAY
The University of Oklahoma hosted a Men's and Women's Professional tournament November 12-18, 2018. Players from all across the world competed in this prestigious event. Men's Singles Gijs Brouwer def. Matej Vocel 6-3, 6-2
Men's Doubles Gijs Brouwer/Justin Butsch def. Dominik Kellovsky/Matej Vocel 6-3, 6-3 Women's Singles B Andreescu def. Serrano Osorio 6-4, 6-2
Women's Doubles Vladica Babic/Ena Shibahara def. Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez/Sofia Sewing 6-2, 6-3
MEN SINGLES
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2018 USTA Pro Circuit event
WOMEN SINGLES
WOMEN DOUBLES
AUTOGRAPHS
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SWEET 16 CHAMPIONs
NATIONAL CHAMPS
Incredibly 12 Oklahoma teams made it all the way to USTA Adult League Nationals! One team from Oklahoma becoming CHAMPS! Check out page 26!
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4 Junior Tennis players from Tulsa claimed singles Championship at USTA Missouri Valley Sweet 16, including USTA Oklahoma's Player of the Year, Zoe Hammond.
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
1
BIXBY 6A STATE CHAMPS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
OKLAHOMA'S DAVID BOX WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
2
NEW MILLENNIAL NIGHTS HAVE HUGE SUCCESS
3
BOX captures first Gold Ball at USTA Grass Court Championships in Philadelphia, PA this August for Doubles!
Westwood Tennis Center-Building 2 new indoor courts; Oklahoma City Tennis Center added shade and court cabanas; RH-91 completed several renovations and adding clay courts; Britton Christian Church is adding 3 new outdoor courts; New LifeTime facility, 8 indoors, 4 outdoors
2018 Highlights
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summer advancing League
2019 schedule
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
spring League
June 4th-June 28th (Summer Program is only the Month of JUNE)- Match play days Tuesdays & Thursdays June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
2019 District Championships July 10 & 11 (10U, 12U, 14U, & 18U) @ TBD 2019 Section Championships July 22-23 (18U) in Tulsa @ LaFortune Park Tennis Center July 23-24 (12U & 14U) in Tulsa @ LaFortune Park Tennis Center 2019 National Championships November 7-10 14U in San Antonio, TX/McFarlin Tennis Center November 14-17 18U in San Antonio, TX/ McFarlin Tennis Center
Fall League
March 3rd-April 21st Match play days Sundays @2pm March 3, 10, 17, 31, April 7, 14, 21
Earn stars for Smashers & Challenger Points!
Age Divisions: 10U, 12U, 14U, 18U
Want to play? Contact your local tennis facility or Casey McKenzie mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com
September 8th-October 20th Match Play days Sundays @ 2pm September 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20
Golden Rule: 
No Tennis Talk Outside The Courts

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Parent Resources
The role of parents in junior tennis is an important component of player development, and coaches frequently find themselves searching for the best way to interact with parents and educate them about their role in the development of elite level tennis players. Visit USTA's Player Development Role of Parents in Junior Tennis for more parent resources.
One rule when I was growing up was that the second you left the tennis court and exited the tennis facility, there was no talking about tennis. I can understand that a family may sit down and watch a tennis match on television, but to speak about your son or daughter’s tennis practice or tournament match outside the tennis facility is danger for the child. You may ask yourself, why? To bombard your child with so much information on a regular basis, whether it is good information or not, is like playing with fire. The junior player never gets separation from the sport and getting tired or burned out is becoming more prevalent. Keep in mind that teenagers today could be spending more hours on the court then the players did in my generation due to home schooling opportunities. In addition, junior players today could be spending more time with their parents due to home schooling opportunities. In society today, a couple of clicks of a button and there is so much information at your fingertips. There are so many ways to hit a forehand or backhand from so many different so-called master teaching tennis professionals on the internet. I can personally tell you that many times I cannot even figure out what the pro is trying to teach. It confuses me. So if it confuses me, I can only imagine what it does to your son or daughter, if it is discussion outside of the tennis court. Time outside of the court is exactly what it is. It is to speak about other things other than tennis. The topic or discussion at the dinner table should not be about rankings or ratings, tennis strokes, or how this one or that one did in their last tournament. I have had some of the best amateurs in this country living with my family and I over the past several years, and I have tried not to speak about tennis inside my house unless we are watching a tennis match on television. These students hear my voice on the court 4, 5 or 6 hours a day. They do not need to hear my voice for more hours inside the house. Fortunately, I have not had to deal with a student burning out or a student losing the love for the game of tennis. As I have said many times, if you want the most out of your students, it comes down to much more than groups and lessons at the high performance level of tennis. Educating everyone involved in a child’s tennis development and their overall development as a human being is crucial, so that mistakes are minimized and most importantly, so that you can get a great amount of joy and personal growth out of the great game of tennis. By Todd Widom
www.twtennis.com
usta oklahoma
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smasher
January 26, 2019
Enid
February 24, 2019
Oak Tree
March 2, 2019
Indian Springs
March 16, 2019
Earlywine
April 20, 2019
April 27, 2019
Greens
May 11, 2019
May 25, 2019
June 8, 2019
Bixby
June 15, 2019
Westwood
July 6, 2019
July 20, 2019
August 3, 2019
August 17, 2019
September 7, 2019
September 21, 2019
October 5, 2019
October 19, 2019
November 3, 2019
December 8, 2019
7-10 YEAR OLD PLAYERS WITH NET EXPERIENCE AND ARE READY TO WORK THROUGH THE PROGRESSION FROM ORANGE TO GREEN BALL
2019
www.usta.com mInihan@ustaoklahoma.com
tournaments
boys & girls ages 10 & under
Challenger
boys & girls ages 7-16
March 1-3, 2019
March 15-17, 2019
March 29-31, 2019
April 19-21, 2019
RH-91
April 26-28, 2019
May 17-19, 2019
Owasso
May 31-June 2, 2019
Duncan
June 7-9, 2019
Union
June 14-16, 2019
June 21-23, 2019
June 28-30, 2019
ERC
July 5-7, 2019
Ada
July 12-14, 2019
July 19-21, 2019
July 26-28, 2019
August 2-4, 2019
OKCTC
August 9-11, 2019
August 16-18, 2019
August 23-25, 2019
Kickingbird
August 30-Sept 1, 2019
September 6-8, 2019
September 13-15, 2019
September 20-22, 2019
September 27-29, 2019
October 4-6, 2019
October 11-13
October 18-20
PLAYERS AGES 7-16 THAT HAS NET EXPERIENCE AND HAS GRADUATED THE 10 & UNDER SMASHER CIRCUIT WILL START PLAYING THE CHALLENGER CIRCUIT. THESE PLAYERS ARE NORMALLY AT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. THEIR GOAL IS TO EARN 375 POINTS WHICH WILL QUALIFY THEM FOR THE CHAMPS CIRCUIT.
www.usta.com minihan@ustaoklahoma.com
January 4-6
OKCTC BG16-18
DC #1
Oak Tree BG12-14
January 11-13
FQ #1
January 25-27
February 8-10
Indian Springs BG12-14
Champs
March 1-3
March 8-10
March 29-31
April 19-21
LaFortune
April 26-28
DC #2
May 17-19
May 31-June2
June 7-9
June 4-16
June 21-23
FQ #2
June 28-30
July 5-7
FQ #3
July 12-14
July 19-21
July 26-18
Kickingbird (open)
DC #3
August 2-4
August 9-11
August 16-18
August 23-25
August 30-Sept 1
September 6-8
LaFortune (open)
DC #4
September 13-15
September 20-22
September 27-29
October 4-6
FQ #4
Nov 29-Dec 1
THE CHAMP CIRCUIT IS FOR PLAYERS 7-18 AND QUALIFIED THROUGH THE CHALLENGER & SMASHER CIRCUIT. CHAMP PLAYERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY ANY CHAMP TOURNAMENT INCLUDING DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS AND FUTURE QUALIFIERS. ALL TOURNAMENTs EARN MISSOURI VALLEY POINTS.
boys & girls ages 7-18
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cHAMP
Preparation and Checking-In at the Tournament Desk
You have now been assigned to a court and have completed the match. After packing up your bag, it is important that you report directly to the tournament desk, win or lose. Any conversation with your parents or coach can wait after you check back in. Failure to do so can delay the tournament. Confirm the score with your opponent and get your next assigned match time and day.
When checking in, inform the tournament director who you are and the event you are checking in for. For example, "My name is Anthony Chang and I'm checking in for Boy's 14s." The tournament director will then assign you to a court or inform you if they are running a little behind.
Prior to checking in for your match, make sure you have used the restroom, water jug is full, you have spoken to your coach and your tennis bag is with you and not in the car.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Before play, drink 12-16 ounces about 1 hour before play begins. Drink fluids often throughout the day begins. Prepare at least 2 quarts (64 ounces) to drink during play. Sports drinks are preferable for long matches or during play in hot weather. -USTA Sports Science
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What's in Your Bag? Every player needs a few balls for warm up, band-aids, extra shoelaces, socks, shirt, jump rope and towel. Make sure you have your rackets freshly strung and re-gripped. It is always a good idea to bring an extra set or two of string and grip in case you need it during the tournament.
Have your water jug, sports drink, fruit and energy bars prepared well in advanced before each match.
Properly preparing for a tournament is critical to the success you might have at your next event. It is also important to understand that you have your check list completed when checking in for your match and after the completion of the match.
Players need to check in 15 minutes prior to each match throughout the tournament. Don't wait until the last minute to check in!
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Champ Tournaments
33
Challenger 
Tournaments
Adult Tournaments
Smasher 
Tournaments
inside 
the numbers
27
Casey McKenzie MCKENZIE@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
Part-time job
SENIORS
Marden Winkler (WINK) WINK@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
LET US HELP
Looking for tennis enthusiasts to become certified officials for Junior and Adult Tournaments. Great pay, most tournaments are on Fridays & weekends, work as much or little as you want, & easy to become certified! Contact Dean Richardville at drichardville@cox.net for more information!
QUESTIONS?
David Minihan MINIHAN@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
Give back to the Game
Michelle Oquinn OQUINN@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
LOGAN ORR
Why Tennis? I got into tennis at a very young age thanks to my dad, and at first it was purely for fun. But as I grew older, I realized I loved the competition and stuck with it from then on.

What do you love about college tennis? Being a part of college tennis is such a unique experience that turns an individual sport into something much greater than just playing for yourself. You play for your team, for the school, and for the people that help you along the way and that’s what why I love about it. Its about being a part of something bigger than yourself.
LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY | SOPHOMORE | EXERCISE SCIENCE
HOMETOWN: ENID, OK
A look at where some of the top junior players from Oklahoma have gone - and how they're doing today.
It's always a special day celebrating seniors signing their letter of intent to play collegiate tennis. 1. Alyssa Zayat - Texas State University
2. Alex Richards - Wichita State University
3. Pierce Rollins - Texas A&M University
4. Andie Rae Williams - Quinnipiac University
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA | SOPHOMORE | HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
HOMETOWN: NORMAN, OK
SKYLER MILLER
Why Tennis? I love playing tennis not only because I love competing in the sport, but because the lessons I learn on court are so applicable to my off-court life. Through playing tennis, I have grown so much as a person and learned things that I will be able to use in all areas of my life. Tennis teaches you to be persistent in the face of failure, and the power of having a positive mentality.

What do you love about college tennis? Before I started playing tennis, I played basketball and one thing I missed when I switched sports was the team atmosphere. Now that I am in college, I get the best of both worlds. Being a part of a team of girls all working towards the same goals makes tennis even more enjoyable for me. We push each other to get better and I cherish every moment working alongside them.
NINA JABRZEMSKI
Why Tennis? Tennis has been a part of my life from a very young age and it has always been something I looked forward to playing. I love the mental aspect in how you have to strategize against every opponent you play. 

What do you love about college tennis? College tennis is great because you get to play and interact with people from all over the world. It has allowed me to see different cultures and has led me to meet some of my best friends in college.
COLLEGE BOUND
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA | SOPHOMORE | PSYCHOLOGY
HOMETOWN: NORMAN, OK
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ISABELLA DUNLAP
Why Tennis? Growing up, I was scared of contact sports. One day, we played tennis in P.E. and I fell in love. From then on out, tennis and I have been history. I have grown so much through the sport, met my lifelong best friends, and learned just how much positive attitude and good effort will take you in life. Tennis has always been something that I can depend on, no matter what is happening. 

What do you love about college tennis? The team atmosphere is what most kids only dream about. I have never been around such a hard-working competitive group of people in my whole life. But at the end of the day, everyone is united under the same goals. All of my teammates just want to be the best they can be and contribute wherever the coach sees best. And everyone is grateful for the opportunity to be there.
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE | FRESHMAN | BIOLOGY WITH A LEADERSHIP MINOR
HOMETOWN: BIXBY, OK
ALEXA POWERS
Why Tennis? Because it’s more of an individual sport and I like the fact that it’s competitive between only two people

What do you love about college tennis? I love the team aspect of playing together as a whole, side by side next to each other on the court. I like how coaches can coach in matches and the environment of people and teammates cheering and yelling.
LORA BOGGS
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | FRESHMAN | ACCOUNTING WITH A LEADERSHIP MINOR
HOMETOWN: EDMOND, OK
UNIVERSITY CENTRAL OKLAHOMA | FRESHMAN | NURSING
HOMETOWN: EDMOND, OK
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY (PRE-MED)
HOMETOWN: TULSA, OK
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Why Tennis? I play tennis because I love it. There hasn’t been another sport that I have enjoyed as much as tennis and it has taught me things about myself and brought me close to people I never would have known otherwise. 

What do you love about college tennis? I love the competition of college tennis. It is a big adjustment moving up to this level and sometimes it’s difficult to focus all the time especially when you’re not playing well, but being on an amazing team with great coaches has made college tennis one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I thank God for this opportunity to play for this school.
Why Tennis? The first time I played tennis was in 6th grade. My family and I went out to hit, and we all fell in love with it! I love tennis because it brought my family together and I have made lots of memories playing the sport. For instance, my high school tennis team won State for the first time in school history my senior year! That will be something I will always remember. 

What do you love about college tennis? My favorite part about college tennis is all the friendships I have made with my team. My school is unique with our student body because we have a lot of international students, and it’s a blast learning about their diverse backgrounds. My tennis team has people from Germany, Spain, and all of South America and we all have a great time practicing and growing as a family.
SCOTT HJELM
Sun, Jan 13 Abilene Christian Norman, Okla. 2:00 p.m. Thu, Jan 17 Wichita State Norman, Okla. 5:30 p.m. Sun, Jan 20 Creighton Norman, Okla. 11:00 a.m. Sun, Jan 20 Omaha Norman, Okla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Jan 26-
Sun, Jan 27 ITA Kickoff Weekend Norman, Okla. TBA Sat, Feb 02 Michigan Ann Arbor, Mich. 6:00 p.m. Sat. Feb 09 Cornell Norman, Okla. 2:00 p.m. Fri, Feb 15 National Indoor Championships Chicago, Ill. TBA Sat, Feb 23 Mississippi State Orlando, Fla. 12:00 p.m. Sun, Feb 24 Kentucky Orlando, Fla. 1:00 p.m. Wed, Feb 27 Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark 2:00 p.m. Fri, Mar 01 Tulsa Norman, Okla.. 6:00 p.m. Sun, Mar 03 Florida State Norman, Okla. 1:00 p.m. Fri, Mar 08 Memphis Norman, Okla. 7:00 p.m. Sat, Mar 16 Charlotte Norman, Okla. 1:00 p.m. Tue, Mar 19 Texas A&M College Station, TX 6:00 p.m. Fri, Mar 22 North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. 3:00 p.m. Sun, Mar 24 South Florida Norman, Okla. 1:00 p.m. Fri, Mar 29 Oklahoma State * Norman, Okla. 7:00 p.m. Fri, Apr 05 Baylor * at Waco, TX 6:00 p.m. Sun, Apr 07 Texas Tech * at Lubbok, TX 1:00 p.m. Fri, Apr 12 TCU Norman, Okla 6:00 p.m. Sun, Apr 14 Texas * Norman, Okla 1:00 p.m. Thu,Apr 18-
Mon, Apr 22 Big 12 Championships * Lawrence, Kan
OU Men Announces 2019 Schedule
Coach Nick Crowell
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“We are very excited to get this 2019 season started. Our guys have worked extremely hard this fall and are ready to go," "Our schedule as always features the best of the best. That's what we are trying to do here at Oklahoma is play the best teams in the country in and out of conference. I want our players to play the best competition possible and prepare us for April and May during championship time."
Jan 19 SMU Norman, OK 10 am Jan 19 Oral Roberts Norman, OK 4 pm Jan 25-26 ITA Kickoff Weekend Nashville, TN 10:00 am Feb 03 Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 10 am Feb 9 Arizona State Norman, OK 11 am Feb 17 Texas A&M Norman, OK 12 pm Feb 22 Florida Gainesville, FL 4 pm Feb 24 South Florida Tampa, FL 11 am March 3 Purdue Norman, OK 10 am March 3 UMKC Norman, OK 4 pm March 8 Tulsa Norman, OK 3 pm March 9 Gonzaga Norman, OK 12 pm March 15 Kansas State Norman, OK 5 pm March 17 Kansas Norman, OK 12 pm March 22 West VIrginia Morgantown, WV TBA March 24 Iowa State Ames, IO 12 pm March 29 Texas Norman, OK 4 pm March 31 Baylor Norman, OK 12 pm April 6 Wichita State Witchita, KS 12pm April 7 Oklahoma State Stillwater, OK 1 pm April 12 Texas Tech Lubbock, TX 5 pm April 14 TCU Fort Worth, TX 1 pm April 18-21 Big 12 Championships * Lawrence, KS TBA
sooners release 2019 schedule
Coach Andra Cohen “As a team, we are so excited to kick off the 2019 season,†said Cohen. “We worked hard during fall tournament play to put ourselves in position to be successful this spring. We’re also excited to welcome new players who will bring energy to our program.â€
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Jan 12 Duke Nassau, Bahamas 1pm Jan 19 Tulsa University Tulsa, OK 1pm Jan 20 Wyoming Stillwater, OK 1pm Jan 25 Virginia Stillwater, OK 4pm Jan 26 Illinois or Kansas Stillwater, OK 10am Feb 1 Arkansas Fayetteville 1pm Feb 2 UCLA Stillwater, OK 3pm Feb 7-9 ITA National Team Indoor Championships Seattle, WA all day Feb 22-23 Blue-Gray Championships Montgomery, AL all day March 8 Gonzaga Stillwater, OK 5pm March 10 Wichita State Wichita KS 1pm March 15 Kansas Stillwater, OK 5pm March 17 Kansas State Stillwater, OK 1pm March 24 West Virginia Morgantown, WV 12pm March 29 Baylor Stillwater, OK 5pm April 1 Texas Stillwater, OK 1pm April 5 UCF Stillwater, OK 5pm April 7 Oklahoma Stillwater, OK 1pm April 12 TCU Fort Worth, OK 5pm April 14 Texas Tech Lubbock, TX 1pm April 18-21 Big 12 Championship Lawrence, KS TBA
Congratulations to Marina Guinart! She moved up in the ranks from 73 to 40! Former Milwaukee Tennis Classic Single Finalist Representing!
2019 OSU Women's Schedule
“I really felt like the coaches had all aspects of my life in mind. In everything I wanted to do, they had my best interest at heart. I feel like they will help me get to where I want to be in life, whether it’s tennis or otherwise." -Alana Wolfberg signs with Oklahoma State
Jan 19 Omaha Stillwater, OK 12pm Jan 19 Creighton Stillwater, OK 5pm Jan 21 University of Arkansas Stillwater, OK 1pm Jan 26 Arizona State University Fortworth, TX TBA Jan 27 TCU/Loyola Marymount Fortworth, TX TBA Feb 1 Ole Miss Stillwater, OK 5pm Feb 3 Wake Forest Salem, NC TBA Feb 7 Northwestern University Evanston, IL 6pm Feb 9 Wisconson Madison, WI 12pm Feb 15-18 ITA National Indoor Championship Madison, WI All Day Feb 27 San Diego LoJolla, CA 12pm Feb 28 California University LaJolla, CA TBA March 1-3 Pacific Coast Doubles LaJolla, CA TBA March 8 North Carolina State Stillwater, OK 5pm March 10 Memphis Stillwater, OK 12pm March 10 Oral Roberts Stillwater, OK 5pm March 10 Memphis Stillwater, OK 12pm March 15 Charlotte Stillwater, OK 2pm March 15 UMKC Stillwater, OK 6:30pm March 20 Central Florida Orlando, FL 5pm March 29 Oklahoma University Norman, OK 7pm April 5 Texas Tech Lubbock, OK 6pm April 7 Baylor Waco, TX 2pm April 12 Texas Stillwater, OK 5:30pm April 14 TCU Stillwater, OK 1pm April 18-21 Big 12 Championship TBA TBA April 3-5 NCAA Regional Championships TBA All Day
This fall, the latest Oklahoma State tennis player to emerge as a force for the Cowboys was sophomore Matej Vocel. The Prague, Czech Republic, native recorded a 3-2 fall record when competing for the Cowboys, as well as an impressive 8-3 futures tournament record. Vocel also went 7-2 in doubles action this fall. In September, Vocel advanced to the Claremont Futures F24 tournament singles semifinal. Vocel also earned a spot in the final match of both singles and doubles play at the Norman F31 tournament in November. Prior to his arrival in Stillwater, Vocel won seven ITF Futures doubles tournaments. The ITA ranked Vocel as the No. 2 Freshman/Newcomer for the 2018-19 season. Vocel will look to help the Cowboys make their sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance in the spring.
Cowboys 2019 Schedule
“We are very excited to be hosting some excellent teams this spring at the Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center. This is a great chance for players of all ages to come out and watch some really high level tennis in the state of Oklahoma. We hope you can come out and help create an amazing college tennis atmosphere.â€-Head Coach Jay Udwadia
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Jan 11 Bryant Tulsa, OK 9am Jan 11 Texas Tech Tulsa, OK 6pm Jan 15 Mercer Tulsa, OK 12pm Jan 18 TCU Tulsa, OK 6pm Jan 27 Abilene Christian Tulsa, OK 9am Jan 27 Nebraska-Omaha Tulsa, OK 3pm Feb 1 Oral Roberts Tulsa, OK 7pm Feb 3 Arkansas Tulsa, OK 1pm Feb 8 Texas Tulsa, OK 6pm Feb 10 Cornell Tulsa, OK 12pm Feb 17 LSU Tulsa, OK 1pm Feb 20 Oklahoma State Stillwater, OK 5pm Feb 23 Baylor Tulsa, OK 6pm Feb 26 Texas A&M College Station,TX TBA March 1 Oklahoma University Norman, OK 6pm March 3 South Carloina Tulsa, OK 1pm March 20 USF Tampa, FL TBA March 22 USF Orlando, FL TBA March 29 Tulane New Orleans, LA 1pm March 31 UTSA Tulsa, OK 1pm April 5 Memphis Tulsa, OK 6pm April 7 Temple Tulsa, OK TBA April 12 SMU Tulsa, OK TBA April 18-21 AAC Conference Championship Orlando, FL TBA May 16-25 NCAA's Men's Tennis Championships Orlando, FL TBA
Tulsa Men's 2019 Schedule
Lady Hurricane's 2019 schedule
Jan 12 ORU Tulsa, OK TBA Jan 13 Louisiana Tech Tulsa, OK TBA Jan 13 Wyoming Tulsa, OK TBA Jan 19 Oklahoma State Tulsa, OK 1pm Jan 20 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Tulsa, OK 9am Jan 20 Oral Roberts Tulsa, OK 1pm Jan 26 Saint Francis ITA Kick OFF Chicago, IL 2pm Feb 2 Central Arkansas Tulsa, OK 10am Feb 3 UCLA Tulsa, OK 11am Feb 9 Arkansas Tulsa, OK 12pm Feb 16 Kansas Lawrence, KS TBA Feb 23 Montana Bozeman, MT 10am Feb 24 Montana State Bozeman, MT 10am March 2 Purdue Tulsa, OK 12pm March 8 Oklahoma University Norman, OK 3pm March 20 USF Tampa, LF TBA March 22 USF Orlando, FL TBA March 30 North Texas Denton, TX 11am March 31 SMU Dallas, TX 11am April 6 Temple Tulsa, OK TBA April 13 Wichita State Wichita, KS 12pm April 17-21 American Athletic Conference Orlando, FL TBA May 16-25 NCAA Women's Championships Orlando, FL TBA
Michael D. Case Tennis Center
Capacity: 2,000 Opened: December 2001 Sports: Men’s and Women’s Tennis First Men's Match: January 19, 2002 (Tulsa defeats ORU 7-0) First Women's Match: January 25, 2002 (Tulsa defeats ORU 7-0) Named For: Michael D. Case, Developer and philanthropist Size: 69,000 square feet Architect: Larry Kester of Architects Collective Builder: Lowry & Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. Playing Surface: Decoturf Physical Address: 712 South Delaware Ave.
OKLAHOMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
-Jennifer DeSpain
CROWNED
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"I’m so honored and proud to be a part of this NATIONAL CHAMPION 9.0 mixed tennis team! Over 2,000 teams started in this league and we were the last team standing. Such an awesome experience and extra props to my dubs partner - Andy Brown - he’s known me since I was 10 and still agreed to play with me."
Mixed 40 & Over 9.0 CHAMPS
CHAMPIONS
USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS ORLANDO, FLORIDA
MICHAEL PEARSON KELLY PEARSON JOHN HRYSHCHUK LEE CROWLEY FRANK STOUT SANDRA LEOS TIMOTHY LEOS YOLANDE PLATVOET BRANDI REDMAN JENNIFER DESPAIN Asuko Han ANDY BROWN RICHARD ALEXANDER DOUG STONE RYAN CARTER STEPHAN HALE DUSTI KUEHNE
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The mixed doubles tennis team from Tulsa, Okla., representing the USTA Missouri Valley Section, captured the national title at the USTA League Mixed 40 & Over 9.0 National Championships held at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. The Tulsa team defeated a team from Santa Clara, Calif., 2-1, in the Championship match. Earlier in the day, the Tulsa team defeated a team from Metairie, La., 2-1, in the semifinals. The team is captained by Michael Pearson and co-captained by Kelly Pearson and features: John Hryshchuk, Lee Crowley, Frank Stout, Sandra Leos, Timothy Leos, Yolande Platvoet, Asuko Han, Brandi Redman, Jennifer DeSpain, Andy Brown, Richard Alexander, Doug Stone, Ryan Carter, Stephen Hale, and Dusti Kuehne, and plays at the Lafortune Tennis Center. Established in 1980, USTA League has grown from 13,000 players in a few parts of the country in its first year to more than 310,000 players across the nation today, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league. USTA League was established to provide adult recreational tennis players throughout the country with the opportunity to compete against players of similar ability levels. Players participate on teams in a league format, which is administered by the USTA through its 17 sections. The league groups players by using six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels, ranging from 2.5 (entry) to 5.0 (advanced). USTA League is open to any USTA member 18 years of age or older. Head Penn Racquet Sports is in its 31st year as official ball and adidas is in its second year as an official sponsor of USTA League.
Nicky Glover Elizabeta Babb Emily Pomeroy Leah Jacob Jamie Shouse Gabriela Carrillo Isabella Dunlap Whitney Ritchie
Lee Crowley Scott Denne Scott Lehman Bryan Lehman David Siegler Michael Pearson Stan Swyden Treak Tasker Mike Wyatt Patrick Han Thomas Powers Canaan Gardner Richard Alexander Doug Stone Lane Wilson John Frates
WOMEN 18 & OVER OKC 5.0
MEN 40 & OVER TULSA 4.5
5th PLACE AT NATIONALS
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1. Rest: Follow a consistent schedule of at least eight consecutive hours.
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PREPARE YOUR BODY TO COMPETE
5. Training before the match:
* Physical warm up: 15 minutes
* Technical warm up "on court" 30-45 minutes, including specific plays/situations in preparation of opponent. For example, beging aggressive on 2nd serve returns.
3. Breakfast: Choose juices, fruits, yogurts with cereals, toast, etc. (no milk, cheeses, butter, pastries).
PREPARE YOUR 
BODY TO COMPETE
1. Choose three “how to play the game†goals to focus on before and during the match. These are usually things you have been working in practice; focus on tactical and competitive goals such as following your routine, running for every ball, dictating with your forehand, etc.
 2. Rest seated alone in a quiet and cool place the final 15-30 minutes prior to your match (without talking to other players), listen to music or read (no distractions, phones, computers, etc., these things require mental energy and can make you mentally tired prior to the match).
PREPARE YOUR GAME TO COMPETE
2. Wake up: Rise a minimum of two hours before the match (if match is at 8am). The optimal wake-up time is three before the start of a match to be alert at match time.
Pre-Match Tips: Prepare Like a Champion
3. Visualize mentally the match that you will play (and be prepared for positive outcomes as well as adverse situations).
1. Practice the way you want to play. This includes practicing between points routines.
2. Have your bag/equipment ready - racquets strung and gripped, healthy snacks, lots of water, sports drink if needed, extra clothes, extra pair of shoes, towel, hat, sunscreen, etc.
By Dr. Larry Lauer & USTA Player Development Coaches
4. Hydration: Drink 1.5 liters of water with electrolytes two hours before the match begins and continue to drink during the match.
Preparing to play a tennis match with positive energy is similar to entering the highway when driving. You don’t want to enter the highway at 30 mph; you may get run over! Instead, if the speed limit is 65 mph, accelerate to 55-60 mph as you enter the highway. As you prepare for a match, use the time to mentally and physically get close to match speed with your shots, movement and mind. This will help you get off to a fast start and compete with your game plan immediately.
The ANTICIPATION is Killing Me!
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
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December 1st Adult Ratings are Released on Tennislink.
FAQ
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. What is a strike and how do I get one? Each time a player’s dynamic rating exceeds the maximum tolerance for the level, he or she automatically earns a "strike." 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.
NTRP LEVEL BY LEVEL INFO VIDEOS:
ADULT LEAGUE RATINGS
Captains may request a team number by emailing oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
Tulsa Captains Meeting 2pm Sunday, January 20, 2019 @ LaFortune Grill (golf side) Players may sign-up after December 15th. OKC Captains Meeting in February. TBA See you on the courts in March!
CAPTAINS NAME & USTA #: CO-CAPTAIN'S NAME & USTA #: LEAGUE DIVISION, GENDER & LEVEL: (For example, 18s 3.5 Men or 40s 3.0 Mixed) CELL PHONE NUMBER (best # to reach you) EMAIL ADDRESS: HOME FACILITY:
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"SUCH A GOOD WORKOUT, FUN TO BE WITH MY FRIENDS, AND COMPETITIVE!"
USTA LEAGUES There is no better way to get in the game – and have a lot of fun in the process – than USTA League. It offers play at the 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over, and 65 & Over divisions, all of which are broken down into playing ability, which means there truly is a league for everyone. And there are also a range of adult tournaments, both local and national, to stoke your competitive fire.
OKC Rule Changes
The Local League Coordinator has the authority to call matches off for eminent hazardous weather up to 3 hours before a match. ï‚·If the temperature/heat index during match time is forecasted to reach 105 F or higher, the match must be rescheduled, unless both captains agree to play. In order for this rule to take effect, team captains must communicate with each other, at least one hour before the start of the match and make their intentions known. If possible, delay the start time. A player is eligible to progress to a Local Play-off, District or Section Championship level competition if that player has played on that same team in at least two (2) matches during its local league season. Teams should not accept any Local Play-off, District, Section or National Championship invitation unless they have enough players attending to fill all courts for every match.
"MY TEAMMATES WERE THE BEST INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE COURT"
WHY ADULT TENNIS? Tennis is a great way to keep your body fit and your mind sharp. It improves balance and body coordination and improves speed, strength and flexibility. But perhaps the best thing about tennis is that it provides a great opportunity to meet new people and build friendships.
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SPRING TENNIS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
1) Tornado Warning: If there is a tornado warning for Tulsa County matches will automatically be cancelled (Rule #27)
2) Rescheduled Matches: If temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit BOTH captains must agree to play the match. League Coordinator has the final say in extenuating circumstances (Rule #27) 3) Championship Requirements: A player needs two matches in league play to participate in a local playoff (Rule #30) 4) Tri -Level: Maximum player on a team is 15 (Rule #34.1)
Highlights-2019 New Rules/Changes
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