HighFIVE: Cindy McLemore

Cindy McLemore's passion has helped transform the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation

Reflecting back to 2013, when she was first asked to join the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF), Cindy McLemore says, “I didn’t really know much of anything about the CYTF but was very interested in learning more. Tennis teammate and then CYTF Board Member, Janice Simpson, introduced me to Fritz Garger, Lisa Schaefer and the Board and I was immediately drawn to their energy, passion and dedication to the overall well-being of Colorado kids…I knew immediately that I wanted to contribute in any way I could.”

 To say that Cindy has “contributed” is an incredible understatement! After just two years on the Board, Cindy became the CYTF President, and the organization has flourished under her leadership in every possible way. Cindy’s commitment and dedication to the CYTF’s mission of “Providing Colorado youth the opportunity to thrive and benefit from the lifetime sport of tennis” has been unwavering. 

Fritz Garger, USTA Colorado and CYTF Executive Director, says “Cindy is brilliant in any setting, whether that is, connecting one on one with people, speaking at the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala, coordinating fundraising events or engaging with kids of all ages. She is mindful, respectful and grateful for those who “set the table” before her with their leadership of CYTF and she has put her own touches on that which has led the CYTF to new heights.”

Cindy’s passion for tennis began when her mom introduced her to the sport when she was six years old. The Kentucky native was a self-proclaimed summer “tennis court rat”, which ultimately led to her playing high school tennis as well as for Division III Centre College of Kentucky. Cindy says, “The women I met on that team still remain a significant part of my life. We get together annually and, during COVID, started the ‘Centre Love’ Book Club, which continues to meet monthly.”

When Cindy moved to Colorado, she didn’t know anyone and worked as a remote Sales Executive, so her social network was fairly small. In 1990, she decided to play league tennis and due to Cindy’s ability to play high level tennis as well as create lasting relationships, she quickly found a spot in the Colorado tennis community. Still an active 4.5 league player, Cindy is currently captaining a 9.0 55+ team which is comprised of women who have played together for years and developed friendships which began because of their mutual love for tennis. 

“Tennis has given me so much and being able to give back to the community in a way that introduces kids to this amazing life-time sport has been an extraordinary experience,” Cindy says. Lisa Schaefer, USTA Colorado and CYTF Associate Executive Director, says, “It was really important to Cindy to connect with the young people we serve, and she did something about it by coordinating, creating and spearheading the CYTF Come Play at the Park event with fellow Board Members George Tavarez and Chris Mease. Come Play at The Park, which has been held in partnership with the Denver Tennis Park and the University of Denver the past four years was created to foster community support and connection around tennis. It’s a fun day for kids, supported by the CYTF, and their families to enjoy tennis at the Denver Tennis Park, complete with on-court games and activities alongside members of the DU men’s and women’s tennis teams! It’s a real celebration of tennis, community and accessibility and none of it would be possible without Cindy’s vision and leadership.”

Events like CYTF Come Play at the Park have helped the organization grow in terms of community engagement, brand recognition and fundraising efforts. In 2016, Cindy’s first full year as CYTF President, the CYTF disbursed $30,000 into the tennis community. In 2024, that amount increased to $103,000, through grants to organizations running programs for kids in need, to individual scholarships for youth who need assistance, to USTA Colorado SERVES programs.

Looking back on the last 12 years, Cindy says, “Seeing the whole tennis community come together to support the CYTF and these kids is significant. Many of these kids will live and experience their lives differently because of the support the CYTF and our various partners. And, seeing the pure joy on a child’s face when they get to play tennis with their friends is priceless.”

They say that all good things must come to an end and that is true of Cindy’s role with the CYTF as she stepped down earlier this year and traded in her title of President for the one of Grandma. Cindy will remain on the CYTF board and continue to serve as an amazing steward for the organization.

What’s next for the CYTF leadership? Great things! Check out an upcoming HighFIVE to learn more about the new President and the experience and value they will bring to the role!

MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.