WHM - Waterman Connor, Miller, Sloan Shine Bright in USTA Heart of America

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of several things: at 18, I was picked to play on the Missouri Valley Tennis Association (what is now called USTA Missouri Valley) Jr. Whiteman Cup squad in Philadelphia. Also, being inducted into the USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame and then the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame.

Who impacted your tennis career the most?

My coaches:  Bill Guilfoil from Kansas City,  Earl Buchholz from St. Louis and my parents.

If you could say one thing to young girls in tennis today, what would it be?

Focus on your intent and have it together both mentally and emotionally.  If you enjoy it, give 100 percent on the court and off. Always be a good sport.

What in tennis has changed the most since you became involved?

Wow. - lots has changed: All the various levels of junior tennis now; the size of the rackets has changed, the strings, the power of the players and the gym workouts the players do now.

Pam Sloan 

Pam Sloan has had a long and storied career that extends across USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Northern California. And it all started because of a chance meeting with another who has had an indelible impact on tennis here in the Missouri Valley - Jodie Adams. 

Sloan has served at every level within USTA Missouri Valley, most notably as a two-term President from 1999-2002. A few of her service-based awards from USTA Missouri Valley, USTA, or her work in the Parks and Recreation system include the “Outstanding Service Award” from USTA for her NJTL work, the “Distinguished Service Award” from USTA Missouri Valley, and the “Exceptional Service Award” from Kansas City Parks and Recreation. In 2004, Sloan’s work took her to California to become the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Stockton. She’s remained heavily involved in the USTA in California, too - serving on committees and as a board member for USTA Northern California. Sloan has also served extensively for USTA nationally — in the past 30 years, she has served on nearly 30 national committees.

How long have you been involved in USTA Missouri Valley?   

I have been involved for 22 years, then moved to Northern California and continued my involvement in the USTA. 

What impact do you feel you’ve made on USTA Missouri Valley tennis?

My biggest impact was growing tennis at the grassroots level. I have introduced tennis to thousands of young people through tennis lessons, tournaments, NJTL and special events.  I believe it helped build the foundation for many young people’s future in tennis and life.

What are you most proud of?

While there are many things I am proud of I would have to say the development of tennis in the Kansas City area as Director of Tennis for the Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Tennis had been cut from the budget and I brought it back after there was no program for several years. I managed to bring back lessons, tournaments and an NJTL program administered throughout the city that included 1,200 youth.  In addition, the rebuild of the Plaza Tennis Center.

What is your fondest tennis memory?

I have told this story many times because it gave me so much satisfaction. I had the opportunity to teach a small group of ladies who had never played tennis before.  We met at the Plaza Tennis Center every Saturday morning for eight weeks. When they showed up the first time they didn’t have a racquet and were dressed in long dresses due to their religious belief.  Needless to say, I wasn’t sure how this would turn out.  Their skill level was not the greatest.  The second lesson they had all gone out and bought a racquet and had changed their attire to pedal pushers.  It brought a huge smile to my face as I knew they were serious about learning tennis.  By the fourth week, they were able to rally the ball 4 – 5 hits.  They squealed with excitement.  It was then that I realized how much I was able to influence lives through tennis.  I will never forget the joy that tennis brought to these ladies and to me.

Who impacted your tennis career the most?

Jodie Adams and Barbara Fackel were very influential in getting me involved in USTA Missouri Valley tennis.  I met Jodie at a High School State Volleyball Championship.  As we shared what we do for a living, Jodie said, “you need to be involved in tennis locally and nationally.”  She was the President of USTA Missouri Valley.  She introduced me to the community tennis workshops and my tennis career advanced from there. I was selected for committee work both in Missouri Valley and National. I eventually joined the USTA Missouri Valley Board and became President for two terms. Barbara was always a wealth of knowledge and was very supportive. They are two very strong women in the tennis community. They have helped me throughout my tennis career, which led me to the USTA National Board. Also, I have idolized Billie Jean King since a teenager. I was mesmerized by her desire to make a difference in women’s tennis and women’s issues.  

 If you could say one thing to young girls in tennis today, what would it be?

Appreciate what tennis brings to your life. It’s not just physical but mental, social and emotional development and growth.  Don’t forget to have fun.

What in tennis has changed the most since you became involved?

The obvious change is equipment and court design. Equipment has clearly changed how the game is played today.  Bigger sweet spots on the racquet, court surfaces and ball technology have made the game more exciting.  Introducing the short court and low compression balls to young players has allowed for positive potential skill growth at a faster pace and experiencing success in the early stage of learning.