AAPI Feature: Kim Ritchie enjoys competing in, captaining USTA Kansas leagues
Kim Ritchie (top row, second from right) with her USTA Kansas tennis teammates.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the U.S., and we’re celebrating individuals in USTA Kansas who have made a positive impact on the tennis communities in which they serve.
One such member is Kim Ritchie, who has quickly become a fixture in Wichita-area leagues. Her positivity, dedication to the sport and to her teams, and excitement is contagious. USTA Kansas is honored to share Ritchie’s story with you.
A Korean orphan who was adopted into a German-American family when she was 3 years old, Ritchie developed a curiosity for racquet sports at an early age.
“We didn’t have a lot of money, but I got a discarded tennis racquet with a broken string and retrieved tennis balls from a canal when I was in middle school,” Ritchie said. “I would play tennis wall-ball as well as paddle ball, but I never had formal tennis training. I tried badminton in middle school and pickleball about 15 years ago. I also found enjoyment in watching and supporting my son’s tennis journey for eight years.”
After years of casual participation in these sports, Ritchie decided to start a formal tennis training program at her local Genesis facility.
“A year ago, I decided to try PTF (Play Tennis Fast) at Genesis Rock Road, which reignited my love for racquet sports,” Ritchie said. “Afterwards, I started to take clinics and eventually some private lessons at Genesis Health Clubs.”
Fast-forward to today, and Ritchie is an active participant in USTA leagues. She plays and co-captains in a 2.5 women’s league alongside Erica Combs and Charissa Evans, and Ritchie co-captains a men’s league with Anand Vennavelli.
“My involvement in USTA leagues as a player and captain has been very rewarding. It keeps me accountable in my tennis skills and helps me progress as a player,” Ritchie said. “Being a co-captain for two teams has given me opportunities to meet such a diverse, amazing and kind group of people.
Kim Ritchie (second from left) has quickly become a fixture in Wichita-area USTA leagues.
“I am motivated to stay involved with USTA leagues because of the support of my teammates and the friendships developed throughout the past season. I also enjoy seeing a remarkable improvement and growth in tennis skills and court IQ with all of my teammates. I feel a sense of accomplishment using my organizational and interpersonal skills being a co-captain. I also enjoy the team camaraderie and friendly competition as a player.”
If her personal experience with USTA leagues isn’t enough of an endorsement for the positive benefits leagues provide, Ritchie has even more to share on why leagues are good for players.
“Getting involved in USTA league play is a great way to cultivate friendships on and off the courts while getting and keeping fit,” Ritchie said. “At any level, it gives you an opportunity to use the skills learned from tennis clinics and lessons.
“The league matchplay experience also gives you an opportunity to work on your mental toughness—working through what you learned and applying the skills. Regardless of my losses and wins, I keep involved because I never lose sight of the why. Keeping physically and mentally active while having fun is important to me, and I love playing tennis.”
For more information on USTA Kansas leagues, click here. To read additional AAPI stories, click here.
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