AAPI Feature: Kim Ritchie enjoys competing in, captaining USTA Kansas leagues

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.