Krisik Wins Gold Star Award For Lifelong Tennis Career

“She just is tennis.” That’s how USTA Kansas Tennis Service Representative Jaren Glaser described Jan Krisik, a May winner of the Gold Star Award. 

Krisik has led a colorful tennis career as a player, coach and mentor. She played college tennis at Wichita State University and went on to coach for Arkansas City High School. Krisik has been a mentor to tons of local kids through her work with high school tennis, Junior Team Tennis and other USTA events.  

“I think the best part of developing so many players is watching them become young adults,” Krisik said. “So many of them still play the game of tennis and I continue to follow them and tell them how proud I am of them. Many are playing on USTA teams—they listened when I told them tennis is a life-long sport.”

Glaser says one of the most memorable things about Krisik is her drive to do more.

“She’s always updating herself and attending Net Generation workshops,” Glaser said. “She’s very knowledgeable, giving, and enjoys helping the community.”

For Krisik, tennis has always been a family affair. She and her brothers were coached by their father and played in USTA tournaments all across Kansas and the Missouri Valley section. 

“We would travel to tournaments as a family. My older brothers and I would play in the juniors from Wednesday through Friday, and then my dad would play in the adults, because back then that is how they were played,” Krisik said. “Then we would head back home, and my mom would launder our tennis clothes and my dad would have us on the courts practicing and getting us ready to hit the road again.”

Krisik’s brothers, Brad and Jay Louderback, have both led successful careers as college coaches for numerous universities. Her parents are still avid tennis fans who can be found cheering on any teams that play at the Louderback Family Tennis Complex in Arkansas City.