Jolene Johnson Earns Sportsmanship Award

When Jolene Johnson of Omaha found out she was selected for the USTA League Sportsmanship Player of the Month, she was surprised and humbled.

Sportsmanship is something she takes very seriously.

“People have more fun and enjoy it when people are good sports,” she said. “Tennis can be very competitive, and yet at the end of the day you want to be able to laugh and enjoy those who also love to play.”

The 43-year old South Dakota native started playing tennis when she was in junior high and played through college. After giving it up for a while, she got back into it for the exercise and connection with other people.

One of those connections on the other side of the net was with Natalie Simmonds. She noticed Johnson’s positive attitude on the court and chose to nominate her for the award.

“We have played each other in singles on opposing teams and she always has a positive attitude and is very friendly, regardless of whether she is winning or losing,” Simmonds said. “She is very easy to become friends with and we started playing each other for fun outside of USTA and enjoy going on walks as well.”

Simmonds added that Johnson is also a mental health advocate, and takes her work very seriously. She is the Associate Director for Education and Child Development Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.