Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

April Spotlight of the Month: Athlete

Casey McKenzie | April 13, 2022

Each month, USTA Oklahoma will highlight a player, a volunteer, and a NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) or Adaptive Tennis Player. After selecting the 3 winners, we will sit down for a Q & A with the spotlight of the month.

Athlete-- Any player that has good sportsmanship & dedication to the sport, whether they are just starting out in a Team Challenge or they are a National ranked player we would love to hear who you would recommend from your team or facility.
Volunteer--A person that has gone above and beyond for your facility or program. Click here to learn about April's volunteer of the month.
NJTL/Adaptive Player--A player that has demonstrated hard work and dedication they have put forth in their program. Click here to learn about April's adaptive player of the month.

The April athlete spotlight of the month is….

Ignacio Cortez

Where do you play?

I play at Hidden Trails Country Club

Who is your tennis coach?

Coach Chad- emphasizes the importance of having variety in your game and finds opportunities for his students after high school.

Coach Rodney- teaches the importance of mindset and being a good person on and off the court.

Coach Khup- always available for his students and is willing to give up his time to help others improve.

Coach Morales- always there when I’m struggling during a match and reminds me to relax and think.

Other coaches include Coach Kappel, Coach Garcia, Coach Jenny, and Coach Nate. They have taught me the fundamentals of tennis and have set the foundation for years to come.

What levels have you played for USTA?

I play at the USTA 4.0 level. 4.5 on a good day.

What made you start playing tennis?

My friends were all joining tennis freshman year of high school so I decided to join as well. What made me stay is all the relationships I have built with all the great people I have met. From coaches to players, I am grateful for all the experiences we have gone through together.

Favorite tennis memory?

My favorite tennis memory is when My school team (U.S. Grant) won All City my freshman year. This memory was like no other because it was my first year playing tennis and the energy was so high in the final match when we won and they brought us the first place banner.

Where are you from?

I was born in Mexico, but I have lived in Oklahoma since I was 5 years old.

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing for about 4 years.

Favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Rafael Nadal because he is a good role model on and off the court.

An honorable mention is Kobe Bryant because of his competitiveness, work ethic, and his love for the sport.

What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?

Making bean burritos the morning of a tournament.

Putting on a headband before a match.

What racquet do you use?

Head Speed Pro

Forehand or backhand?

Forehand

Favorite sport, besides tennis?

Basketball and soccer

Favorite food?

Pepperoni pizza and tacos

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