Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

August Spotlight of the Month

Casey McKenzie | August 26, 2021

Each month, USTA Oklahoma will highlight a player, a volunteer and a NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) or Adaptive Tennis Player.  After selecting the three winners, USTA Oklahoma sits down for 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 nationally-ranked player. USTA Oklahoma would love to hear recommendations from your team or facility.
  • Volunteer: A person that has gone above and beyond for your facility or program.  
  • NJTL/Adaptive Player: A player that has demonstrated hard work and dedication in their program.  

 

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The August Player Spotlight of the Month:

Jackson Nelson

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Nelson: Tulsa, Okla. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you play?

Nelson: Philcrest and RH-91

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing tennis? 

Nelson:  Five years

 

USTA Oklahoma:  Favorite tennis memory? 

Nelson: Going to the US Open with my family 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Who is your tennis coach?  


Nelson: Andrew Schmidt, Ellie Bailey and my grandpa Bub

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite athlete?  

Nelson: Coco Gauff 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?  

Nelson: Listening to music and donuts for breakfast

 

USTA Oklahoma: Which racquet do you use? 

Nelson:  Wilson Clash

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand?

Nelson: Both

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite sport, besides tennis?  

Nelson: Pickleball and Ping-Pong

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food? 

Nelson:  Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets

 

 

 

The August Volunteer Spotlight of the Month:

Robert Braver

 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you volunteer? 

Braver: Britton Christian Church Tennis Academy

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Braver: Ardmore, Okla. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Do you play tennis?

Braver: Yes

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite tennis memory?

Braver: That wonderful day at the OKC Tennis Center in 2000 when each of my daughters won a State Championship for Heritage Hall. As I was standing there hugging them, I was overcome with pride and joy.

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing? 

Braver: Since I was a kid.

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite athlete? 

Braver: Ken Rosewall

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? 

Braver: Cheeseburger, Fries, and a Coke 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Which racquet do you use? 

Braver: Wilson Steam 105

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand? 

Braver: I love my chip/slice backhand with a forehand grip

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite sport, besides tennis? 

Braver: Ping-Pong

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food?  

Braver: Anything at Johnnies! 

 

 

 

The August Adaptive Spotlight of the Month Adaptive:

Mindee Brown

 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you play?

Brown: Edmond Center Court

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Brown: Edmond, Okla. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite tennis memory?

Brown: Winning King of the Court for the first time

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing?

Brown: Since May when the Champions Program started. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite athlete?

Brown: Gracie Epps

 

USTA Oklahoma: Who is your tennis coach?

Brown: Coach Caitlyn

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?

Brown: Chocolate Donut Hole

 

USTA Oklahoma: Which racquet do you use?

Brown: Prince Warrior 107”

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand?

Brown: Forehand, but really I like both equally

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite sport, besides tennis?

Brown: Swimming

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food?

Brown: Filipino!

 

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