Celebrating Women’s History Month with two Oklahoma Officials

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's a fitting time to spotlight two remarkable women who have not only broken barriers but also excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields. In the world of tennis officiating, two exceptional individuals from Oklahoma, Sheila Conway and Cindy Ritchie, have made significant strides, showcasing their expertise, professionalism, and passion for the sport on the grand stage of the US Open.

Enjoy this Q & A with Cindy and Sheila!

Cindy Ritchie Q & A

Where are you from?

I was born in Oklahoma City.  Although I have lived in various countries around the world, I have ended up back where I was born!

Where do you live? 

I live in Edmond.  But mostly I live in hotels for officiating.

How long have you been officiating?

I officially began working on the pro-officiating circuit in 2012.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love the travel, seeing different cities, working with my fellow officiating family.  I love watching players move up through the professional levels and being able to say, I remember when…..  It’s a challenge, times are changing for officials. Some of the favorite things about officiating are disappearing.

What are some of your favorite tournaments you have officiated?

It’s hard to top the US Open.  Saying that, Indian Wells is definitely at the top of my favorites, some that stick out in my memory are the WTA finals in FT. Worth, The Mubadala tournament that used to be in San Jose, Cincinnati and all the Florida tournaments near beaches!!

What type of officiating did you do at the US Open? 

I have had multiple roles over the years at the Open.  I began as a line umpire.  Now that we have electronic line calling I have worked as a match assistant. We still fulfill the duties of the service line umpire, just do not have to call the line.  We do the ball changes, check the nets, escort the players to the bathroom, replace lost balls, really an assistant to the chair.  This past Open I also worked as a Field Staff official where you roam about the grounds checking on courts, assisting if needed on bathroom breaks or really anything that is needed out in the field.

Who was your favorite player to watch play at the US Open?

Well, we don’t really have favorites, but all the top players are fun to watch. One of my favorite matches I ever watched at the Open was Gail Monfis vs. John Isner.   It was 5 sets of outstanding tennis and entertainment.

Do you think you'll officiate this year at the US Open? 

I hope so!  Applications are in so now we wait and see!

Why do you think officials are so important?

We bring the humanity to the court.  Ensure fair play and keep play moving.  With the replacement of officials with electric line calling we have really lost a lot of the humanity on the court and the interaction of the crowd with the match seems to be less without the review system.

Do you play tennis?

Yes, but not as much as I used to.

How has the game changed since you started?

Rules change every year, so they are always evolving. The electric line calling has had a major impact on officiating.

Favorite tennis memory?

Escorting Venus Williams to a bathroom break on one of the first tournaments after Covid. She was playing Serena. So being a lines person on that match where they were playing each other will always be one of my best memories.

What do you like to do besides tennis? 

I love to work out, travel and play golf. I also paint when I'm home when I have time to.

Favorite athlete?

Maybe Lindsay Vaughn. Or Chuck Norris.