Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

February Spotlight of the Month: Athlete

Casey McKenzie | February 18, 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 February'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 February's NJTL Player of the Month.

The February athlete spotlight of the month is….

Ronald Perdue

Where do you play?

I currently play & am a member at R & H Tennis Club, Tulsa, Ok. I also play at LaFortune Park Tennis Center in the USTA Summer League.

Where are you from?

I have lived in Tulsa since 1962, but originally born & raised in Muskogee.

How long have you been playing?

I started playing tennis in the Summer of 1953 at age 17, so I have played continuously for about 69 years. This includes being a three year letterman at Northeastern State University (1959-61) plus playing in many state & local tournaments. While l have had moderate success winning a few tournaments over the years in both singles & doubles, my greatest success has come in my 80's.

Favorite athlete?

Regarding my favorite athlete. Wow, this is a hard question as I have many favorites in several sports. However, if only one I choose Roger Federer.

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

I do not do much mental preparation before a match. Rarely scout an opponent & do not have any pre-match tactical plan. During my warm-up is when I observe my opponents strokes & possible weaknesses.

What racquet do you use?

I have been using Prince brand rackets for at least 30 years. My favorite & current is a Prince Beast 104. I also use my backup racket which is the Prince Premier 105.

Forehand or backhand?

My forehand is my offensive stroke, backhand is move consistent & makes fewer errors.

Favorite sport, besides tennis?

I still play in a senior softball league & golf twice a week in the summer.

Favorite food?

I like truly like everything (pizza, burgers, pasta, etc), but my favorite would be seafood.

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