Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

February Spotlight of the Month: NTJL Player

Casey McKenzie | February 24, 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. Click here to learn about February's Athlete of the Month.
  • 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.   

 

 

The February NJTL player spotlight of the month is….
Ray Smith

Where do you play?

I play at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center, and sometimes at Jack W. Cornett Park.

 

Favorite tennis memory?

My favorite tennis memory would probably be at one of First Serve’s summer camps. I got into a water fight with some of the younger players, and ended up doing an involuntary ice bucket challenge!

 

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in Oklahoma City and Bethany.

 

How long have you been playing? 

I have been playing for five years, since the fourth grade.

 

Favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete would have to be the professional tennis player Coco Gauff. I watched a lot of her breakthrough matches at Wimbledon, and was totally shocked when she beat Venus and Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open..

 

Who is your tennis coach?

First Serve has a lot of volunteers, so I’ve had multiple coaches over the years. Right now, Tony Mullican is my tennis instructor.

 

Forehand or backhand?

Definitely backhand. I feel like I have more control and I’m less likely to overhit.

 

Favorite sport, besides tennis?

My other favorite sport is cross country. I think it contributes greatly to my tennis playstyle. 

 

Favorite Food?

My favorite food is mochi. I have a huge sweet tooth!

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