Get to Know Your USTA Oklahoma Tennis Service Representative

Get to know more about your USTA Oklahoma Tennis Service Representative, Laura Puryear. Puryear is excited to see more people on the courts in Oklahoma in 2021 and to share her passion for the game. 

Did you play tennis as a kid? 

I did! I began playing tennis at the 12-years-old when a friend from school asked me to play a tournament at Kickingbird Tennis Center in Edmond. I had never played before, but enjoyed the experience. I started taking lessons and eventually began competing in local, district and section-level tournaments. I played on the Edmond Memorial Junior High and High School tennis teams, winning the State Championship at No. 2 doubles my sophomore year!  

Did you play tennis in college? 

Yes, at the University of Central Oklahoma under coach Francis Baxter. I played for two years, playing No. 4 singles and No. 1 doubles. My partner and I were the first women’s team to win the Lone Star Conference Championship at No.  doubles in 1993! 

How long have you been with USTA Missouri Valley?

I began working for USTA Missouri Valley in 1996 as the School Tennis Director, overseeing Schools, NJTL (National Junior Tennis and Learning) and Junior Team Tennis. Prior to that, I worked as a teaching pro at several facilities in Edmond & Oklahoma City, as well as Wellesley, Mass.. I got my PTR Certification in 1997 and my USPTA Certification in 1999 and have worked in Coach Education since then, conducting USTA Trainings at the local, section and national level. I currently serve as the Tennis Service Representative for Oklahoma with the USTA Missouri Valley. I engage with facilities and providers throughout Oklahoma to assist them in creating or augmenting the play opportunities they offer their customers. The goal is attracting new players, increasing retention and providing a positive, first experience to grow the sport of tennis! 

What is your favorite tennis memory? 

As a junior, traveling with my family to various tournaments in Missouri Valley. 

As an adult, competing in USTA League Section Championships with fun, competitive, strong women who all loved tennis and enjoyed competing and laughing along the way! 

What is one of your favorite things about your job? 

Talking tennis with folks who are truly interested in the growth and development of kids, both on and off the court and how sport, but tennis specifically, can change the trajectory of a kid’s life!