Johnston Serves Norman Tennis

To honor its 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving recipients with the Gold Star Award. This award recognizes contributions that recipients have made in growing the game of tennis in their community.

Dawna Johnston, Director for the University of Oklahoma Headington Family Tennis Facility & OU Tennis Club, was named a Gold Star award winner for her efforts providing tennis in the Norman, Oklahoma area since 2011.

The Headington Family Tennis Facility is home to the OU men’s and women’s tennis programs as well as a private tennis club that offers many levels of memberships. The club provides tennis lessons, clinics and drills for adults and juniors in addition to hosting USTA League matches, events for organizations like the NCAA, Big 12 and ITA and other professional tournaments. Johnston oversees all of these operations and more in her role as director.

“My job requires that I work closely with our administration, coaches, athletes, club members & local residents,” said Johnston. “I coordinate practices for our teams as well as incoming teams’ practices.  I work with the University’s event management on match day preparations, Big 12 events, hire & oversee student employees, design all pro-shop OU tennis merchandise & manage daily club functions.”  

Johnston grew up watching Billie Jean King and Chrissy Everett, but didn’t begin playing tennis herself until adulthood. She played in USTA Leagues as she moved around the country and eventually settled in Oklahoma, where she took her first job at OU and college tennis. 

“I played on as many as six different leagues in one year,” said Johnston. “When anyone moved to Norman and wanted to get involved in tennis they would come see me. I would quickly get them involved in our local USTA Leagues.”

Johnston’s influence in the Norman community just continued to grow from there. Working with the OU head tennis coaches, Audra Cohen and Nick Crowell, has given Johnston the opportunity to build tennis programs at all levels. For example, several times during the men’s and women’s tennis seasons, the teams host kids’ days with open tennis play, pizza and other activities. 

“They (the staff) believe in giving back to the sport that gives us so much,” said Johnston. “And I always appreciate seeing USTA Missouri Valley Executive Director Mary Buschmann and USTA Oklahoma Tennis Representative Laura Puryear at our play day events. They both have been very supportive of me & have been immeasurable assets in my growth in tennis.” 

In addition to getting kids involved, OU hosted its first women’s Pro Circuit event in 2016, with Johnston serving as tournament director. The next year she ran a dual gender event as well. Johnston said the experience was a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding. 

“Our committee involved our community and club members as volunteers and they also provided housing and donated food for the pro players,” said Johnston. “I enjoyed meeting and getting to know the players from all over the world and appreciate how much hard work it takes to break into the professional tennis top 200 rankings. I was fortunate enough to meet players like Bianca Andreescu, Sofia Kenin and Hugo Gaston. We received great feedback from the players on how they loved our tournament.  Many return every year to play in our Norman Open Series.”

With all the success and growth, Johnston has no plans to slow down any time soon.  

“Tennis continues to give me so much in my life,” said Johnston. “I have loved the competition with USTA, the fellowship, life lessons and later in life an unexpected career.  You know what they say, ‘do something you love,’ and I am!”