July Spotlight of the Month: Athlete
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 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.
- NJTL/Adaptive Player - A player that has demonstrated hard work and dedication they have put forth in their program.
The July athlete spotlight of the month is….
Haven Willis
Where do you play?
I play out of Case Tennis Center at Lafortune Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma
How is your team doing this year?
I am on two teams heading to Sectionals in August and September.
Who is your tennis coach?
The tennis pro I have taken lessons from the most is Doug Boswell. Doug is responsible for my success! I also take lessons from Melissa McCorkle, Tim Leos and Ira Khatsko.
What levels have you played for USTA?
2.5 and 3.0
What made you start playing tennis?
I have always wanted to take tennis lessons but like to give 100% to anything I start. I had time in June 2020 to start tennis lessons so I contacted Melissa at LaFortune and she scheduled a lesson for me with Doug Boswell. I have been taking lessons and coming to drills with Doug and every other pro as much as possible for 2 years.
Favorite tennis memory?
My favorite tennis memory is having the privilege to play at Districts and win with my 6.0 teams captained by David Schmidt/Alan Clark and Jeannie Sacra. I had no idea what to expect or how I would feel with the experience. It was so much fun playing with my 3.5 partners, Julio Cuadra and Stephanie Loseke and then supporting all my fellow team members in their matches.
Where are you from?
I am from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
How long have you been playing?
I started playing in June 2020.
Favorite athlete?
I recently started watching tennis and enjoyed Nadal and Djokavic but my favorite athletes are football players- Baker Mayfield and Tom Brady.
What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?
During Districts in Oklahoma City and playoffs at LaFortune, I would take a lesson from Doug Boswell or his son, Blake Boswell, right before my match to get warmed up and get one last pep talk. That seemed to really help metabolize some adrenaline.
What racquet do you use?
Babolat Drive Max
Forehand or backhand?
My forehand is definitely the best but Doug is working hard to improve my backhand.
Favorite sport, besides tennis?
I love to snow ski and I am a member of the Tulsa Ski Club. Snow skiing appeals to the same demographic as tennis so some of my tennis friends have joined the ski club and we have traveled to ski destinations and summer trips with the club. You find the same great people with both sports. We just returned from a trip to Colorado where we went white water rafting, hiking and mountain trail rides in side by sides.
Favorite food?
Mexican for sure!
What else?
I am so thankful for Melissa McCorkle and believe she is responsible for my path to tennis success. Her leadership and servant attitude at LaFortune tennis complex is a gift to thousands of people. She runs the business like a private entity with pride and excellence even though it is a government owned park. Melissa makes everyone feel important and works to connect players with lessons, drills, USTA teams and many other opportunities. I believe anyone would enjoy tennis and have success if they allow Melissa to advise them on how to get involved.
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