Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

June Spotlight of the Month: Athlete

Casey McKenzie | June 22, 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 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 June athlete spotlight of the month is….

Carolyn Clark

Heard you just won a Gold Ball?

Yes! I won my gold ball at the 2022 USTA National women’s Clay Court Championships in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It was 80’s doubles with Laura Baetz from St Louis, Missouri This is our first gold ball. We have won 4 bronze balls in other national tournaments

Favorite thing about tennis?

My favorite things about the tournaments are seeing tennis friends from around the country I have met. I have played USTA Nationals. I have also played USTA Intersectionals when Missouri Valley allows and we can get a team together.

Where do you play?

I play mostly at the Greens but have been called a “tennis slut” because I enjoy going anywhere at any time and play with anybody. It’s mostly true.

How long have you been playing?

I’ve been playing about 68 years

What is your favorite "saying?"

My favorite saying is “yours”

Where are you from?

I am from Oklahoma City but lived in Ponca City for seven years. That is where I learned to play in junior high in a free after school program to form a good high school girls team. Now I do drills at the Greens with Tim Shanahan.

Favorite athlete?

My favorite athletes are the ones that have super good sportsmanship, don’t practice gamesmanship and are friendly to other players, officials and fans and who play for the love and joy of the game. It is just a game. I don’t remember the score tomorrow, but I know if I had fun.

What racquet do you use?

I play with a Wilson Clash 100. I started with a Tad Davis wooden racket and finally got a Head Edge graphite when my son started going to tournaments so he would have an extra. When I couldn’t find them at garage sales anymore my son-in-law gave me a Jack Kramer Autograph racket which I loved because it looked like a woodie. I had to change because I couldn’t get grommets for restringing. This Clash will probably be my last racket.

Forehand or backhand?

I love both forehand and backhand and really have no preference. I prefer my partner pick her best side.

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