Oklahoma tennis leaders take center stage at 2026 US Open in New York

Oklahoma tennis had a strong presence at the 2026 US Open, with several USTA Oklahoma leaders and players receiving national recognition and representing the state during US Open Fan Week.

From leadership and facility awards to appearances on the Fan Week stage to a prestigious sportsmanship honor and more, Oklahoma’s tennis community was well-represented in New York.

Oklahoma, NAITA Take Fan Week Stage

Oklahoma had a special moment during US Open Fan Week on Aug. 26. Kayla Bales Chisum and Tony Mullican, representing USTA Oklahoma and the North American Indian Tennis Association, took the Fan Week stage.

Mullican also introduced a Native American dance company performing on the stage, providing an opportunity to share Native American culture with the thousands of tennis fans attending the US Open.

For Mullican, representing Oklahoma at the US Open was about much more than personal recognition.

“Representing Oklahoma at the US Open is a privilege because it gives me the opportunity to share the story of our amazing tennis community,” he said. “While Oklahoma faces challenges in education and health, I have seen how tennis can help address these problems.

“The Oklahoma tennis community across the state is working together to create and provide opportunities for our citizens to be active and healthy and to find community.”

Mullican also highlighted the work being done by Oklahoma’s National Junior Tennis and Learning programs.

“Our Oklahoma City and Tulsa NJTLs are also providing urban youth with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed both on the court and in the classroom,” Mullican said. “I’m honored to represent our community at the US Open because this recognition reflects what we have all accomplished together.”

He said Oklahoma’s tennis community is an example of how the sport can create meaningful change.

“Oklahoma is a shining example of a community rallying around tennis to change lives, to inspire more people to pick up a racquet and grow the game towards the USTA’s goal of 35 million players by 2035,” Mullican said.

Conway, Ritchie Officiate US Open

Two officials from USTA Oklahoma, Sheila Conway and Cindy Ritchie, were again selected to work the US Open.

Both Conway and Ritchie have now worked six US Opens apiece.

Conway and Ritchie were two of six officials from USTA Missouri Valley to work the US Open this year. Check out a Q&A article with the crew by clicking here.

Headington Earns Facility Award

The University of Oklahoma’s Headington Family Tennis Center and Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion was selected for a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award and recognized during the US Open.

The complex, which has undergone significant recent improvements, was one of 41 winners from across the country in the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards program.

Headington was picked for the award in the Educational Institutions category.

Read more about the OU facility and its national award by clicking here.

Martinez at CTA L.E.A.D. Program

Jewels Martinez from First Serve OKC was chosen to attend the CTA L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Empowerment and Development) program.

This program included five virtual sessions and an in-person capstone experience in New York during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open.

The CTA L.E.A.D. program focuses on building Community Tennis Association leaders by covering nonprofit leadership, innovation, collaboration and networking.

Smith Participates in AMEX Cup

Lincoln Smith from First Serve OKC in Oklahoma City was one of 24 student-athletes selected to participate in the Career Excellence Week and AMEX Excellence Cup during the US Open.

Participants were welcomed to New York courtesy of the USTA Foundation, with the initiative offering young leaders from under-resourced communities career exploration, leadership development and mentorship.

Nominated by local leaders, the students visited corporate sites throughout the week and received a surprise visit from Oprah Winfrey. They also had a meet-and-greet with award-winning journalist Gayle King and a discussion with Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King.

Smith and the 23 students participated in a community service activity, attended the US Open women’s semifinal matches and capped off their experience competing in the AMEX Excellence Cup on the tournament courts.