October 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 three winners, USTA Oklahoma sits 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 nationally-ranked player. USTA Oklahoma would love to hear recommendations from your team or facility. Click here to see the October NJTL Spotlight.
Volunteer: A person that has gone above and beyond for your facility or program. Click here to see the October Volunteer Spotlight.
NJTL/Adaptive Player: A player that has demonstrated hard work and dedication in their program.
The October Player Spotlight of the Month:
Carmen and Ivana Corley, OU Women's Tennis sister duo that were ranked in ITA collegiate pre-season #1 in doubles.
Where do you play? Ivana (I) & Carmen (C): The University of Oklahoma
Favorite tennis memory? I: Beating Oklahoma State at home last season C: Clinching the match against UCF and then beating OSU with my team Easter Weekend
Where are you from? I & C: Albuquerque, New Mexico
How long have you been playing? I & C: Since I was 5 so about 15 years
Favorite athlete? I & C: Serena Williams
Who is your tennis coach? I & C: Audra Cohen, Jose Gracia, Mariana Cobra, Ben Dunbar, Johnny Kowlaski
What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal? Ivana: I have a cup of coffee in the morning and I have to wear my hair down up until the point that I start warming up! Carmen: Pre-match ritual is to listen to “Apparently” by J Cole., say a prayer, stretch and breath
What racquet do you use? Ivana: Wilson Clash Carmen: Yonex VCORE 100
Forehand or backhand? Ivana: Backhand Carmen: Forehand
Favorite sport, besides tennis? Ivana: Basketball Carmen: Football
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Coach Antonio Lares page]( "Antonio Lares, who works with First Serve OKC, poses for a photo on a tennis court.")
Coach Antonio LaresJuly 25, 2025In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month USTA Oklahoma is featuring Antonio Lares, a first-generation Mexican-American who shares his passion for tennis at First Serve OKC. Read More -
![Visit the Coach Carlos Salazar page]( "Carlos Salazar, Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park coach, details the importance of Pride Month.")
Coach Carlos SalazarJune 23, 2025Carlos Salazar, former NCAA Division-I tennis player and coach at Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park in Tulsa, champions LGBTQ+ visibility during Pride Month. Read More -
![Visit the New Indoor Courts page]( "A drone shot of Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park, which is set to open three new indoor tennis courts.")
New Indoor CourtsJune 18, 2025Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park in Tulsa hosted a grand opening for its three new indoor tennis courts in April and was recently selected for a $150,000 USTA grant. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
