Lifelong love of the game guides new USTA Oklahoma President Peter McCorkle

While the physical benefits of tennis are undeniable, McCorkle sees something much bigger happening on the courts every day: friendships forming, confidence growing and lifelong communities being built rally by rally. Nurturing those connections, he said, is one of the greatest privileges of his career.

That mindset carries directly into his coaching and leadership philosophy. Yes, developing skills matters. Improving performance matters. But caring for the person on the other side of the net matters just as much. McCorkle believes the best teachers and the best leaders are those who invest in people first.

For McCorkle, success isn’t measured solely by wins, rankings or trophies. It looks different for every player. Sometimes it’s helping someone become the very best version of themselves on the court. Other times, it’s helping them rediscover joy in the game or finding their place within a tennis community that supports them.

Improvement, enjoyment and connection: Those are the markers that matter most to him.

Stepping into the Presidency

McCorkle became USTA Oklahoma’s president this past November, and he approaches the role with both pride and humility. He considers USTA Oklahoma as one of the strongest districts in the country, a reflection of committed volunteers, passionate players and strong leadership. With that strength comes a responsibility to listen, engage and keep tennis growing across the state.

Listening, in fact, may be his most important priority. McCorkle is focused on hearing from board members, tennis operators and players alike, believing the best solutions come from those on the courts every day. From facility needs and court development to innovative programming and improved tournament experiences, McCorkle’s goal is to ensure tennis in Oklahoma continues to meet players where they are.

As tennis participation continues to grow, McCorkle sees opportunity alongside challenge: the need for more courts, better facilities and creative programming that serves players of all ages and levels. Public facilities like Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park, he believes, are vital to the future of American tennis. Every court, every facility and every program plays a role in creating meaningful tennis communities.

When asked how he hopes to be remembered at the end of this chapter of his career, McCorkle didn’t mention accomplishments or titles. Instead, he returned to what matters most to him: being someone who listens, values others and turns those conversations into action alongside a dedicated board and tennis community.

It’s a fitting vision for a president whose life has been shaped by tennis—not just as a sport—but as a way to connect, lead and give back.

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