Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

September Spotlight of the Month

USTA Oklahoma | September 21, 2021


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.
  • 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 in their program. 
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The September Player Spotlight of the Month:

Oleta Calvert

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Calvert:  I have lived in Oklahoma since 1960 but grew up in Pennsylvania.

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing? 

Calvert: I started playing when I was 40-years-old,  so fifty years! 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you play?

Calvert: LaFortune & RH-91 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your favorite tennis memory?

Calvert: Oh, I have so many! Maybe playing mixed doubles with partner Barry Kenzie and making it to Nationals three or four times. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Who is your favorite athlete? 

Calvert: Just recently, that Canadian player, Leylah Fernadez 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Who is your tennis coach?

Calvert: Melissa McCorkle is one but I've had so many throughout the years. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?

Calvert: I try to restrict sugar 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Which racquet do you use?

Calvert: Prince 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand? 

Calvert: Forehand 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite sport, besides tennis?

Calvert: Walking 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food?

Calvert: Watermelon, especially when it is hot!

 

 

 

The September Volunteer Spotlight of the Month:

Hoa Lesselroth

 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Lesselroth:  I’m originally from Vietnam, but grew up in California. Since then I’ve lived in New Orleans and Portland, Oregon.  Currently, I live in Tulsa.

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you volunteer?

Lesselroth: USTA Oklahoma & Missouri Valley 

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing?

Lesselroth:  I started playing tennis in high school, but stopped for over 20 years. It wasn’t until 2017 that I picked it up again and loving it ever since!! 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your favorite tennis memory?

Lesselroth: It’s hard to pick just one. Although anytime I’m able to travel with my tennis friends for a USTA tournament or just for fun, I treasure those memories most! 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What racquet do you use?

Lesselroth: I currently play with a Head Extreme MP racquet because it has a slightly heavier head. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand? 

Lesselroth: I do favor my backhand, but am working on improving that forehand 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your favorite sport, besides tennis?

Lesselroth: I don’t have another favorite sport, but do enjoy any sport that involves a ball and racquet or paddle. 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food?

Lesselroth: Is dessert a food because I love all things sweet!!

 

 

 

The September NJTL Player of the Month Spotlight: 

Carmen Ramos

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where are you from?

Ramos: Dominican Republic 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Where do you play?

Ramos:  LaFortune Case Tennis Center 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Who is your tennis coach?

Ramos: Tim Leos & Carlos Salazar 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your favorite tennis memory?

Ramos:  My first drill 

 

USTA Oklahoma: How long have you been playing? 

Ramos: Seven months 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite athlete? 

Ramos: Serena Williams 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What is your pre-match ritual or pre-match meal?

Ramos: Light snack or Protein Bar 

 

USTA Oklahoma: What racquet do you use?

Ramos: Wilson, Head, Babolat Pure Drive 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Forehand or backhand? 

Ramos: Both forehand and backhand 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite sport, besides tennis?

Ramos: Swimming 

 

USTA Oklahoma: Favorite food?

Ramos: Pizza

 

 

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