Two USTA Missouri Valley Professionals Honored with National Awards

Two tennis professionals from USTA Missouri Valley recently won awards from the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). Caitlyn Segraves of Edmond, Okla. won the 2021 USPTA Star Award and Lane Evans of Norman, Okla. won the 2021 Alex Gordon Professional of the Year Award.

Evans is the owner of Lane Evans Tennis and Golf Performance and has been highly involved with the USPTA for many years, including serving one term on the USPTA National Board. He began playing tennis when he was eight years old and became a USPTA professional in 1983. He currently holds more than 27 certifications in tennis and fitness. Evans also won the USPTA Missouri Valley Division Professional of the Year Award in 2021. 

Per the USPTA website, the Professional of the Year Award is awarded annually to a tennis professional who demonstrates exemplary achievements in seven areas, including: the USPTA, allied organizations, club achievements, career development, volunteerism, coaching achievements and playing achievements.

Segraves won the Star Award, which recognizes certified professionals that have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis while incorporating multicultural and inclusive aspects to bring tennis and good sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits make them stars in their community. 

She currently works as the Director of Outreach for the Edmond Center Court complex. Edmond Center is a host site for ‘Play it Forward,’ an outreach program that celebrates inclusion in tennis. Segraves is also actively involved with the USPTA and serves on the board for the Missouri Valley Division.