In their own words: Lisa Minihan on creating opportunities through tennis

As we celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March, we look toward leaders in tennis who are working to spread this sport far and wide. This month, you'll meet leaders who are telling their first-person stories and who recognize the influences family, friends, players, teachers and coaches have had on the direction their lives and careers have taken—and how that direction is positively impacting the newest generations. Today, meet Lisa Minihan.

I grew up at the tennis courts—my involvement in the sport pretty much started at birth. My dad was a competitive junior and collegiate player, then became a high school tennis coach, and he was my coach growing up during my competitive junior playing days.

Sixty percent of our staff are female, and it’s a great opportunity to be able to mentor other women who enjoy working in our industry. Our mission is to provide inclusive opportunities for people in Edmond and surrounding communities to learn and play tennis while inspiring a healthier and happier community. It’s a privilege to be part of that.

A big part of my own career advancement has been due to the incredible experience and education I’ve gained by volunteering with the USTA. It’s given me access and exposure to many areas of sport, governance, and leadership. Coming up through the Section leadership experience, having served as President and Delegate of USTA Missouri Valley and on committees with other Section leaders, was an amazing time of growth for me. I love soaking up all the education and training this organization has to offer. Recently, I was selected to be part of The Lair, a women’s leadership coaching group. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my leadership skills and encouraging other women I work alongside.

A couple of years ago, I saw the Tony Award-winning musical “Suffs” on Broadway, about the American women's suffrage movement, focusing on the fight for the 19th Amendment. I was raised in a family where the women went to college before it was the norm and had their own careers. The fact that there was a time when the privileges we have didn’t exist has always seemed far removed from my life. But being reminded of how recently many of these freedoms have come about has made me so grateful to the strong, beautiful women who have gone before me.

Being involved in sport and the USTA, I never felt like I had to fight these battles. But I know there were plenty who fought these battles before me. So, I feel it is my responsibility to do as much with my opportunities as I can and to serve with integrity, hard work, and excellence so that those who follow continue to have more and better opportunities. I am also incredibly proud that the USTA has often led the way in women’s history, including when the US Open became the first sporting event to award equal prize money to men and women in 1973.

Sport adds incredible value to life. Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are all enhanced through sport. It also provides opportunities for connection and community. If we want successful, driven, and talented female leaders in the boardroom, let’s introduce them to sport at an early age and continue to pay it forward, for those who came before us.

[Editor’s Note: Minihan has received a number of awards and honors for her work and dedication to this industry, including Racquet Sports Industry’s 2025 Tennis Industry Service Award, USTA Missouri Valley & USTA Oklahoma Distinguished Service Award (2024), USTA National Outstanding Facility of the Year (2022), USTA Ralph W. Westcott Family of the Year (2020) and USTA National Blue Ribbon Tournament Director (2016).]