Summer 2021 Serve

SERVE Summer 2021

SUMMER OF

TENNIS

USTA Missouri Valley celebrates Pride Month, National Cancer Survivor Month and the return of tennis!

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TENNIS-WAREHOUSE.COM

SERVE SUMMER 2021

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Summer 2021

The USTA Missouri Valley publishes Serve three times per year, focusing specifically on the members and events in the section.

All material copyright USTA Missouri Valley, unless otherwise noted.

CONTENTS

Cover Photo Credit: USTA

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Your feedback is welcomed.

USTA Missouri Valley 4121 W 83rd Street I Suite 108 Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

usta.com info@movalley.usta.com

PRIDE MONTH

(913) 322-4800 (888)368-8612 Toll Free

(913) 322-4801 Fax facebook.com/USTAMissouriValley twitter.com/USTAMoValley instagram.com/USTAMoValley Mary Buschmann Executive Director Manon Eilts Marketing, Communications & Membership Emily Steinwart Communications Coordinator Graphic Design and Digital Media

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Jamie Hansen Digital Content Producer For questions about your USTA membership, please contact USTA Customer Care at 1-800-990-USTA or customercare.usta.com

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LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP TENNIS ANYONE? Tennis participation is booming - what’s next?

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR MONTH

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LOVE WINS:

Team St. Louis gives back with a tennis tournament.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Michelle Wherry is a fighter, on court and off.

2021 SUMMER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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NEWS NEAR YOU: Make sure you’re up to date on everything USTA

PROUD TO SERVE: National D&I committee Vice Chair Bill Towler on why tennis is a place for all.

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NET NOTES: News and highlights from around the section

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DISTRICT INSERTS: Check out local news and schedules from your district

NGUYEN’S WORLD: How tennis helped Ahn Nguyen find his place in the world. usta.com/ustamissourivalley

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What a year we have had in tennis!

While the pandemic has had an impact on everyday life, it has also fostered incredible growth in tennis across the country. The results of the PAC study indicate that 4 million new people picked up rackets in 2020. We will continue to serve those new and returning players this summer.

We’re excited about all the opportunities being offered for play throughout USTA Missouri Valley. As we continue to redefine how we play, we are committed to being your partner and friend in tennis. We appreciate all of our tournament and league players who continue to play on a frequent basis.

We challenge everyone to find and engage all these new players to continue to pick up their racquets.

Invite them into your tennis circle, encourage them to enjoy this summer of tennis and incorporate tennis into their life. Our providers are there to provide a great experience for all players.

Check out all the opportunities being offered and get out and play!

USTA Missouri Valley CEO & Executive Director

Save the Date USTA Missouri Valley Annual Meeting and Conference December 3-4, 2021 4

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Tennis, anyone?

New data shows that tennis is the fastest growing sport in the United States - and the five-state area encompassing USTA Missouri Valley is no exception. Within USTA Missouri Valley, just over one million people picked up a racquet in 2020.

What’s better? According to 2021 data from the Physical Activity Council (PAC) Participation report by Sports Marketing Surveys, tennis participation in the section jumped 31% from 2019 to 2020.

From the casual player to dedicated league and tournament participants, according to Mary Buschmann, CEO and Executive Director of USTA Missouri Valley, the real work begins in keeping people excited about tennis.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF USTA MISSOURI VALLEY PLAYERS Just over 54% of USTA Missouri Valley tennis players in 2020 were male, while women account for 46% of the tennis population. Additionally, nearly one-third of all tennis players in 2020 were between the ages of 35 to 54. Nearly 23% were between the ages of 6 and 17. Players in the 18-34 age group represent 34% of people playing tennis in the USTA Missouri Valley. Just over nine percent of players are over the age of 55.

Area providers are beginning to get creative to attract beginner and more casual players. In Tulsa, a beer league starts in July. In St. Louis, an 18-45 social league meets on Friday nights for tennis with a more casual atmosphere. Several districts have amped up adult beginner lessons at local parks, as well.

The study also notes that beyond the 70% of players who identified as white, 11% were Hispanic/Latino, 8% were African American and 7% were Asian/Pacific Islander. Buschmann said the section continues to work to ensure tennis is a sport open to all.

“We want to make it so we are always welcoming and inclusive. To be successful we have to have our arms open and ask people what they want to do. What kind of play are they looking for? How can we help?

What resources can we provide for people to have a great experience?”

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1,014,116 players in 2020

The overall number of USTA Missouri Valley tennis players surged by nearly 31% from 2019.

775,706 players in 2019

“The study just highlights the fact that a lot of people picked up racquets more than they have in a long time and that’s great. I have heard from providers that courts are packed right now. It’s not only the public facilities, it’s the private facilities and semiprivate facilities and that is exciting.”

TENNIS PLAY FREQUENCY According to the report, once people in the USTA Missouri Valley start the game, they often stick with it. Tennis is indeed a lifelong sport. Out of the tennis players in the section during 2020, 56% are considered core players.

A core player is a person who plays tennis more than 10 times a year. Core participants accounted for 93% of all play in 2020, many of them playing USTA League tennis, the largest adult competitive tennis league in the country for players of all ages.

The remaining players are casual players, meaning they play tennis 1 to 9 times a year. Buschmann said whether it’s play aimed at the core player or casual player, whether it’s league play or social play - she just wants to see people on the court. With 44% percent of tennis being played by the casual player, there is a huge opportunity for growth.

“There’s a lot of good play going on out there. It doesn’t have to be a USTA program,” Buschmann said. “We just want them playing.

That’s the big message - it doesn’t have to be super organized, just opportunities. Some people are cut out for tournament play, some people are not. Some people love playing on a team. Some people don’t like the uber-competitiveness that goes along with being in a league sometimes. We have to ask ourselves, ‘how do we do something fun that puts opportunities out for everyone, but in a more social environment?’”

A main component to increasing play within USTA Missouri Valley is relationships with public parks and facilities like schools.

Buschmann said the section historically has strong ties with parks and recreation programs in cities across the five-state USTA Missouri Valley region. According to the study, just over 54% of play in the section takes place in public parks or facilities.

USTA Missouri Valley staff works hard to keep those connections healthy. In April, Michael Marotta, Tennis Service Representative (TSR) for USTA Missouri and USTA St. Louis, and John Terpkosh, TSR for USTA Iowa and USTA Missouri Valley Parks and Recreation program manager, provided a presentation and exhibit booth at the 2021 Missouri Park & Recreation Association (MPRA) Conference & Expo. Additionally, USTA Missouri Valley staff attend other state park and school conferences and meet with leaders throughout the year to find ways to best bring tennis programs to their communities.

“We have an opportunity to be really creative on how we provide programming. It doesn’t have to be one-size fits all,” Buschmann said.

“People understand that the sport is fun. I think that there is still a desire for some to play but believe you have to be good to be able to play. We don’t care if you are good. We just want you on the courts and have fun.“ USTA Missouri Valley wants everyone to get into the game! Check out the calendar on the next page to find out how you can make tennis the sport you play for a lifetime. usta.com/ustamissourivalley

MAKE SUMMER 2021 YOUR

#SUMMEROFTE JUNE JUNE JUNE JUNE JUNE

USTA Missouri Valley 55+ NTRP & Open Outdoor June 4-6 St. Louis, Missouri L4 USTA Missouri Valley #4 June 4-6 Multiple Locations

ITF 25K Men’s Pro Circuit Week of June 14 Tulsa, Oklahoma L3 USTA Missouri Valley #1 June 17-20 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ITF 25K Men’s Pro Circuit Week of June 7 Wichita, Kansas

USTA Missouri Valley 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor June 25-27 Topeka, Kansas

USTA Missouri Valley 18+ NTRP & Open Indoor June 11-13 Kansas City, Missouri

KC Plaza Open (MoKanNeb Series Event) June 25-27 Kansas City, Missouri

Jayhawk Open (MoKanNeb Series Event) June 11-13 Lawrence, Kansas

USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship I August 5-8 St. Louis, Missouri USTA Missouri Valley 55+ NTRP & Open Outdoor August 6-8 Topeka, Kansas USTA Missouri Valley 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor August 13-15 St. Louis, Missouri USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship II August 19-21 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship III August 26-28 Tulsa, Oklahoma & Topeka, Kansas USPTA Missouri Valley Division Annual Conference August 28-29 Kansas City, Missouri

AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST

PLAYTENNIS.USTA.COM/TOURNAMENTS

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ENNIS JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY

USTA Missouri Valley 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor July 2-5 St. Louis, Missouri

USTA Missouri Valley 65+ Section Invitational July 23-25 Overland Park, Kansas

L4 USTA Missouri Valley Team #1 July 10-12 St. Louis, Missouri

USTA Missouri Valley 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor July 23-25 Kansas City, Missouri

ITF 25K Men’s Pro Circuit Week of July 12 Norman, Oklahoma Battle of the Mississippi L2 Intersectional July 15-18 Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Edmond ITF 25K Men’s Pro Circuit Week of July 19 Edwardsville, Illinois

Wichita Steve Broadie Mid Continent Open (MoKanNeb Series Event) July 24-25 Wichita, Kansas L4 USTA Missouri Valley #5 July 24-26 St. Louis, Missouri & Edmond, Oklahoma

USTA Missouri Valley Junior Team Tennis Section Championship July 20-22 Tulsa, Oklahoma

USTA Missouri Valley 18+ NTRP & Open Indoor September 3-5 Overland Park, Kansas L4 USTA Missouri Valley #6 September 4-6 Multiple Locations USTA Missouri Valley League Mixed Section Championship I September 9-12 Omaha, Nebraska USTA Wheelchair Championships September 13-19 St. Louis, Missouri USTA Missouri Valley 55+ NTRP & Open Outdoor September 17-19 Kansas City, Missouri USTA Missouri Valley League Mixed Section Championship II September 23-25 Topeka, Kansas

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER

PLAYTENNIS.USTA.COM/TOURNAMENTS usta.com/ustamissourivalley

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By Jamie Hansen

PROUD TO SERVE June is Pride month.

For the LGBTQI community, Pride month commemorates a fight for equal rights that got its roots in 1969 in New York City.

That fight largely remains today, though strides have been made. In the sports world, many LGBTQI people faced - and still face - barriers when trying to enter and participate in sports.

According to several studies, they face discrimination and harrassment at all levels of sport, from community and recreational levels to professional and elite.

According to Bill Towler, Vice Chairman of the USTA Diversity & Inclusion National Committee - making all athletes feel safe is the gateway into making tennis more welcoming to the LGBTQI community.

“We have to continue to work to make tennis a place where it’s a level playing field,” Towler said. “It has to be where everyone can thrive.”

Tennis is a special sport to Towler. He met his wife through tennis.

He began playing tennis again about 15 years ago after a very long hiatus. He’s played in leagues and even made it to USTA League National Championships several times.

Towler is member of the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors and the former President of USTA Oklahoma. He served in that role from 2017-2019. He has also spent time on the board of the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation, whose mission is to positively impact lives by supporting and funding organizations that promote tennis and education throughout Oklahoma.

Now Towler serves on USTA’s National Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and has done so since 2019. In addition, Towler is head of their player participation subcommittee. His passion is to increase player participation across the country - not only that, but to ensure diversity is celebrated within the players the organization attracts.

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Making the world a more inclusive place is hugely important to Towler. Everyone should have the same opportunities to be who they are meant to be - in life and in tennis. There’s also a bit of a personal connection for Towler. His adult daughter is gay. Two of his youngest children are adopted - one of which is biracial.

A study conducted by the Human Rights Campaign found that LGBTQI youth participate in sports at lower rates than their straight and cisgender peers, with LGBTQI youth athletes reporting they feel less safe in sports environments. Additionally, according to the Trevor Project, one in three LGBTQ youth who were not “out” to anyone about their sexual orientation participated in sports compared to one in five who were “out” to all or most of those they knew.

Those are just youth statistics. According to the recent U.S. Census, there are 980,000 same-sex households in the country.

The above statistics are what spurred LGTBQI communities in many cities around the country to start their own sporting organizations, sport leagues and even their own version of the Olympics. The Federation of Gay Games began in 1982 and will have its games in Hong Kong in 2022.

Specific to tennis, there’s even a Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), a global LGBT sports organization that sanctions amateur tennis tournaments all over the world.

In USTA Missouri Valley, there is an LGBTQI organization geared towards education and athletic opportunities in the St. Louis area Team Saint Louis - working to provide beginner tennis, as well as provide social tennis programming. While the main demographic for that programming is the LGBTQI community, it is slated to be open to all. The organization is also working to organize the third annual Love Wins tournament, a tournament with proceeds going to local Pride organizations. Kansas City has also had a tennis organization in the past for LGTBQI players.

Tennis is certainly open to all and it is making strides to be a more inviting sport. Towler said bringing providers like Team Saint Louis into the fold and getting more marginalized populations in the game to demonstrate that tennis is a safe space is a step in the right direction.

The USTA Diversity and Inclusion Committee is working to ensure that is an attainable goal. Towler said a diverse population of tennis players exists already. Bringing that group of players into USTA programming is where we as an organization can improve.

“The opportunities for diverse players exist, but we need to work on better engaging those players,” Towler said.

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“[Tennis] has to be where everyone can thrive.”

A renewed focus on Diversity and Inclusion at the national level is working to shatter the myth that tennis is, as Towler called it, “an old white guy” sport. Bringing those diverse players into our programming and providing that safe place to play will go a long way.

Towler said bringing in Marisa Grimes, USTA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, has brought in a new energy and commitment to bringing new generations of diverse players and providers to the sport across the country.

A point of emphasis will be communication, collaboration and empowerment of the Diversity & Inclusion staff across the 17 sections. Another opportunity is working to increase the number of diverse volunteers across the organization.

“Our goal is to shape a culture that attracts volunteers from every background. To that end we have to create a system where they can thrive and develop inclusive leadership that inspires them to stay.”

“Sometimes there is a disconnect between words and actions. You will see Marisa connect those dots,” Towler said. “We have an opportunity to have a stronger alignment with the sections at the National level. At times we can operate within a silo. We’ll see those winds changing.”

OFFICIATING IS CALLING Become a USTA Official and be an ambassador for the sport you love!

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2/26/20SUMMER 11:43 AM2021 SERVE

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Nguyen’s World

By Jamie Hansen

There are several things that have helped Anh Nguyen find his way in the world - one is pretty surprising to some. Another won’t be a surprise to those reading this: it’s tennis.

The other is St. Louis’ Fontbonne University. No disrespect to Fontbonne.

Nguyen will be the first to tout what a wonderful place it is. But Nguyen grew up Catholic and wrestled with the impact of religion in his life and the fact that he is gay.

Fontbonne - a Catholic University - checked all of the boxes in what he wanted out of a university. And he also found the school - and the tennis team - was incredibly supportive of the LGBTQI community.

It became home.

Not every coming out story is a dramatic one. For Nguyen, he expressed himself in middle school in the way he dressed and the people around him just sort of figured it out. Coming from St. Joseph, Mo., a town of just over 75,000 north of Kansas City, he was sometimes concerned about how he would be perceived by his peers, but it was rarely an issue.

At Fontbonne, he also need not worry. While he was a student there, the athletic department became part of the NCAA Division III initiative called, “One Team.” The initiative’s objectives include simply understanding the NCAA’s involvement in college athlete’s LGBTQI issues, working to understand why inclusion is important and more. Nguyen feels the athletics department at Fontbonne embraces diversity.

In fact, he felt so strongly about Fontbonne, he wrote an editorial about his experience there for Outsports, an LGBTQI sports news website.

“It was a really-eye opening experience for me when I got there,” Nguyen said. “It wasn’t just a religious institution. It was so much more. It was like a family to me.”

Nguyen got a later start in tennis. He picked up the game in his freshman year of high school. He wasn’t serious about it at the time, either. It was a means of exercise for another sport. But he was bound and determined to get better. He started on the tennis team near the bottom of the ladder. By the time he finished high school, he was near the top of his team.

That rise up the ranks in his four years of high school tennis lit a fire and gave Nguyen a passion for the game. After a brief college pit stop at Missouri Western University, he took tennis training even more seriously and found himself being recruited to play tennis collegiately. Enter Fontbonne.

And now tennis is something Nguyen plans to play for the rest of his life. He was also fortunate to be able to make a stop back in St. Joseph at his alma mater to coach tennis for the Indians. It was something he really enjoyed. He was able to impart upon the team some of the lessons the game has granted him: never give up; take lessons from losses; mentally you have to always be ready.

“Tennis has been my source of connection. I have met so many great people and have made so many great friends. I’ve been able to grow as a person and grow as a leader through that. It’s also taught me that it’s okay to be out there and be scared. That is something I have always valued at the end of the day. It’s not always about winning - it’s about what you get from the experience.”

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“I’VE BEEN ABLE TO GROW AS A PERSON AND GROW AS A LEADER THROUGH [TENNIS].”

Now that he’s graduated from Fontbonne with a degree in business management and leadership, Nguyen is looking forward to what the future holds. He looks to continue his education, either in communications or business. One thing is certain - he plans on making an impact on diversity and inclusion initiatives wherever he lands. He feels his life experiences will be invaluable to the field.

Diversity and inclusion is more than a hot button issue - it is what will make our world a better place.

“I do think I bring a lot to the table in this arena,” Nguyen said. “Because of my education and because I am gay and Asian, I think I have the ability to educate and guide people in the right direction. It can be such a sensitive subject and really, people need education more than anything.”

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By Josh Sellmeyer Scott Stringer was introduced to Team Saint Louis (TSL) in 2007 when a friend invited him to a pickup kickball game. Stringer proceeded to join a kickball league, which kickstarted a 15-year journey of involvement that led to Stringer to become president of TSL in November 2020.

Alongside kickball, Team Saint Louis’s other primary sports are cycling and volleyball, the latter of which Stringer participates in and helps run. But Stringer and Team Saint Louis — an all-inclusive sports and social activities organization with a focus on the LGBTQ community — have their sights set on repositioning the group, with an expansion into tennis.

“Team Saint Louis is about bringing people together and being able to provide sports and activities everyone could participate in, regardless of sexual orientation or their capabilities even,” Stringer said. “It’s just to bring inclusiveness and togetherness regardless of who you love or what your beliefs are. It’s that common denominator of playing a sport or going to an activity, which brings everybody together.”

Stringer said historically Team Saint Louis hasn’t had a significant tennis presence, but that is set to change this year.

The organization is taking over coordination of the Love Wins tennis and pickleball tournament, a fun event that doubles as a fundraiser with proceeds going to local LGBTQ organizations.

“We like giving back, which is an important part of our culture,” Stringer said. “It’s not just that we want to offer sports and social activities for our community. We also feel it’s important to give back — whether it be monetary donations or through volunteerism.”

While Team Saint Louis initially hoped to run the Love Wins event in conjunction with Pride Month — which takes place annually in June — the tournament is now tentatively slated to occur September 18 at Tower Grove Park in conjunction with the Tower Grove Pride festival, which is scheduled a week after that on September 25. The Tower Grove Pride festival was rescheduled from its original date in June due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Stringer and Team St. Louis recognize the popularity of tennis as well as pickleball in the St. Louis metro area and are looking forward to the prospects of bringing those sports under the umbrella of their offerings. While TSL hosts a popular LGBTQ volleyball tournament each year, the Love Wins event will be the first-ever tennis tournament the organization has directed.

“We see this as an opportunity to expand upon our sports offerings as well as continuing on a tradition that does something really good for the LGBTQ community,” Stringer said. “We’re hoping to use this as kind of a transition period and have the former [Love Wins tournament] organizers assist us with this tournament in the hopes of carrying it on ourselves.”

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While details pertaining to the Love Wins tournament are still being ironed out, individuals interested in getting involved can email info@teamsaintlouis.org with questions or for additional information. The Team Saint Louis website can be viewed by clicking here.

Stringer said Team St. Louis additionally hopes to hold introductory tennis and pickleball classes for beginning adult players. Details on those programs should come in late June, early July.

In addition to sports, Team St. Louis is expanding into social activities — Stringer used examples like camping or attending an opera performance — for individuals who may not be sports-inclined.

Team Saint Louis also partners with local organizations to get members involved in sports and activities TSL may not operate itself.

Stringer said that’s the case with sports and activities such as softball, rugby, bowling or darts. Stringer found his niche when he started involvement with Team Saint Louis a decade and a half ago, and he’s hoping to assist others in doing the same.

“It’s working for an organization I believe in and supporting the LGBTQ community,” Stringer said. “It’s just my way of being able to give back. That’s mainly the reason why I do it. It’s to be able to help others and support an organization that allows me to have fun and become part of the community.”

As part of the Be Open campaign, USTA.com highlights the contributions of diverse populations. Click on the graphics to explore more stories about those who are making tennis a better and more inclusive sport, and making the face of our game more accurately reflect the dynamic diversity of our country. usta.com/ustamissourivalley usta.com/ustamissourivalley

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Spotlight on...

National Cancer Survivor Month:

How tennis helped Michelle Wherry get her life back.

Tennis can be a really powerful tool in life. It can serve as a motivator. It can act as therapy for some. It’s great exercise. It brings about amazing friendships. It has the ability to give one back the life they had before huge life crisis strikes.

It can do all those things at once. Ask Michelle Wherry.

Wherry - a St. Louis native - loves tennis. And when cancer took the game she loves away for longer than she expected, when she got it back it was sweeter than she imagined.

Wherry got her start in tennis as an adult. When Wherry met her husband, Greg was an avid and high-level player. When the couple met 25 years ago, he would feed her balls. After the birth of her two children, life got in the way of any aspiration to play too seriously. Now tennis is a family affair for the Wherry clan - both children played junior tennis and about 15 years ago, Wherry picked up the racquet again for herself.

She started slowly, just playing on occasion. But, a few years later Wherry found a ladies interclub team. She loved it. Now, you can find her in several USTA Leagues, including the 18 & Over Leagues on Sunday and Monday. Last summer was her first stint in USTA St. Louis Mixed Leagues.

In 2016, Wherry was diagnosed with breast cancer. To say it was a tough road is an understatement. In April of 2016, she had a bilateral mastectomy. After her diagnosis and knowing she had a surgery pending, she used tennis to get her mind off what was to come. She played tennis right up to before the surgery.

“I literally played the night before my surgery,” Wherry said.

“It’s just that mental side - that hour and a half in the zone with the ball. Win or lose it draws you back in, even when you’re off for whatever reason.”

The road on her return to the tennis court after cancer was full of potholes. Add to that a pandemic interrupting the way we play the game for a time, and that frustration became a bit more pronounced.

But Wherry, using determination and resolve, is getting strength back and hopes to get back to her old form. Between the difficulties of pandemic and cancer, she feels like she can handle just about anything.

“Cancer was like a training ground for the pandemic.

Anybody that loves the game and then has a set back.... someone is getting hurt all the time. You have a set goal of getting back to the courts. I had to do that in little chunks.”

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Her medical issues left her sidelined for several months, but she was able to get back into the swing of things. She credits several people for getting her back into the game, especially Paul Tobin at Chesterfield Athletic Club.

“I have to give Paul kudos,” Wherry said. “He has seen a lot of people through hard times and was wonderful about going out hitting with me and helping me feel out the pace of coming back.”

Then came the set backs. Wherry is one of four percent of patients who have complications with breast implants. Another surgery which this time meant a six-month absence from the court. It left Wherry with a serious loss of muscle tone and energy. She knew the road back to her old form would be long and complicated.

She was playing in a league and finally got to the first court when she received the call that she required another surgery.

“I got the call and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I am in this match, I can’t take this call right now,” Wherry said.

Above: Wherry with her son, Trenton, and husband Greg at a fundraiser match in 2017.

Despite the difficulty of getting back onto the court, it was what Wherry was bound and determined to do. Tennis draws people back. It would have been easy to not come back at all. For Wherry, the thought never crossed her mind.

Even when she was physically unable to be on the court, she found ways to keep learning about the game and strategies for when she could return. Her surgeries required a stint in physical therapy.

Fortunately, her physical therapist just so happened to be a tennis aficionado.

“When I was out all that time, I found tennis books to read,” Wherry said. “I would watch videos to look for even more tips. My physical therapist knew exactly what my goals were and helped keep me focused on my goals.”

The road to recovery also included simply hitting against the garage and some time with pickleball. The return still proved to be difficult. She found herself bumped down from an NTRP 3.5 to 3.0. It was a hard pill to swallow.

Make no mistake, Wherry knows she is fortunate to be well - in life and tennis. She found a 3.0 team with a group of women where the relationships have made tennis even more fun. The group got to experience the USTA St. Louis District Championships together in 2020 - a nice bonus in a pandemic year.

Above; Wherry’s 2018 inter-club team. Below: Wherry’s 2020 3.0 spring team at the USTA St. Louis district play-offs.

Even though she feels she is not quite back as strong as she once was, she is still enjoying her tennis life. With the challenges of the past several years, her favorite shot has changed over time. She is also forced to think a bit more on the court. Hence the utilization of the backhand lob. It’s really difficult to defend.

Wherry hopes to continue playing tennis for a very long time.

“My heroes are those women in their 80s you see on the courts who just keep plugging away,” she said.

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STAY CONNECTED WITH USTA! USTA.COM Your one stop for everything tennis! Bookmark it and make sure you provide access to your current location to get information that is relevant to you.

In an effort to make the usta.com homepage an even more localized experience, each USTA Missouri Valley district has its own homepage with areas of information related to the districts.

Localized district homepages = Fewer clicks & more of the info you need

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DISTRICT AND SECTION NEWS On your district homepage click on What’s New Near You to read the stories behind those who play and are helping grow the game locally, as well as the play opportunities near you.

You can also click on News in the navigation bar, then click on Local for your district news, Regional for section news and All for a combination of national, various sections throughout the country and our section and district news.

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RE IN! U S G BE LO TO

E-NEWSLETTER Make sure you are receiving updates and information in your inbox!

1. Log in to your USTA account on USTA.com 2. Choose Notifications from the drop down menu 3. Under Stay Current, check the box for Section/District & Regional News 4. If you prefer, you can simply click on Subscribe All on the top right to be opted into all USTA communications.

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PUBLICATIONS: SERVE AND YEARBOOK Read all about it! Throughout the year we publish Serve magazine with interesting feature stories and updates for what’s happening with tennis throughout our five state area.

The most prized publication each year is our annual yearbook. It’s packed full of news you can use like contact information, program insights, resources to get involved and on the court, news updates, tons of photos and much more. This issue is a keeper!

CONTACT THE SECTION Do you know of a person or story that deserves a spotlight? Email us at communications@movalley.usta.com

USTA CUSTOMER CARE For assistance with your USTA account, membership, Serve Tennis, Net Generation or any other USTA issue, contact Customer Care: customercare.usta.com 800-990-8782 customercare@usta.com NEW - Chat with us!

Questions for the section office?

Contact USTA Missouri Valley staff at info@movalley.usta.com

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Adult tournaments: text USTAMVADULTS to 84483 Junior tournaments: text USTAMVJUNIORS to 84483

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NET NOTES BATTLE OF THE MISSISSIPPI Three USTA sections - one traveling trophy.

Some of the top junior players in the midwest will converge on three sites for the first-ever Battle of the Mississippi - a Level 2 Intersectional team tournament with USTA Midwest, USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Northern. July 15-18 will be a weekend for fun and fierce competition in Edmond, Okla. (BG 18), Minneapolis, Minn. (BG16) and Indianapolis, Ind. (BG12-14).

The three tournaments have a bit of a different format - with the ever-popular Dominant Duo making for a fun and competitive weekend. One boy and one girl per team will play two gendered doubles and one mixed doubles match per round.

What’s more? The section with most points at the end of the weekend will come home with the Traveling Trophy.

Registration deadline is June 16.

USTA ADULT LEAGUE SPORTSMANSHIP, CAPTAIN WINNERS Our USTA Adult Leagues wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of our incredible League captains. Their dedication to creating a positive environment for their teams makes our leagues go. Thank you! Here are the captains who have won the USTA Missouri Valley Adult League Captain Award in 2021: January: Lesley McIntire - USTA St. Louis February: Linda Case - USTA Kansas March: Cindy Hendrick - USTA Oklahoma In the second quarter of 2021, USTA Missouri Valley is proud to honor a Player of the Month. Winners so far are: April: Elizabeth Black, 18 & Over - USTA Oklahoma May: Nancy Kraemer, 40 & Over - USTA St. Louis Leagues wouldn’t be as fun without players who are also great sports. USTA Missouri Valley offers the USTA Missouri Valley Adult League Sportsmanship Award for those who exemplify great sportsmanship on the court. And you have a hand in identifying those who play with fairness and a great attitude. To nominate a player, click here: Here are the winners so far in 2021: January: Vicki Moran - USTA St. Louis February: Murial Hull - USTA Heart of America March: Christy Cownie - USTA Iowa April: Destiny Mace - USTA Kansas May: Katie Allen - USTA Oklahoma 20

SERVE SUMMER 2021

usta.com/ustamissourivalley

NET NOTES MOKANNEB TOURNAMENT SERIES The MoKanNeb series kicked off in Omaha, Neb. on May 28-30 with the Omaha Memorial Open at Koch Tennis Center. Murkel Dellien of Wichita, Kan. was the Men’s Open Singles champion in Omaha. Dellien also took home the Men’s Open Doubles trophy with his partner, Nicholas Acevedo, also of Wichita, Kan. To be eligible for prize money, players must register for three of the four MoKanNeb events. One male and one female player accumulating the most total points throughout the series will be awarded prize money at the conclusion of the series. The male and female with the most points will win $1,000. Open doubles teams will win $500.

The series now heads south to Topeka, Kansas for the Jayhawk Adult Open on June 11-13 at the Kossover Tennis Center. Next up on the docket is the Kansas City Open taking place June 24-27 at the Plaza Tennis Center.

Murkel Dellien (left) and Acevedo (right).

The final stop in the series will be in Wichita, Kansas, at the Wichita Steve Broadie Mid Continent Open on July 24-25 at the Riverside Tennis Center.

WHEELCHAIR TRAINING IN IOWA A section-wide wheelchair training was held at Lifetime Fitness in Des Moines, Iowa on May 16. USTA National Player Development Wheelchair Coach and Net Generation Regional Wheelchair Provider Kevin Heim led the training to share best practices for teaching wheelchair tennis at a recreational level with enthusiasm, innovation and relevancy.

The main goals for the day were to help coaches demonstrate a higher self-efficacy in working with an athlete with a disability.

Attendees learned about disability-specific and sport-specific considerations for wheelchair tennis as well as best practices for coaching wheelchair tennis.

Above & below: Participants took part in both classroom and on court training.

Sessions at the training included a history of wheelchair tennis, Paralympic movement and structure of the sport.

Attendees learned about the differences in working with able-bodied athletes versus athletes with disabilities. Heim covered wheelchair movement patterns and how to push the chair and move.

On court training also highlighted the Net Generation curricula as the attendees worked through a sample Net Generation lesson plan.

For more information on wheelchair tennis or training clinics, contact Jaren Glaser at glaser@movalley.usta.com.

usta.com/ustamissourivalley

SERVE SUMMER 2021

21

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USTA VERIFIED YOUTH TENNIS DIRECTOR NETGENERATION.COM © 2018 United States Tennis Association. All rights reserved.

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District Inserts

USTA Heart of America would like to thank Helen Elliott for 25 years of outstanding service as Executive Director of the district. Elliott retired from the position on June 1, after helping to train the new executive director, Sheila Goins.

“I’m very excited about taking on a new task and getting to know everyone,” Goins said. “I look forward to continuing the great trajectory that the district has been on. Helen has so much knowledge from her time in the position. She’s very highly regarded and I think she’s provided excellent leadership for the district over the years.”

Helen Elliott

Elliott has served the district through many changes over more than two decades. She’s overseen USTA League growth and the implementation of countless USTA initiatives. She has also been instrumental in running section events like the 65s Invitational, as well as USTA National events such as the 65, 75 & 85 Hardcourt Championships.

Goins is originally from the Washington, D.C. area, and lived in Iowa for many years. While in Iowa, she picked up tennis at the suggestion of her husband and friends. She became involved in USTA leagues, which is where she got her first taste of USTA Heart of America tennis.

She and her family moved to the Kansas City area in 2018, and quickly became involved in area tennis. She had played for and captained several USTA League teams, in tournaments, Tencap and World Team Tennis (WTT), among other involvements, making connections on and off the court.

As she transitions into the role, Goins already has goals in mind. Her immediate priority will be making sure that this summer’s tournaments and the USTA Heart of America District Championships run smoothly. Long term, she is passionate about seeing the continuing growth of the game of tennis. She also wants to make sure that she is a voice for the people.

Sheila Goins

“I like hearing from people,” she said. “Understanding what their concerns are and what the USTA can do to make their tennis lives better.”

2021 USTA KANSAS JUNIOR PATHWAY CALENDAR DATE

FACILITY

CITY

EVENT TYPE

BALL COLOR

May 1

Topeka Country Club

Topeka

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

May 22

Genesis

Salina

Team Challenge

Red/Orange/Green

May 22

Genesis

Manhattan

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

June 4-6

Ralph Wulz Riverside

Wichita

MV BG 12-14

Yellow

June 4-6

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

MV BG 16-18

Yellow

June 5

Topeka Country Club

Topeka

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

June 12

Genesis

Manhattan

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

June 12-13

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

Summer Open #1

Yellow

June 19

Genesis

Salina

Team Challenge

Red/Orange/Green

June 25

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

MV BG 12-18 Riverside #1

Yellow

July 17

Kossover Tennis Center

Topeka

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

July 17-18

Crestview Country Club

Wichita

MV BG 12-18

Yellow

July 23

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

MV BG 12-18 Riverside #2

Yellow

July 24

Kansas State

Manhattan

Junior Circuit

Orange/GreenJuly

July 30-31

Winfield Recreation Commission

Winfield

L6 Kansas Open

Yellow

August 7

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

August 13

Genesis Rock Road

Wichita

MV BG 12-18 Riverside #3

Yellow

August 14

Kossover Tennis Center

Topeka

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

September 4

Kossover Tennis Center

Topeka

Junior Circuit

Orange/Green

November 20

Crestview Country Club

Wichita

MV BG 12-18

Yellow

December 26-27

Crestview Country Club

Wichita

MV BG 12-18

Yellow

Junior Team Tennis Summer League: June 7-28 District Championships: July 12

*Dates and locations are subject to change. Additional events may be added throughout the year. Check usta.com for up to date information.

Christi Hoke, USTA Kansas Youth Pathway Coordinator at (785) 341-9334 or cs.hoke@hotmail.com Janet Glaser, JTT Coordinator at (316) 655-9988 or janetglaser70@gmail.com Simon Norman, Junior Tournaments Coordinator at (316) 634-6111 or simon@genesishealthclub.com

JUNIOR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: APRIL-JUNE 2021 DATE

TOURNAMENT NAME

TYPE

LOCATION

April 18

NE Junior Circuit Koch BG 10 #1 (Orange & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

April 25

USTA Junior Circuit 12-18 #1 (Yellow & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

April 25

Team Challenge (Red, Orange & Green)

Team Challenge

Omaha (Miracle Hill)

May 2

Junior Circuit BG10 #2 (Orange & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

May 14-16

L5 USTA NE B12-18/G12

L5

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

May 16

Team Challenge (Red, Orange & Green)

Team Challenge

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

May 22

Team Challenge (Red, Orange & Green)

Team Challenge

Omaha (Miracle Hill)

May 23

NE Junior Circuit First State Bank, BG10 (Orange & Green)

Junior Circuit

Fremont

May 29-30

L6 USTA NE BG12-18 First State Bank

L6

Fremont

June 5-6

L6 USTA NE BG12-18

L6

Kearney (Harmon Park)

June 6

Junior Circuit BG 12-18 #3 (Yellow & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

June 12-13

L6 USTA NE BG12-18

L6

Grand Island

June 12

Junior Circuit BG 10 #3 (Orange & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

June 13

Junior Circuit BG 12-18 #4 (Yellow & Green)

Junior Circuit

Omaha (Koch Tennis Center)

June 13

Team Challenge (Red, Orange & Green)

Team Challenge

Omaha (Miracle Hill)

June 19-20

L6 USTA NE B12-18

L6

Kearney (Harmon Park)

June 20

Junior Circuit Harmon Park, BG10 (Orange & Green)

Junior Circuit

Kearney (Harmon Park)

June 26-27

L6 USTA NE BG12-18

L6

Lincoln

Events are subject to change.

For the most up to date information, visit playtennis.usta.com/tournaments or scan the QR code with your phone camera to register or find more tournaments.