| School: Wilson | Graduation Year: 1976 |
Year Inducted: 2016
Sports Played: Tennis
High School Honors: 4-year Tennis Letter Winner. PIL and State Girls Singles Tennis Champion all 4 years. Ranked #1 in USTA/ Pacific NW region in every age category, 12, 14, 16, 18 and Women’s Open Singles. Competed nationally throughout High School. Winner of Erick Cardinal Trophy for Achievement and Sportsmanship.
Post High School Career: UC Irvine, 1977, team 3rd in nation; UC Santa Barbara 1978-80, BS degree. One of 12 Division 1 players selected to the SCAA for outstanding Tennis performance, 1980. Assistant Coach at UCSB and U of Pacific. Coordinator roles with USTA, Nike and other recreational and conservation organizations. Joined Tennis pros Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals and Arthur Ashe in clinics for inner-city youth in the San Francisco area.
Commentary:
My father introduced me and my siblings to tennis. We all played the sport as a family. I immediately fell in love with the game and started playing tournaments at age 9. I grew up playing tennis in the parks — Buckman courts, later to become Portland Tennis Center. As my interest in tennis developed, we joined the Irvington Club so that I could practice/play year round.
I never lost a set or a match during my 4 years of PIL or State competitions. I competed on the PNW circuit and the National circuits throughout HS and College. I also played in some professional tournaments such as the Avon circuit — (a level below the Virginia Slims circuit) throughout college summer months. I decided to go into coaching and soon thereafter to work for U. S. Tennis Association.
Tennis provided me with a myriad of personal and professional opportunities that I could never have imagined and for which I am forever grateful. Perseverance, commitment, confidence, dedication and achieving one’s goals (big or small) are but a few of the lifelong skills and lessons that I have gained from my tennis experience and carry with me today.