THE OKLAHOMA TENNIS FOUNDATION

The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation was created with a simple but powerful belief: tennis and education together can change lives across our great state. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, adults, and individuals with disabilities and special needs through inclusive tennis and educational programs. Our work is grounded in health, fitness, character building, and personal growth, with a commitment to making tennis accessible to communities throughout Oklahoma. Every program we support reflects our mission to positively impact lives by promoting tennis and education in meaningful and lasting ways.

Our Mission

Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Positively Impacts Lives By Supporting & Funding Organizations That Promote Tennis & Education Throughout The Great State Of Oklahoma.

Our HISTORY

The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation began as a grassroots effort led by a small group of passionate individuals who believed in the power of tennis to serve communities across Oklahoma. With leadership from Mr. Baxter and others, the Oklahoma Tennis E and R Foundation was formally organized with bylaws, structure, and a clear mission. An initial committee of approximately ten members came together, each committing to an annual donation of five hundred dollars to establish the Foundation’s first funding. Early leadership included Vance McSpadden as President, Pam McSpadden as Treasurer, and Mark Johnston as Secretary, with Pam playing a vital role in keeping the Foundation organized and moving forward during its formative years.


In its early days, the Foundation focused on volunteer clinics and direct community support, helping provide tennis balls, racquets, and equipment to programs around the state. A defining milestone came in 2014 with a five thousand dollar donation to the Henryetta Tennis Association to help rebuild four public courts on Main Street, the largest gift the Foundation had made at the time. As the organization grew, it assumed responsibility for the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon, creating new momentum and fundraising opportunities. Growth accelerated further in 2018 when Carmen Bond joined the organization as Executive Director, dramatically expanding clinic programming and capacity. What began as a small committee has since grown into a statewide nonprofit dedicated to using tennis and education to change lives across Oklahoma.

Our Mission

Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Positively Impacts Lives By Supporting & Funding Organizations That Promote Tennis & Education Throughout The Great State Of Oklahoma.

Our HISTORY

The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation began as a grassroots effort led by a small group of passionate individuals who believed in the power of tennis to serve communities across Oklahoma. With leadership from Mr. Baxter and others, the Oklahoma Tennis E and R Foundation was formally organized with bylaws, structure, and a clear mission. An initial committee of approximately ten members came together, each committing to an annual donation of five hundred dollars to establish the Foundation’s first funding. Early leadership included Vance McSpadden as President, Pam McSpadden as Treasurer, and Mark Johnston as Secretary, with Pam playing a vital role in keeping the Foundation organized and moving forward during its formative years.


In its early days, the Foundation focused on volunteer clinics and direct community support, helping provide tennis balls, racquets, and equipment to programs around the state. A defining milestone came in 2014 with a five thousand dollar donation to the Henryetta Tennis Association to help rebuild four public courts on Main Street, the largest gift the Foundation had made at the time. As the organization grew, it assumed responsibility for the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon, creating new momentum and fundraising opportunities. Growth accelerated further in 2018 when Carmen Bond joined the organization as Executive Director, dramatically expanding clinic programming and capacity. What began as a small committee has since grown into a statewide nonprofit dedicated to using tennis and education to change lives across Oklahoma.

OKTF TEAM

Executive Committee

Mary Jo Tasker

President

Lisa Minihan

Vice-President

Patrick Doughty

Treasurer

Ashley Watling

Secretary

OKTF Board of Directors

Kristine Browne

Michele Hill

Peter McCorkle

James McCullough

Bill Nelson

Ky Nichols

Terri Ogle

Tina Parkhill

Carolyn Richmond

Steve Shaw

Eric Tabor

Bill Towler

Diane Wood

Executive Director, Carmen Bond

Executive Director, Carmen Bond

Carmen Bond’s ongoing work with the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation starts with love: her love for people, her love for tennis, her love for making a difference. She has been the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation (OKTF) since 2018. Her enthusiasm helps raise and distribute funds that support individuals and organizations all over Oklahoma, positively impacting thousands of lives through tennis. 


Carmen’s impact has been recognized by regional organizations, including the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Missouri Valley where she was awarded the Gold Star Award in 2020. She also serves the regional tennis community through her positions on the USTA Missouri Valley Diversity and Inclusion Committee, USTA Oklahoma Board, and as a representative of the USTA Oklahoma NW Quadrant.


Driven by her faith to make a difference, Carmen believes the key is combining her passion with a purpose. She serves on the Development Committee of New Life Ranch, a Summer Camp & Retreat Center in Northeast Oklahoma. For more than 20 years, she has shared her vocal and worship leadership gifts with Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City.



Carmen makes her home in Edmond with her husband Donnie and their two daughters, Ellie Grace and Hattie.