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MELISSA McCORKLE CLASS OF 2024
Melissa McCorkle is a dedicated teacher, coach, and advocate for tennis, with a career marked by significant achievements as a player, mentor, and community leader. Her passion for tennis and commitment to her “students” of all ages has transformed tennis in her community and beyond. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in 1961, Melissa McCorkle discovered her love for tennis at nine years old in a summer program at Tulsa’s Florence Park. While she enjoyed many sports, tennis quickly became her passion—a love she would carry through her high school years as a three-year letterman and into a lifelong career. Teaching and Coaching and Playing Melissa attended Oklahoma Baptist University, which did not have a women’s tennis program at the time, but she stayed connected to the sport through local tournaments and later through USTA Adult Leagues. Melissa achieved a NTRP rating of 5.0 and spent most of her league career at the 4.5 and 4.0 levels. After college, Melissa began her teaching career at Metro Christian, coaching tennis, and basketball. She later joined Sand Springs Public Schools, where she established a historic record with the high school girls’ tennis team, leading them to their first OSSAA state playoffs and a medal finish. Developing Tennis Programs at Sand Springs Melissa expanded tennis at Sand Springs when she started a middle school program while earning multiple Teacher of the Year awards for her dedication. Her junior tennis camps drew more than 75 kids weekly, and she initiated adult programs that were so successful, the city added new courts to meet demand. Director of Tennis at LaFortune Park In 2003, Melissa accepted the role of Director of Tennis at LaFortune Park, inheriting 12 aging courts and a modest building. Through her leadership, she spearheaded four major fundraising campaigns, securing over $10 million in private funds to combine with public funding to revitalize the facility with 21 outdoor and soon to be six indoor courts, making LaFortune Park a premier tennis venue. LaFortune’s facilities were honored as the USTA’s “Facility of the Year” in 2018, cementing its status as a top destination for tennis enthusiasts. Growth in Player Participation Under Melissa’s leadership, player participation surged, with USTA teams growing from 24 in 2003 to over 250 today. More than 100,000 players will take to the court this year and LaFortune Park hosts more than 25 tournaments annually. Melissa hasn’t achieved this success alone. She not only enjoyed support of husband David but also son Peter, who was a collegiate player and now a teaching pro and Tournament Director at LaFortune. She also benefited from County Commissioners, friends, generous benefactors, and a talented and passionate teaching staff which now numbers 15. Community Outreach and Inclusive Programs Melissa’s outreach efforts include programs like First Serve Tulsa, which offers under-resourced youth academic and social support through tennis, and the League of Exceptional Players, a program for individuals with special needs as well a wheelchair program and a Special Olympics team. Her commitment to inclusivity has made LaFortune Park a welcoming place for players of all ages and abilities. Awards and Recognition Melissa’s leadership has earned LaFortune Park Tennis recognition at every level. Some of the most notable recent national awards include:
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