FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Robin Zink

1. Where did you grow up? I'm from Northeast Arkansas. I've always been an Arkansas girl.
2. Marital status, spouse’s name and children's names? My husband is Robby and we have 3 teenagers that keep us up all night.
3. What is your current NRTP ranking and how many years have you been playing tennis? I'm rated 3.5 and have been playing tennis for almost 6 years.
4. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis? The people. I love meeting people.
5. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far? The fact that I haven't injured myself yet!
6. What is your own favorite tennis shot/worst? My favorite shots are volleys. I struggle with passing shots though. I always seem to hit it right back into my opponents racket.
7. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you? It's very rare but occasionally you will come across someone who takes themselves too seriously. I just love to have fun.
8. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? There's too many to choose from because we eat out so much. (I'm NOT a good cook.)
9. What is your all time favorite movie? Grease. Seriously I've seen it about a hundred times!10. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? When I'm not playing tennis I'm in Disney World.

Detailed serve tips / diagnostics of Roddick, Federer, Wozniacki

FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Kaitlynn Bianconi

1. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Garland, TX, just outside of Dallas. 2. If not from NWA - what brought you here? I came here to go to the U of A!
3. Marital status, spouse’s name and children's names? Single and no babies- the way it should be right now!
4. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation/relaxation/hobbies? I love to relax by the pool, shop and just hang out with friends!
5. What do you like most about your current job? What do you dislike? [Editor: Kaitlynn is a full time student who works part time at the FAC Tennis Center] I love being able to play tennis and get to know all the members! And I don't think I need to say anything I dislike right now!
6. What is your current NRTP ranking? 3.0
7. How many years have you been playing tennis? I started when I was 6, so about 14 years, minus some for injuries and surgeries.
8. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? My dad always played, and when I was little I wanted to be just like him, and when I started playing I just loved it.
9. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis? I love being competitive and this is a good outlet because it's always fun competition.
10. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far? Winning districts and going to regionals in high school was a highlight
11. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you? I hate drop shots!
12. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? Noodles!! I love when Italian restaurants make the food right
13. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I'm as stubborn as an ox and I don't give up when I want to do something!

FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Courtney Pacheco

1. Where did you grow up and if not from NWA – what brought you here? I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I lived until I was 12 when my mom relocated us to McKinney, Texas. I came to Fayetteville in 1999 for college. Pretty much a southern girl.
2. Spouse’s name and children's names? Eddie [editor: Eddie is former UofA Tennis standout and current NTRP rating of 5.5] is my super stud husband and we have 2 kiddos, Isabel 7 and Sophia 4 (going on 32). We like to say that our kids are "Mexi-Cajun".
3. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation, relaxation, hobbies: After work, kids and tennis there isn't too much extra time for anything else but I do enjoy photography, traveling, cooking, running and when I can stay awake long enough, reading.
4. What do you like most about your current job? What do you dislike? I work for single parent scholarship fund and what I like most is getting to know the recipients of our scholarships. These are some of the most driven and focused individuals in our community. Most have been through very difficult circumstances and are making huge sacrifices so that they can provide a better life for their families. Having been raised by a single mom I know that it is not easy.
5. What is your current NRTP ranking? Recently bumped to 3.5
6. How many years have you been playing tennis? Started playing about 4 years ago.
7. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? I guess you could say that I married into the sport.
8. What is your favorite thing or enjoyment about playing tennis? I enjoy the mental and physical challenge, The relationships I have made through tennis and that it is a life long sport. Tennis has brought out a competitiveness I never thought that I had.
9. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far? Winning 6.0 mixed state last year was exciting.
10. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents or players do that bother you? This answer changes as my level of play changes. As a 2.0 I got much more worked up about close line calls. Now I understand that they happen on both sides of the court. Nothing really bothers me too much. But I could be wrong. I should ask my partners..
11. Do you learn more from your wins or losses and why? When I look back on wins and losses the outcome usually reflects my focus level and mental stare during the match, and that is what I try and learn from.
12. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? There is nothing better than heading over to LaHa after a big team win for chips and margaritas.
13. If you could have dinner with a famous person - dead or alive - who would it be and why? Charlie Sheen, I want to know if I can be one of his goddesses.

FAC Tennis Network: Interview with Linda McMath discussing The Groundstrokes for the Garden

1) How, when and why did the Groundstrokes for the Garden Charity Tennis Tournament start? This week's Groundstrokes for the Garden tournament is the fourth tournament FAC has hosted benefiting the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. The first tournament was in October of 2007, the same month that the Garden opened on Crossover Rd, just north of FAC. When players register for the tournament at www.BGOzarks.org, I hope they will take some time to look at the web site to see the many events that take place just up the road from FAC that they can enjoy. Also, becoming a member of the Garden helps to sustain the Garden and allows the member to take advantage of programs and events at a reduced rate in most cases.
2) How and why did you get involved in the Groundstrokes? I was volunteering on the membership committee for the Garden when Taylor Dodds asked a group of tennis players if we had any ideas for a charity tournament. I immediately suggested the Botanical Garden. FAC has been a supporter of the Garden for many years, even before there was a plant in the ground! I am happy to say that the garden has grown into a beautiful venue and that it is available to people from all over the NW Arkansas region and beyond to enjoy.
3) How does having a well attended Groundstrokes Tennis tournament help the Botanical Gardens? All proceeds from the tournament go to the operating budget of the Garden, so of course, a good turn out brings in more dollars for the garden. Since the BGO is a non-profit organization funds are always needing to be raised. But probably the biggest benefit of the Groundstrokes tournament is exposure, meaning that the tournament attracts people who may not really be aware that the Garden is so near by, that it is a wonderful place for families to visit, that there are many social and educational events offered that families and individuals can enjoy.
4) As a FAC tennis player – why is this tournament special? I love tennis, and I love Fayetteville, and I love the Garden. I hope that my tennis friends will become involved with the Garden and come to appreciate the huge contribution a botanical garden can make to our NW Arkansas communities.
Who came up with the request of players wearing Wimbledon white tennis attire? The former owner of FAC, Bob Shoulders. It is a fun element to the tournament and seems to add a little flair to the event.
5) What are some of the activities, events and amenities of playing in the Groundstrokes? Players will receive a goodie bag, tee shirt, breakfast on Saturday donated by McDonalds of NW Arkansas, a player party Saturday evening with food from Oseguera's. We will have Margarita Man providing beverages and, of course, our signature live flower awards.
6) Can you tell us more about what items will be bided on at the silent auction? Silent auction items will include original paintings by two of our tennis friends, Carol Nunneley and Eve Smith. Theo's has donated a gift certificate that will be presented with a nice bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and a yummy collection of Lindt chocolates, especially selected to pair with the wine. There is a collector's item handmade birdhouse and also a collection of bicycle gear for some lucky player. Margarita Man is donating a rental of their machine for someone's next party, and P&G is donating a basket of household goodies, So, players should bring their check books and be prepared to spend some money! Remember, all proceeds will go to the garden!
7) Tell us more about the “players party”: time, event, where, attire and can non-players be brought as guests? The player's party will begin at 5:30 PM on Saturday, July 16, at the tennis center. Matches will still be in progress, so tennis attire is fine. Food for the tournament players is included in their tournament registration fee. Guests would need to pay $5.00 for their meal and should RSVP to the tennis pro shop no later than 6:00 Wednesday, July 13, so the caterer can prepare extra food. The silent auction will end at 7:00 that evening.
8) How can FAC Tennis members help you in making this charity tennis event successful? I have had several tennis friends who have helped organize the tournament for the past two years. They have helped by making requests for goodie bag donations, working with caterers, painting and filling flower pots, wrapping baskets for auction displays, helping with the auction, serving as bartender, and also playing in the tournament. Organizing an event like this is a lot of work, but it is fun to be able to work with friends. Most of that work is done before the tournament begins. Taylor and the other tennis pros run the tournament. I can ALWAYS use volunteers. In fact, anyone who wants to help with next year's tournament can let me know, and I will be happy to put you work! If any business would be willing to sponsor the tournament, that would be appreciated, too.
9) As Groundstrokes Tournament Director what has been your best memory of the event? Meeting lots of new friends who love tennis and support the Garden is always great. The first year we had the tournament, several of our male players made little jokes about our flower pot awards, but they got into the spirit of the event and posed for their picture with good humor while holding their flowers. Last year one player told me he had a row of tournament flower pots in his garden and was ready to add to his collection. That comment made my day!
10) Is this a USTA event? No, it is just a fun time to play tennis with friends, eat some good food, and donate to a good cause!

FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Jay Baldwin

1. Where did you grow up? I grew up in a lower middle class, ethnically diverse, blue collar neighborhood in southern California, near Los Angeles...my dad was Archie Bunker, my mother, Edith.
2. If not from NWA - what brought you here? I came to Fayetteville for two reasons: First, to finish my doctorate at University of Arkansas; the second, to escape the long winters of north Idaho where I was living before moving here.
3. Martial Status? I think the correct term for my marital status is "unmarried". I'm divorced, no kids.
4. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation/relaxation/hobbies? I read (a lot), mostly academic stuff. I also enjoy fly fishing.
5. What is your current NRTP ranking, how many years have you been playing tennis and what prompted you to play tennis regularly? I'm a self-rated 3.0 player, been playing for about 4 years, USTA for about one. What prompted me to play? I'm not really sure...I guess it looked fun and so, gave it a try. Now I'm hooked.
6. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis? The thing I enjoy most about tennis is the continual challenge to improve...and, of course, the people one meets and friendships made along the way.
7. What is your most memorable accomplishment in tennis so far? Hitting the ball over the net and having it land inside the court on the other side...but the most fun I've ever had playing tennis was a 4-6, 7-6, 0-1 (9-11) doubles loss in the semi-finals at state. The match lasted close to 3 hours, lots of close games, deuces, and longer rallies. The teams were tied 2-2, so everything came down to this match. A crowd of about 30 had gathered to watch, cheering every point (and adding to the pressure).Even though we lost, it was a blast.
8. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you?
Yes. Since court time is restricted to 90 mins, I want to get the most play in I can. So I sometimes get perturbed when opponents engage in extended change over chit-chat. There's plenty of time to tell war stories and dirty jokes after we're done playing. If you wanted to talk, go to Starbucks, order a cup of coffee and a scone, and gab yourself silly. If you want to play tennis, shut the #&$! up and serve already.
9. Do you learn more from your wins or losses and why?
I don't know if I learn more from winning or losing but the lesson is always the same: humility.
10. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? No real fave...but I enjoy all kinds of food, Thai, sushi, etc. Indian is probably my favorite.
11. If you could have dinner with a famous person - dead or alive - who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with anybody, I'd like to sit down with 17 year old me. There's a few things I'd like to tell him.
12. Who is going to win Wimbledon this year - male and female? Novak and Serena.