FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Eve Smith

1. Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Columbia, La
2. If not from NWA - what brought you here? My twin sister lived in NWA, so when I decided to move it was a given that my new home would be close to her.
3. Marital status, spouse’s name and children's names? Divorced, single, with three teenagers! Dustin, Skylar and the 14 year old baby girl Aslyn! Oh and don’t forget our dog Clementine!!!
4. Do your children share your passion for art? Yes! Dustin the oldest (17) draws really well, loves to write, dance and also break dancing and Aslyn is very talented.
5. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation,relaxation,hobbies: I love to Mt. bike(slaughter pen is my favorite), I love hiking with the kids and kayaking!! My relaxation time is sparse, so when it does happen it usually involves a great book and a glass of malbec wine! My hobbies tend to be similar to my career(painting, drawing, creating)
6. What is Slaughter Pen? Slaughter Pen is a mountain bike trail located in Bella Vista.
7. What do you like most about your current job? What do you dislike? I am the Director of Visual Arts at the Arts Center of the Ozarks. The old proverb saying "Do what you love and you will never work another day" I can honestly say this holds true to my life. I am very fortunate to have an art degree and actually be successful in the arts economy. I search for artist, I teach art, and work with a group of great creative people, what is there to dislike!!
8. Who is your all time favorite painter and why? Edward Hooper, an American modern art painter, is an amazing artist who has captured my attention for the longest time. One of his famous paintings is called Nighthawks. This painting and most all of his painting are so cinematic to me. They hold these mysterious questions that command the viewer to take interest in what he wants to say. So, he is one of my many favorites.
9. You are a very good painter yourself and painted the male and female tennis portraits auctioned for charity at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Tennis Tournament last month. Of all your own paintings you done, which one do you consider your favorite and where is it now? Two of my favorites I did my senior year in college One I will not let go and the other is in a private collection that belongs to the Imagination Group in Ft Smith. They are rather large paintings. The one I still have is of my sister washing her hair in the sink! I’ve had many bids on this painting, they all say it reminds them of their grandmother or mother washing their hair! The one that is in the private collection is of my sister (model) holding a laundry basket who has stopped in the doorway with her ipod and trying to find the “perfect” song. For some reason I am always drawn to the mundane … objects, acts…. Etc.
10. What is your current NRTP ranking? 3.0
11. How many years have you been playing tennis? I have a twin sister, whom she and I started playing tennis when we were 12! We came from a single parent home so we didn’t have a lot of money for lessons, so she and I checked out a tennis book from the library and TAUGHT OURSELVES HOW TO PLAY!!!! We tried out for the tennis team our freshman year in high school and made the team. I can honestly say there is a certain advantage to having a twin as a doubles partner. We were an unbeatable duo!!! I miss those days!
12. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? I was heavy into mountain biking, but was somewhat of a "kamikaze" on the bike. I decided that before I really hurt myself I better start doing something else!! So, I decided to pick up my racket again!!
13. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis. This year has been tough on me personally in some regards, so tennis has been my refuge! Tennis can build your self esteem and make you a stronger person mentally, physically and spiritually!! I’ve met some really great people playing tennis at FAC. That’s my favorite thing about tennis is meeting new people and sharing that love of the game!!!
14.. What is your own favorite tennis shot/worst? My favorite shot is when I’m in the zone and I rip my cross court backhand with killer angles!! I hate my overhead shots, with a passion!
15. Is there any life lessons learned by playing tennis? Plenty! My favorite "corny" lesson though would be.....Tennis is all about love!!!! Which I think is one of the most important lessons to learn in life!!! :)
16. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far?Well, there are two....we would have to go back 21 years ago to a tournament my sis and I played in Monroe, la at a very competitive tennis club. It was our first tournament outside of high school play. We were so nervous, and felt out of our league! We were 16, playing 3.5 doubles against some pretty awesome ladies! We went all the way to the finals!!! We lost in the finals but I will never forget the literal battle we fought to get there!!!! Number two would have to be placing second in the first tournament I have played in over 19 years!
17. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you?I would have to refer to my buddy Jay on that one! I really don’t like it when people talk during play! Even the gabbing during the match is hindering!! I’m a single mom with a single income budget....my time on the court is worth every penny! So lets play some tennis and gab over a beer later!!!
18. Do you learn more from your wins or losses and why? You can not succeed if you don’t know what it feels like to fail! When you lose it should make you want to work harder to achieve your goals!!
19. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? Taste of Thai! Hands down! I love Thai food!! Well, I love Creole and Cajun food more but my mothers kitchen is the only place you can get real coonass flavor! (Am I allowed to say coonass!!??)
20. If you could have dinner with a famous person - dead or alive - who would it be and why? Artemisia Gentileschi!!! She was an Italian painter in the early Baroque era. She is my artistic hero! She was determined to paint during a time when women were definitely not recognized in the arts!!! When I was in Italy I had the chance to see her work in person and had tears, so to have the chance to sit down and speak with the person who painted better than any male during her time would be amazing!
21. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I have no idea....I have a fear of going over bridges!!! :P
22. When I was 10, I wanted to be… a fashion designer! which is crazy cuz now I could care less about fashion!
23. Books I would suggest to a friend: The alchemist, The help, The Object of Beauty, and my all time fav....john steinbecks East of Eden!
24. Favorite movies: Steel Magnolias, The English Patient, Roman Holiday!!!
25. The person I most admire is: My Mother!
26. The last book I read was: Gosh...hmmm...I was reading three at the same time...Ways of Seeing, Gilgamesh, and currently on One Day
27. The guests at my fantasy dinner party would be: McEnroe, Agassi, Bjorn, Becker, and Me!!! Ok...well maybe just me and Boris!!!
28. I ‘ve been fortunate to: have been the mother of three amazing young people!!
29. One word to sum me up.....passion

Long List of Great Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge Auction Items for your review and preparation

2011 Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge Auction Items (as of 25 Aug 3pm)

• Post Familie two night stay at the Homestead Farmhouse on top of St. Mary’s Mountain. Each couple will experience a tour of the Post winery and vineyards as well as wine tasting. At the end of the trip pick a case of your favorite wine to take home. (Value: $1,500 – 6 ppl)
• One week stay in a beautiful 4-bedroom Charleston, SC beach house located on the Charleston Boardwalk with access to two golf courses. Isle of Palms area. (Value: $2,500 – Up to 8 ppl)
• Four tickets and $300 cash credit to the Thanksgiving Day Dallas Cowboy football game vs. the Miami Dolphins; November 24th, 2011 – 3:15pm. (Value: $1,000 – 4 ppl)
• Four-person VIP table to enjoy a night with The Charlie Daniels Band at the AMP. Charlie Daniels will autograph a fiddle the night of the concert and $100 Gift Certificate to Noodle’s – Priceless
• A custom made Allan Tomkins guitar, made specifically for Joe Nichols with St. Louis Cardinal Design. Autographed by John Nichols. Includes personalized package from Joe Nichols. (Value: $4,000)
• One “Atlantis” Outdoor Play Set donated by Leisure Time Products, includes assembly at plant and delivery. (Note: Setup is not included. (Value: $1,000)
• Four custom wine baskets (Value: $100 - $150/each)
• Razorback tennis package
• One hour private lesson with Taylor Dodds of FAC. (Value: $50)
• One hour private lesson with Bobby Kirwan of FAC. (Value: $50)
• Two tickets to a Kansas City Royals game vs. the Cleveland Indians in the Dugout Box section in Section 133, Row G, Seats 3 and 4; September 3rd, 2011 – 6:10pm. (Value: $96 – 2 ppl)
• Four tickets and parking pass to a Kansas City Royals game vs. the Cleveland Indians in the Dugout Box section in Section 136, Row H, Seats 1-4; September 4th, 2011 – 1:10pm.
(Value: $192 – 4 ppl)
• A two hour organizing session with Simple Spaces; Expires 12/31/2011. (Value: $150)
• Four rounds of golf with range balls and carts included, at Branson Creek. (Value: $400)
• A Cherokee Casino gift certificate for a one night stay and dinner for two at Flint Creek; Expires 10/26/11. (Value: $169 – 2 ppl)
• A Cherokee Casino gift certificate for a one night stay and dinner for two at River Cane Buffet; Expires 10/28/11. (Value: $89 – 2 ppl)
• Daisy Air Rifle package that includes a Build Your Own Red Rider along with a tour of the Daisy factory. (Value: $50)
• Premium Flex Pack for 2012 – 30 undated vouchers for premium seating at a Natural’s game (Value: $255)
• A Natural’s autographed baseball by the 2011 Natural’s team. (Value: $100)
• A certificate to be a Natural’s Honorary Batkid for one game in 2012. (Value: $150)
• One Abu Garcia Fishing Reel from Hook Line & Sinker with an Arkie Lures rod and fishing assortment. (Value: $70)
• A private “Party for Five” at Bath Junkie where each party guest and Bath Junkie’s mix masters will create products in scents and colors unique to each of you. (Value: $150)
• A silver Zable charm bracelet with a sterling silver Razorback charm from McCarty Jewelers. (Value: $100)
• Colton’s Steakhouse Dinner/Lunch certificates w/peanuts. (Value: $25)
• One four - five hour guided Striper fishing trip on Beaver Lake. (Value: $450 –2 ppl)
• A Downstream Casino gift certificate for a one night stay and round of golf for two at Eagle Creek. (Value: $300 – 2 ppl)
• A Downstream Casino gift certificate for a one night stay and round of golf for two at Eagle Creek. (Value: $300 – 2 ppl)
• One “Atlantis” Outdoor Play Set donated by Leisure Time Products, includes assembly at plant and delivery. (Note: Setup is not included. (Value: $1,000)
• “Night Out On Dickson” package that includes a $100 gift certificate for Bordinos, a $30 gift certificate for Common Grounds, and a night at the Dickson Street Inn. (Value: $400)
• Two 18 x 24 abstract paintings by Karla Keller (Value: $500)
• A photography session with Chris Stinson at Chris Stinson Photography. Includes time and talent but does not include proofs. (Value: $136.56)
• Rejuvenation Package donated by Revive Day Spa –(Value - $125)

Interview with Delani Richart

1. Were you born in NWA? Yes I was born in Fayetteville, and I've lived here my whole life.
2. What grade are you currently in this year? I'm going to be a High School sophomore this year.
3. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation, relaxation, hobbies: I love reading and listening to music
4. How many years have you been playing tennis?
I have been playing tennis for 3 years after doing gymnastics for nine and a half years.
5. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? I started playing because I knew it would be a challenge and I was up for it!
6. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis. My favorite thing about playing tennis is that I can always play with my dad and you can never stop improving no matter how good you are, you can always be better.
7. What is your own favorite tennis shot/worst? My favorite shot in tennis is my back hand, and my least favorite is my overhead.
8. Is there any life lessons learned by playing tennis? One of the lessons I've learned from playing tennis is to always keep your cool, once you get angry or upset, things can only go downhill.
9. You have just been accepted as a year long resident at the John Newcombe Tennis Academy just outside San Antonio, run by legendary tennis player and 7 grand slam tennis title winner – John Newcombe - Congratulations. Tell us about the academy. The Academy is already really fun, I've met people from Spain, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. It's awesome meeting new people and learning their playing styles from all over the world.
10. Do you think during your year at the academy you will meet some of the successful Academy Alumni like Ryan Harrison, Llewton Hewitt, Li Na, etc.? . John Newcombe is supposed to be here in the next two weeks to meet the academy, I'm not sure about the others though. If they do come, I would be extremely star struck.
11. Will you be attending a local high school or one on the academy grounds? I'll be attending the local high school, it's called New Braunfels High and their mascot is the unicorn!
12. Leaving Fayetteville, your friends and family to attend a tennis academy took guts – what is your goal by attending the Newcombe academy? My goal is to be offered a scholarship and be able to play tennis in college. An opportunity I wasn't sure I could get in Fayetteville.
13. Any estimate on how many hours of tennis you will play in a normal week being at the academy? They've told me I'll be playing around 24 hours a week and I'll be doing fitness and working out around 6 hours a week.
14. Is there an aspect of attending the academy that you think will be the most challenging? I think the most challenging thing will be getting in really good shape and being able to play tennis to my best ability.
15. The Newcombe Academy has the slogan ; Team, Family, Team. How has that manifested itself to you so far? The team-family-team slogan made me realize that Newks really is a big family and everyone is so accepting, that's what makes it easier leaving Fayetteville, is that I have a second family here at Newks. .
16. As you were contemplating whether to stay at FHS, with friends and family or leave familiar territory of NWA for Texas – was their one thing that stuck out as a driver in your decision to attend Newcombe’s Academy? The one thing that stuck in my mind most is that I have the chance to get a full ride scholarship to a good college and play tennis for them. That was what really made me want to come here and be the best player I can be.
17. We are proud of you and are excited for you – will you keep the FAC Tennis Family updated on your progress and experiences? Yes I will most definitely keep FAC up today's on what's going on and I will come back to FAC when I'm home during thanksgiving and Christmas.
18. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far? My most memorable accomplishment playing tennis was probably when I had been playing under a year and I played my first tournament at Summerhill and won, I was really surprised and proud of my self.
19. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? One thing people would be surprised to know about me is that I don't get homesick, even when I would go to camp for a week at 7 years old I would be completely fine!
20. When I was 10, I wanted to be… When I was ten I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse, that's still my ambition!
21. Books I would suggest to a friend: Books I would recommend to a friend would be the Harry Potter series or anything by Dan Brown.
22. Favorite movies: My favorite movies are: The Godfather, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, The Notebook, Jaws, The Titanic, Tommy Boy, Dazed and Confused, and Forrest Gump.
23. The person I most admire is: The person I admire most: my great-grandmother because she was always very ambitious, lived out all of her dreams, and was always a very classy lady.

Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament; Ark Dem Gazette interviews Scott Hancock in Ark Dem Gazette

Interview with Scott Hancock - Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament Director

Scott, tell us about your self – where you are from, if not from NWA – what brought you to NWA? I am originally from Jonesboro and moved to NWA six years ago when we purchased a bank based out of Siloam Springs and expanded into the I-540 corridor. I have lived in Arkansas most of my life, except the time I spent in Dallas for college.
2) Marital status, spouse’s name and children’s names? I have been married for nearly 14 years to Christie and we have a 6-year old daughter, Rylie, and a 3-year old son, Cade.
3) How did you start playing tennis? Growing up, I played many sports. Growing up, my family owned a sporting goods store and both of my parents played tennis, so I hit balls with them and played some junior tennis. I did not play competitively, but I enjoyed it in high school and college. I lived above a set of courts in Dallas, so we were able to hit balls with just minutes notice. I picked tennis back up after returning to Jonesboro and played in leagues and on teams.
4) What is your title, role and how long have you been working for Liberty Bank? Liberty Bank started in February 2001, and I am proud I was one of the first employees. I have actually worked with the ownership team with a previous bank too, totaling more than 17 years with the same company. I have enjoyed many capacities within the company and currently have the title of NWA Executive Vice President. While my daily functions obviously fluctuate with the demands of customers and employees, I am also responsible for the overall lending functions of the region.
5) How, when and why did the Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge start? We started in 2008 and this year will mark our 4th Annual tennis tournament. We did not start it as "Annual," just in case we were not able to do the second one. Our team wanted to continue to support local charities and the tennis tournament was a collectively effort that has proven to be successful and a tremendous support to many organizations throughout NWA, due to the concerted efforts of numerous members of our staff. Last year alone, we had over 40 NWA Liberty Bankers involved, from brochure design to clean up.
6) How and why did you get involved in the Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament? As I mentioned above, we brainstormed to create the perfect event to support our communities.
7) How does having a well attended Liberty Bank Tennis tournament help local charities? The event is really two events in one. We want to host a tennis tournament with great player gifts and multiple skill levels to allow many to enjoy. We have had some great tennis matches in the past and look forward to more this year, in each level. However, the tennis tournament does not generate money- the funding for the charity donations comes from the auction items. We really want to have some great items combined with a nice patio party to ensure people enjoy themselves and purchase items to help support the selected charities. We have no sponsors for the event, so the overall success is based on the success of the silent and live auction.
8) You work closely with the various charities – can you mention one charity and how it helps our community? Each charity is selected by our employees, so each is extremely special to Liberty Bank. One of our first charities selected four years ago and agin this year is Hope Cancer Resources, formerly H.O.P.E. As a cancer survivor and Christie a Nurse Practitioner in Oncology for so many years, we both understand the need for support during a very difficult time of someone's life. Hope Cancer Resources provides incredible support to those in need, both patients and family members, including support for medicines, transportation for appointments, counseling, matching up with support groups, and several other resources, continuing to provide...HOPE. Working through the medical side of cancer treatments is difficult enough for many people, but the mental toll is often times as bad or worse and a strong support group is vital to success. HOPE is there to meet many needs for people that are not as fortunate as some of us to have a strong support group, whether it be family, friends, co-workers, etc...
One major thing we try not to do is conflict with any type of fund-raiser or source of revenue of the charities, which is another reason we do not have any local sponsors and search for great auction items, outside of the customary local gifts.
9) Who are the various co-workers – who like you give hours to this event? This really should be the opening of the interview because this is what makes it work. Last year, we had over 40% of NWA staff involved as well as several others from across the state. Kirby Jett in our office is a major piece to ensure the puzzle turns out as a nice picture - she spearheads the brochure, player gifts, T shirts, and registration...and coordinates many other items as the tournament planning progresses. We have many other people that work before and during the event to ensure everyone has a great time. Customer service is top priority, in our banks and in this tournament. If we do that right, everything else will fall into place and provide for success. Our staff coupled with the FAC team has proven a great recipe and I hope we can continue it for several years, growing the event and raising more awareness and much needed $$$ for charities throughout the region.
10) What are some of the activities, events and amenities of playing in this tournament? Fun, fun, and fun. We have had chair massages provided during the tournament, door prizes, and (I think) great player gifts for everyone. We strive to make sure people themselves and see the faces of our team that make it work. Come see for yourself.
11) Can you tell us more about what items will be bided on at the silent/live auction? They are still coming in, but we currently have a Dallas Cowboy package for 4 on Thanksgiving weekend, a Beach House in Charleston, SC for 6-8, a weekend for 6 at Post Familie in Altus with private tour and dinner. For silent items, we will items that will hopefully meet the needs or wants of many to increase the bids. In the past, we have had autographed Razorback items, spa packages, privately catered parties, golf packages, artwork, tennis lessons, and much more. As you can see, our goal is to raise money for the charities.
12) Tell us more about the patio party: time, event, where, attire and can non-players be brought as guests? We have worked hard to make this a good event for the players and guests. The patio party is casual (some people will walk off the court), and starts about 7:00 Saturday night, with the live auction at 8:30. We have limited it to a single guest because we have want player to enjoy the weekend fully.
13) Category winners get very handsome trophies/awards – can you describe the awards? The tournament is fun and designed for the players...from the player gifts to the customer service. We also have random drawings throughout the weekend for people to win "court prizes." The year's trophy is a very nice etched vase for each division. I thought about ordering an extra "OPEN" division trophy and including it in the auction - think that could raise some extra money...?
14) How can FAC Tennis members help you in making this charity tennis event successful? Bid often and bid high...
Seriously, FAC has been a tremendous support, both through the staff and participants form the club. We need feedback, positive and negative, to make it better each year. Comments form the past tell me we are doing something right, but I know we can always get better and raise more money to support our local charities.
15) As Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament Director what has been your best memory of the event? Man, that is difficult. I enjoy watching tennis and watching Christie play, but I honestly think the comments throughout the weekend collectively make up the best memory. I have had the pleasure of watching some great tennis, but, more importantly, I have had the pleasure of giving more than $10,000 to local charities. Some times I am the face of the tournament, but many others make it a success. Not to be corny, but the steering wheel is useless if the engine won't start and run.
16) Is this a USTA event? It is not a USTA event. I have not considered that in the past, but I will look into it for future tournaments. As I previously mentioned, we have strived to provide a great tennis tournament for players while providing a great party for all to ultimately raise awareness and the most $$$ possible for charities. If we can still accomplish those goals and meet USTA requirements, then it might be something we can add.

FAC Tennis Network; Interview with Ernesto Villarreal

1. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico, a big city in the north east of Mexico.
2. What is Monterrey know for? It's know by it's industry economically, there's a big mountain that resemble a saddle called "Cerro de la Silla" and the city is mostly surrounded by mountains what attracts tourism.
3. If not from NWA - what brought you here?
My current job I work as a Programmer/Analyst for Tyson Foods
4. What drew you into the IT/Computers profession? I always liked computers, so it was easy to chose this profession.
5. Marital status, spouse’s name and children's names? I am Singles with no kids, so girls Im now accepting applications, position open until filled.
6. Is there one character/personality trait that is required of qualified applicants? Not really, I am really never thought about it, chemistry is key I think.
7. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation, relaxation, hobbies: Soccer, fishing, hunting, music
8. What do you like most about your current job? What do you dislike? Its been a great learning experience the experience has been priceless, and what I dont like is that Im far from my family.
9. What is your current NRTP ranking? I am a 4.0
10. How many years have you been playing tennis? I started playing tennis when I was 6 years old but stopped playing for almost 10 years right after college.
11. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? My mother was a great tennis player and since we were little she always encourage us to play - so mom is to blame hahaha. Tennis is been a blessing since I started playing here, I have met awesome people thanks to tennis in NWA.
12. You have great tennis technique - where you in a formal tennis learning program in your youth, self taught or observed these from your mother? Yes my mom helped a lot but attending lessons since I was 6 helped too, coach Raul and coach Andres where the ones that tuned my game in juniors in Monterrey.
13. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis? The competition, the adrenaline of a tuff match, getting back in the game when you are down, and the people, like I said I meet awesome people in tennis.
14. What is your own favorite tennis shot/worst? I love my forehand its one of my favorite weapons in a match, and volleys as well, my worst is a secret I wont reveal my weaknesses hahaha(backhand)
15. You have awsome net skills and touch - any tips on successful net play you can share? I think playing the net is all about confidence, touch comes with practice, but you have to be confident at the net no matter how hard the other guy can hit, I try to anticipate my rivals next shot too.
16. Is there any life lessons learned by playing tennis? Yes they are never give up even when you are down 5-0 and 40-0 fight to the last point.
17. What is your most memorable accomplishment playing tennis so far?When I was 12 I had a win against the the #2 seed in Mexico in our category at a tournament, the match highlights came on the next morning local newspaper. it was an awesome moment.
18. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you?Rudeness I hate when opponents are rude.
19. Do you learn more from your wins or losses and why? Both, wining teach you to be humble respect your opponents effort, losing show you what do you have to improve in your game.
20. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? I have several, but I will have to say Penguin Ed's ribs are my faves.
21. If you could have dinner with a famous person - dead or alive - who would it be and why? Drew Barrymore because I believe shes the love of my life.
22. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am very shy.
23. When I was 10, I wanted to be… I wanted to be a soccer superstar.
24. Books I would suggest to a friend? Coyotes by Ted Conover, its a good story of the journey illegal aliens have to take to get to the U.S.
25. Favorite movies? Tombstone, 50 first Dates, Black Hawk Down, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings among others.