1. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Conway, Arkansas
2. If not from NWA - what brought you here? I came to the University of Arkansas, then went back to Conway to get my Master's degree, Married Lewis and came back for Lewis's job with Tyson Foods. We've been here since 1999 and it's home now.
3. Marital status, spouse’s name and children's names? Married for 14 years to Lewis McClendon & have 2 children, Anna Scott is 10 & Drue is 8.
4. How did you and Lewis meet? I've known him since his family moved to Conway when we were in the 5th grade! We went on our first date when we were 17, then dated off & on through high school & college.
5. Other than tennis what do you do for recreation, relaxation, hobbies: We have a boat and a canoe so we spend a lot time on the water in the spring & summer. I also love yard work and cooking.
6. Do you have a favorite cook book, celebrity cook or recipe? My favorite cookbook, B's Kitchen, was put together by the Nabholz family in Conway. It's a collection of their favorite family recipes. It's fantastic. My own favorite dish to make is homemade chicken and dumplings. When I was little, it was my favorite dish that my grandmother made. Now, I make it in the same old pan that she did & my own family loves it. I don't really follow celebrity chefs, I just love reading recipes & trying new ones!
7. What do you like most about your current job? What do you dislike? I am a speech language pathologist with Springdale Public Schools. It is the best job in the world and there really isn't anything that I do not like about it. It's perfect for me-I LOVE to talk:)
8. What motivated you to pursue being a Speech Language Pathologist? My paternal grandmother had a stroke when I was in Jr High & had speech therapy. That was the first time I had even heard of the profession.
9. What is your current NRTP ranking? 3.0
10. How many years have you been playing tennis? Consistently for 4 years
11. What prompted you to play tennis regularly? I was trying to become more active and fit. I was looking for a form of exercise that I really enjoyed doing. I never enjoyed running or walking on a treadmill.
12. What is your favorite thing/enjoyment about playing tennis? I love the exercise, meeting new people, making friends & challenging myself to be a better player.
13. What is your own favorite tennis shot/worst? My backhand has been suffering lately. I love any down the line winner, makes me so happy!
14. Is there any life lessons learned by playing tennis? I think tennis reiterates many life lessons such as treating others as you would like to be treated (on the court). Also, perseverance and never giving up no matter how far behind you may be.
15. What is your most memorable tennis accomplishment so far? Gwendy[Lefforge]and I won the 3.0 division at the Fayetteville City Tournament at FAC this summer. That was huge for me because I had been bumped up from 2.5 to 3.0 in December and really struggled during my first 3.0 team tennis season. That win really gave me confidence that I could really compete at the 3.0 level.
16. Do you have a particular pet peeve that tennis opponents do that bother you? I really don't like it when people question a line call because I always try my best to be very fair and honest when making calls.
17. Do you learn more from your wins or losses and why? I learn much more from my losses because I tend to analyze what I did wrong, I break down 'game film' in my head about the match afterwards. If I win, I just tend to celebrate & move on!
18. You and Lewis play well together in mixed doubles and you’ve been a captain of a 6.0 mixed team – any advice on what not to do as a husband / wife mixed tennis team while on the court so the marriage stays healthy? I have really enjoyed playing tennis with Lewis. It has been a very positive experience for us. My advice would be to to treat your spouse on the court just as you would other doubles partners (respectfully & encouraging) and not to be critical of their play. I don't always follow my own advice though!
19. What is your favorite NWA restaurant and why? Bonefish Grill in Rogers. I love seafood & their food is fabulous.
20. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I was very quiet & painfully shy as a child!
21. When I was 10, I wanted to be…an elementary school teacher.
22. Books I would suggest to a friend: The Help is one of the best books I've ever read. I love anything based in the south with rich characters.
23. Favorite movies: I don't get to see many movies....my old favorites would be the Vacation & Christmas Vacation movies. I love a movie that I still can quote after 20 years.
="font-weight:bold;">24. The guests at my fantasy dinner party would be: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, my grandparents & great-grandparents
25. Where do I spend most of my disposable income: on my kids!!!
26. I ‘ve been fortunate to: have wonderful parents
27. One word to sum me up: Happy
