HighFIVE: Jaime Stokes
It isn’t often that a golf professional transitions into a career in tennis, but that’s exactly what happened with Jaime Stokes, who began her tennis career without ever having held a racquet before.
A Colorado native, Jaime earned a golf scholarship from the University of Hawaii, and was Event Coordinator at Fossil Trace Golf Club. Long hours (80-90 hours a week) resulted in burnout and prompted the need to change.
Six years ago, Jaime was recruited by Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club for her proven organizational skills to handle anything that’s “organized.”
“I had never held a racquet before,” Jaime jokes about pondering the career change. “I wondered what I was getting myself into!”
Jaime was recently promoted to be Meadow Creek’s Assistant GM and in this role wears many hats. She helps with virtually all aspects of running the club including customer service, accounting, payroll, employee management, as well as USTA leagues, 10 annual tournaments and anything else that comes across her desk.
Wife of Jay, and mother to one-year-old, Jefferson James (JJ), Jaime herself started playing through the six-week QuickStart program and quickly fell in love with the sport.
Seeing the world of tennis from the eyes of a new, excited player, and also professionally on the more administrative side, Jaime is passionate about the mission of attracting others to the courts.
Jaime is the most excited about the Challenger Events, because they are non-elimination.
“This is where I’m seeing the most growth and happiness,” she said of the format.
In terms of what’s the easiest to run, she said it’s at the Open level, because players and parents know the drill. She’s also very encouraged to see so many new 2.5 leagues and players, an indication that new players are finding their way to tennis.
In terms of where she faces the most challenges, Jaime said it’s helping people to understand that they and/or their kids probably aren’t headed to Wimbledon, but they should have fun and enjoy the ride.
“Kids and adults need to find the fun the game,” she explained, adding that her role inherently comes with its own set of unique demands. “I put out a ton of fires,” she laughs, adding “way more than I should be.”
Balancing her career and motherhood, she said no doubt her own son will be holding a racquet soon.
She wants to continue to find ways to market tennis to young kids, because it’s a great way for them to have fun, learn life lessons, and make friends.
“Ultimately I just want him to find what makes his heart happy.”
Staying passionate, organized and offering a variety of events are the keys to success for Jaime who said the addition of pickleball is one of those community requests, bringing more than 200 players to their last clinic.
“The sport of tennis has to embrace it,” she said of the newest sport phenomenon.
Jaime’s unique perspective from her background adds to her passion about growing Meadow Creek’s programs. “I still love golf,” she said. “But I love the connections I’ve made in tennis. I have already made lifelong friends.”
