HighFIVE: Isabell Cluett
H5 Episode 38 / Summer 2020 / by Katie Newell
There are people in life who face tough obstacles and find a way to not only surmount them, but to help others while doing so. Such is the story of Isabell Suarez Cluett, recipient of the Donald Lawson Tisdel College Scholarship Fund, the largest college scholarship fund awarded by the USTA Foundation.
One of two USTA Intermountain recipients of the award which recognizes seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service, and participated in an organized tennis program, Isabell has faced her share of life’s struggles including challenging family issues, depression and a difficult living environment.
Isabell’s tennis journey began when Dave Boon, Director of First Serve approached her grandfather about coaching the young athlete. That conversation changed her life and put her on the path to achieving her own goals, and to open her heart to service to others who faced challenging situations.
“Tennis honestly saved me,” Isabell said of some very dark times in her life. Having the ability to also mentor other young athletes and become a difference-maker helped her find a new path. “It’s fun to speak Spanish with the players,” she said, knowing how important it is being able to communicate with kids in a relatable way.
Attending Polaris Expeditionary Learning High School, but playing for Ft. Collins High School, Isabell took 4th in State at 5A No. 3 Doubles her junior year. Not being able to play her senior year due to COVID was disappointing but Isabell is focused on a bright future.
“I think our graduating class has gotten much stronger through the pandemic,” she said, proud of the things that she and her friends accomplished during high school.
Now at Mesa University studying Business Administration, she isn’t focused on the fact she missed her senior season due to COVID and instead is focused on her goal of giving back.
One of her goals is to develop the relationships within the Grand Junction community to help coach kids not only learn to play tennis, but to be part of the community that the lifelong sport provides.
Off the courts, Isabell is a strong advocate for SART (Sexual Assault Resource Team). She also loves to read, run and spend time with her siblings, Antonio and Imelda.
“I definitely see myself coaching children who also come from under resourced environments. I’m living proof of the difference it makes to have someone engage,” she said.
MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.
