Member Spotlight: Carolyn Lane
Spotlight on Carolyn Lane – Phoenix, AZ
Big congratulations to NWTO member Carolyn Lane, who will be inducted into the USTA Southwest Hall of Fame on November 8! Carolyn, who competes in the 65s division, has earned her place among the greats — but in classic Carolyn fashion, she says her favorite “big match” was actually one she lost. The reason? She played a phenomenal match against none other than Anne Smith, former world No. 1 in doubles and No. 11 in singles. Carolyn herself reached career highs of world No. 80 in singles and No. 140 in doubles — not too shabby for someone who now also wields a mean roll of grip tape.
Carolyn represented Team USA on two Women’s 65 World Cup teams, bringing home silver in Mallorca (2023) and gold in Turkey (2024) — proof that experience (and excellent volleys) go a long way.
After her Hall of Fame induction, she’ll barely have time to shine her plaque before suiting up for the Southwest 55s at this year’s NWTO Intersectional Championships in Phoenix.
And about that photo: yes, that’s Carolyn proudly re-gripping her racquet — first time ever, and she nailed it… except for that tiny detail about taking the plastic off first. We’re calling it her “signature touch.”