Kailua Racquet Club Veteran Signs With Savannah College
Cori Cummings with her favorite weapon.
November has been good to Kailua’s Cori Cummings. The Mid-Pac senior signed her official letter of intent at a special ceremony last Wednesday to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia on a tennis scholarship.
Only a day earlier, she had made a long-awaited appearance at the prestigious Kailua Racquet Club Women’s Night Doubles Tournament alongside partner Skyla Alcon. Playing in that tournament is a unique experience, especially for Cummings.
“It’s one of my favorite tournaments because I grew up playing at the club,” she said. “My parents (Robert and Windy) were members. I like the atmosphere there. It’s one of the few tournaments where people really come out to see the tennis. I feel like I’m at home.”
Cummings and Alcon defeated Miyuki Haught and Natasha Zorec 6-1, 7-5 in their first-round match. Although her team was beaten the following night by the top-seeded team (Mariska Kobayashi and Marietta Tuionetoa), Cummings’ future in tennis is bright.
She recently took some time away from the tennis court to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports memory? I was 6 and playing at the UH courts with my first coach (Bev Tom) on a Sunday. It came easily to me. When I would finish my lesson, my mom and dad would hit with me.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? I think (Kailua-born coach) Rosie Bareis. Every summer I go to Berkeley to work for her (at Claremont Resort and Spa). She’s also my coach. She’s really inspired me to be a better person and a better tennis player.
When did you know you had a future in tennis? When I was 12. I liked it, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I was training at Kaneohe Marine base, and my coach (Connie Zepeda) pushed me to be more serious about it.
When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? Facebook. You can keep in contact with people from all over the world. I really like that.
What movie could you watch over and over? Fight Club.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Nas, Kid Cudi and the Beatles.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? Hanging out with friends, going to the beach or hiking.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, working as a graphic designer in San Francisco.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your dream destination? Somewhere in Europe because I’ve never been there.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have just one food. What would it be? Spicy ahi.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Actress) Amy Poehler.
