Member Spotlight - April

This month's member spotlight belongs to our often imitated, never duplicated, Ms. Wilma (William) Carter. Our Membership Director, Erwin Bernardino, recently sat down with the Queen of Shrieks herself for an intimate one-on-one interview.

How long have you been part of ATC, and what originally motivated you to join?

• I’ve been with ATC, literally, from the very first meeting. It was a drizzly Tuesday (lol). I believe it was 1999 or 2000 (?). Me, Dan Garza, Marco Ramirez, and Michael Garcia met at Denny’s off I-35 to discuss how to get an Austin gay tennis club started. Our primary goal was to host a GLTA tournament and in order to do that, we had to have an established club.

What are some of your most memorable moments from your time in the league?

• One of my most memorable GLTA moments was probably winning my first tournament, C doubles, with Bruce Carter in Dallas in 1992 (?).

What advice would you give to newer players entering the league?

• My advice to any members would be to just be gay and have fun. As with any gay organization, there’s gonna be drama. Ignore the drama and focus on the fun.

What changes or improvements would you like to see in the league going forward?

• What I would REALLY like to see is some type of annual recognition to honor of our first ATC president Michael Garcia. He was a very lovely man who passed around 2007. He literally put more work into getting ATC started than anyone. Maybe through some type of Michael Garcia Member of the Year Award or something like that.

What does being part of Austin Tennis Club mean to you personally?

• Being a part of ATC means SO much to me. So often when I’m playing on a Tuesday or Friday night I find myself saying, I love gay tennis. The gaggle of giggles makes it so much fun, and it truly is one of my happiest places.

If you had to describe ATC in three words, what would they be and why?

• Loving gay tennis - Whenever I’m on a tennis court surrounded by a dozen or so other gay people, it just truly frees me up to be my authentic self. Less filters, just love and fun.

What’s your favorite tennis shot to hit? Not including junk…

• Sorry but I have to go with junk. LOL. I just love it so much when our opponents think they’re gonna put away a ball on me and I just stick my racket out and come up with some junk ass winner. Sorry not sorry.

Who has been your toughest opponent in the league?

• Sorry but not revealing that information to the public as of yet. lol

Who is your Tennis Idol and why is it Billie Jean Queen?

• My all time favorite tennis player is Roger Federer. Just truly a class act and seems to always treat everyone fairly and with respect.