Kelli Collins was a three-year standout on the women's tennis team. She finished her career 64-11 in singles, 64-3 in doubles and was a key member of the undefeated 1994 team. The team also won three OIC championships and she often competed at the top spot. Collins was inducted into the NSU Hall of Fame in 2003, five years after graduating.
In the second "catching up with the Northeastern State family" segment we highlight a conversation with Kelli Collins.
How did NSU help you get your start?
I played for coach Cox and it was the best learning experience that I have ever had. I think it was because of the high expectations for the program, but also it allowed me to learn how to push myself. Once I got to NSU I realized that there was an expectation of excellence and that I needed to try everyday to be better than I was the day before. I started applying those principles to my life as well.
Most important thing you took from your time as a student-athlete?
I learned to have high expectations for myself. I often reminded myself that I am spending [the time in Tahlequah preparing myself for life after college. And if I set my expectations high while I'm at NSU and have all of the support of faculty and coaches and teammates then once I graduate I would have that confidence to achieve whatever I want to achieve.
Best moment(s) at NSU?
I think the collective best moment is any of our tennis trips that we took. We were all so close and always had a good time. I have a son who is a senior in high school and that's one of the things I talk to him about. I tell him that if he goes to college and plays tennis he will have the time of his life because number one you work so hard and get to go on all these trips to great places and are playing the sport that you love. Just being able to experience success with my teammates was a lot of fun.
Do you have any advice that you would offer current student-athletes?
To remember to take advantage of your time while you're at NSU and take advantage of the resources that are available to you to help you be successful in life. I'd also say that while you're there to be sure to build connections and relationships with people who are important to you so that you may continue those after you graduate.
What does tennis mean to you now?
I first picked up a tennis racquet when I was two. My entire life has revolved around tennis even now. The sport of tennis has gotten me so many things. It's what allowed me to make the friends I have now. It has helped me in my career path and to stay healthy. It has allowed us to have family time, one of my sons plays very competitively, it allows us to have something to do together. I was a tennis pro and have worked as a coach off and on in the 28 years since I've graduated.
What has your career path been like?
I have always had tennis woven into my career. I taught physical education for 12 years in Broken Arrow. My husband was a football coach so we traveled a little bit once we graduated from NSU, we went from college to college about every four seasons. Tennis was always involved in one form or another whether I was high school coaching or at a country club. A large part of my career has involved teaching the sport. I now work at the University of Tulsa as the experiential learning coordinator in the career services office and it's the first place I've worked where I'm not involved in tennis in some way. On one hand it's refreshing, but I also miss it. I spend my time helping students find learning experiences outside of the classroom. I was preparing for a trip [with the university] to Panama, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
As a student, what did you study in the classroom?
I got my degree in physical education and health and safety. That was my plan, to be involved in education in one form or another.
Where do you currently reside?
I live in Broken Arrow with my husband and our two sons. Connor is a senior playing tennis and Caleb is a wrestler. I live not even a mile from where I grew up so I get to spend time with my parents and visit them daily. We are making memories.
