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OSU
Women’s
Tennis
Research
Research Methods for Strategic Communications
Destrie Allen
Chelsie Bowmar
Alex Geis
Kaylie Lathe
Lori Prahl
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Table Of Contents
Research Synopsis
Client Overview/Background. ……………….……………….……………….…………………………...4
Environment……………….……………….……………….……………………………………………4-5
SWOT Analysis……………….……………….……………….…………………………………………..6
Target Publics……………….……………….……………….…………………………………………..6-7
Survey Organization and Distribution……………….……………….……………….……………………7
Overlapping….………….….……….….….……………….………………………………….……….…...7
Research Overview……………….……………….……………….……………………….…………….7-8
Research Results
Ethnography……………….……………….……………….……………………………………….....10-11
Focus Group Analysis……………….……………….….……………..……….…………..…….……11-12
Survey Analysis……………….……………….…….….………..….…….…….….…………………13-21
Interview Analysis……………….……………….……………….………………….……….……….22-23
Plans……………….……………….……………….……………………………………….................25-26
Citations……………….……………….……………….………………………………………................27
Appendix……………….……………….……………….………………………………………...............28
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Research
Synopsis
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Client Overview/Background:
Oklahoma State University has a long tradition of excelling in many different sports. The
success of our football and basketball teams dwarfs the accomplishments of many of the other
sports programs, including women’s tennis. The current attendance of the women’s tennis
matches is less than desirable. With the Michael and Ann Greenwood Tennis Complex opening
soon, the tennis team hopes for a better turn out at matches this coming spring. This new facility
is slated to be one of the best facilities in the Big 12. The 50,000 square foot tennis center will
include six indoor and 12 outdoor courts, along with indoor seating for at least 350 spectators.
Coach Young believes that attendance is poor because most matches are in the spring and
sometimes the weather does not cooperate. Before the new complex, OSU was the only Big 12
School without its own facilities, which forced the athletes to occasionally travel outside of
Stillwater for practices or hosting matches. The girls will occasionally have a match on the OSU
campus that will be postponed or moved to an indoor facility in Norman or Tulsa due to weather.
The Tennis Recruiting Network ranked the Oklahoma State University Women’s tennis
team recruitment staff as fourth best in the country in 2013. Oklahoma State is the highest ranked
Big 12 team on the list with Stanford claiming the top spot and Texas Tech placed at No. 16.
Also the Cowgirls are one of the seven Big 12 teams to make the ITA team rankings. Last
season, the OSU women’s tennis team was ranked 28th in the nation.
Head Coach, Chris Young is entering his fourth season coaching the OSU women’s
tennis team. After five years of being the director at Wichita State, Young moved back to his
home state of Oklahoma. In 2012, Young coached the Cowgirls to an 11-10 season and the
programs first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2003. Since Coach Young took over the
program, the Cowgirls will continue to build onto the last year’s success and will prove to be
strong competition in the Big 12.
Environment:
Economic
The economic state of the OSU Women’s tennis team is operational. The team is top
ranked in the nation and significantly noticed in the Big 12. This high recognition should bring in
fans and community support, but without media promotion the knowledge of games and the
players stay within a select few. The new stadium will encourage more attendance to the games,
which will provide better ticket sales from an economic stand-point.
Political
The political level associated with the OSU Women’s tennis team is prestigious. The
community has acknowledged the need for a new facility to match the talent of the tennis team.
Recently, one of the largest contributions OSU athletics has received was from Stillwater
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residents. These donations provided money to the OSU tennis team to build a new facility. This
facility is called the Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center. It will be located north of
Boone Pickens Stadium. The location of the facility was put in the same vicinity of other major
sport stadiums, which will attract public attention toward the tennis team. The Greenwoods
provided the main funding, and the rest was funded by other private donations. The Greenwoods
are OSU alumni who have pledged to match the first $4 million of donor contributions to the
project. The OSU alumni support caused a huge boost in the OSU tennis team awareness.
Social
The OSU Women’s tennis team created a Facebook page that has over 200 likes. The
Oklahoma State Women’s tennis page posts updates on the matches and players. The team posts
pictures of them having fun together at tournaments and events. They have also contributed
pictures of the philanthropic events such as OSU Coaches vs. Cancer. The team’s Twitter
account announces the status and locations of the upcoming matches. The OSU Women’s tennis
team webpage on OSU athletics has several links to news, headlines and schedules. The webpage
gives a team roster and background information over the coaches. This site gives viewers all of
the information needed to get to know the players and coaches. This information will give fans
an opportunity to keep up-to-date on matches and upcoming events.
SWOT Analysis:
Strengths
•A strong publicity point for the team is the new $15 million facility that will be completed soon
•OSU also had the nation's fourth ranked recruiting class, but was the only school in the top five
to not have a multi-million dollar tennis complex
•Coach Young is planning on offering free Jimmy John’s or Chick-Fil-A at some matches to
draw in crowds
•The matches are free
Weaknesses
•The location/condition of the tennis courts
•Lack of awareness for the team and the need for competent publicity
•The tennis courts are currently run down, old and strictly outdoors, but the new facility will
hopefully increase attendance after its completion
•The team needs to achieve more exposure with social media, as the Twitter account for the team
does not have many followers, and the Facebook page could use more likes
•Familiarity with the team is also a weakness, as the tennis players and coaches are relatively
unknown to the students and community members
•Overall, the prominent problem is that the OSU community is simply unaware of the OSU
Women’s tennis team
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Opportunities
•The new facility brings opportunities for marketing, increases the playing level of our girls team
and is a big factor in increased attendance due to the novelty of an impressive, new sports
complex
•The cooperativeness of the girls make them appealable to the media, so the opportunity for
greater exposure is increased
•Publicity opportunities through social media, advertising and proper public relations
Threats
•Publicity from popular OSU athletic events
•Public interest in the sport of tennis in general
Target Publics:
•Males and females
•Ages 18-24 (college students), 25-50 (college students, alumni, athletic supporters)
and over 50 (alumni, athletic supporters)
•All ethnicities, genders
•18-24 - OSU football/basketball games, Colvin, Student Union, popular places on campus,
campus meetings, the strip, classroom, email, social media, physical advertising
•25-50 -OSU football/basketball games, popular places in the community, homes, researching
OSU alumni
•Over 50- OSU football/basketball games, homes, researching OSU alumni
Our research group selected target publics that best represented potential attendees of OSU
Women’s tennis matches. We decided our research would be conducted using members of the
Stillwater community and Oklahoma State University students. This is included males and
females between 18-24 (college students), males and females between 25-50 (college students,
alumni, athletic supporters), and males and females over 50 (alumni, athletic supporters).
Interview/Focus Group subjects:
-Students (18-25) were the primary focus for interviews and focus groups. Other important
subjects for interviews were OSU tennis staff and players, OSU athletic supports, alumni, faculty
and current tennis attendees
-Focus group and interview subjects were concentrated around the current reputation of OSU
Women’s tennis, how to promote awareness of the team and how to improve attendance of
matches
-Interviews provided a two-way communicative pathway for OSU students and members of the
community to give us insight on the current perception of the OSU Women’s tennis team and
how to improve
-Surveys assisted in determining certain aspects of the OSU Women’s tennis program that will
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require the most improvement and provide assistance with developing a plan of action. Our
online surveys will find out what students and community members know of the tennis team,
what will encourage them to attend a match and how we can foster relationships to develop a
consistent and committed fan base for the OSU Women’s tennis team
Survey Organization and Distribution:
For our surveys we sought to find out what people thought and knew about the OSU
Women’s tennis team, why people do or do not attend matches and what would make them more
likely to attend matches. We thought it important to find out the opinions of not only students on
campus, but also other groups such as alumni and athletic supporters. We created a nine
question, online survey and distributed it through social media (Facebook, Twitter), email and
word of mouth. We used Survey Monkey for this survey because it collects all the data and made
it easy for respondents to take the survey.
Overlapping:
We made a conscious effort to not overlap with other groups by having strong
communication with the other participants. We obtained the contact information of the person in
the other groups who was in charge of contacting interviewees. Close communication with these
groups ensured that no one interviewed the same people.
Research Overview:
Focus Groups
The focus group consisted of nine participants representing eight different majors at Oklahoma
State University: Nutritional Sciences and Allied Health, Industrial Engineering, Business
Management and Human Resources, Sociology and Anthropology, Strategic Communications,
Therapeutic Recreation, Agricultural Recreation and Chemical Engineering. We asked a series
of in-depth questions regarding the OSU Women’s tennis team and their image on campus. Our
goal was to find out what current perceptions of the team are in the Stillwater community and
gain insight on effective marketing and advertising strategies to boost attendance at the matches.
Survey
The survey was distributed electronically via Survey Monkey to students, alumni, graduate
students, faculty/staff at OSU, and athletic supporters. The majority of the respondents were
OSU students, and alumni represented the second highest amount of respondents. The survey
was distributed through Twitter, Facebook and e-mail.
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In total, we analyzed the answers of 100 respondents. Sixty-three participants are students at
OSU, five are graduate students, twenty are alumni, two are athletic supporters, and one is a
faculty member. The survey helped us gain insight on why students don’t attend women’s
matches, their level of awareness about the tennis team, and the likelihood that they will attend a
match now that they know there is a new facility being built.
Personal Interviews
The personal interviews were a great way for us to gain knowledge through one-on-one
conversations with various students, alumni and faculty at OSU. Each respondent gave us a
different view on the women’s tennis team at OSU and helped us diagnose the team’s strengths
and weaknesses.
Ethnography
Our ethnography was conducted by studying the culture and interaction of the OSU Women’s
tennis team. On a cold and windy afternoon, we observed a practice of the team and the way the
girls and coaches interacted with one another. The observations were conducted in the stands at
the Colvin Recreation Center tennis courts. We observed the players, assistant coach, coach and
other assistants. The girls and coaches all wore OSU apparel. Each player or coach either had on
an OSU jacket, hat or shirt. The practice lasted for an hour.
Results
The purpose of our survey was to gain insight on what the perception of the OSU Women’s
tennis team is on campus among students, alumni, faculty, graduate students, and athletic
supporters. We asked for their level awareness of the tennis team, if they have ever attended a
match, and input on why they don’t attend tennis matches.
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Research
Results
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Ethnography
For our ethnography report our research group attended a practice of the OSU Women’s
tennis team. The main focus of this ethnography is to study the social culture and behavior of the
tennis players and coaches. During the observation period, we studied how the players interacted
with each other, how they played the game, their focus and other aspects of their mannerisms.
We observed the team as they held their practice at the Colvin Recreation Center tennis courts at
3:30 p.m. on a windy November day. Our observation for this report spanned over a 75-minute
period.
We emailed the head coach to ask for permission to attend the practice, and then talked
briefly with him in person at the courts. Our research group observed from the bleachers and did
not influence the behavior of the players and coaches beyond the impact of our presence. We had
little involvement in our observation because we wanted the players and coaches to be genuine in
their actions. The girls and coaches all had on OSU apparel. Each player or coach either had on
an OSU jacket, hat or shirt.
It quickly became clear to us that the team is extremely close knit, encouraging and
supportive of each other during practices. If one player missed a ball, the other player she was
practicing with gave words of encouragement and the pair would exchange smiles. Occasionally,
the coach or another player would shout words of encouragement across the courts. Shouts of
“come on girls” or personal shout outs to other players were heard frequently. The coach and
assistant coach walked around during practice and stopped to assist or give tips to the girls
individually. The coach and assistant coach took the time to watch and speak with every player.
Every so often, they would switch pairs and it was clear that all of the players were focused and
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performed well with each other. The two highest ranked girls on the team practiced on a court
separated from the rest of the team.
During the practice, the players took two breaks where they gathered together. In the
beginning of the breaks, the players would chat a little and laugh. The team gathered and took a
water break while the coach spoke to them. While we could not hear what the coach was saying,
he seemed to be speaking encouragingly and giving them assistance. Coach Young used his
hands to illustrate his points and made sure to move his head to make sure every girl was
included in what he had to say. The girls all listened attentively and made eye contact with
Coach Young as he spoke. Some girls occasionally nodded to show understanding. After the
break, the girls would once again chat and laugh a little and then they would switch partners to
continue practice.
The players on the OSU Women’s tennis team were extremely focused while practicing.
The girls were all moving quickly on their feet, following the movement of the ball. Each time a
ball came toward one of the players, she hit the ball with precision and force. Rarely did a player
not make it over the net or miss the ball. Occasionally, a player would have to jump and slightly
dive to hit the ball. The look on the girls’ faces was that of concentration. Some of the girls
would let out a grunt when they needed to exert a little more force than usual to hit a ball.
Other than the quick works of encouragement between balls, there was little talking. The
audience was quiet. When a ball would get out of reach, the players did not bother with running
to get it; they grabbed the nearest ball and quickly got back to hitting. The players are in shape
with an athletic build. They have muscular legs. As the practice went on and the players worked
harder, they progressively shed their outer layers. Although it was chilly and the wind was
blowing rather fiercely, the girls made controlling the ball look easy.
From our observations we were able to conclude certain aspects of the culture and
behavior of the OSU Women’s tennis team. They seem to be goal-oriented, excluding
unnecessary social interaction during team practices. There is an obvious mutual respect and
attentiveness between the coaches and players. When a coach is speaking, players are listening
and receptive, just as the coaches are when players are speaking to them. There is also an
established hierarchy based on skill level. The two highest-ranking girls were deliberately
separate from the other girls due to the pairings being based off of the girls’ individual degree of
ability.
After our observation, we developed two hypotheses about the OSU Women’s Tennis
team. First, the team is dedicated and extremely focused; and second, they are close knit and
supportive of each other.
Focus Group Analysis:
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Through our focus group we received good feedback on the respondents’ perceptions of
the team, what they already knew and how the team could improve in order to bring in larger
crowds. According to the answers we found, the most popular sports to OSU students are
football and basketball followed by baseball and wrestling. Most students care about sports when
they are nationally known, popular on campus or when they feel connected to the team. They
will also go to sporting events to socialize. Most students are also familiar with these popular
sports because they are more popular in the American culture, and it’s where a lot of focus is put
within our school.
Hardly any of the students were aware that we were building a new tennis complex.
Many of the students we talked to did not know much about tennis in general and did not feel
connected to or even know the OSU Women’s tennis team. Many of them believed that if they
did feel connected to the team, it might help them want to attend matches more. The students we
interviewed believe that they do not know much about the tennis team due to lack of advertising,
but many do have an open mind about the team and would want to learn more if information was
available to them. This was an indication that the tennis team needs to expand their advertising
efforts so the public knows when their matches are taking place.
The students had a lot of good ideas for how the team can go about advertising
themselves and their matches and forming a reputation for themselves. Making public
appearances, holding clinics, participating in community involvement, volunteering at
organizations, advertising match schedules and selling more merchandise are a few ways the
students suggested for the team to connect with the public. The students also recommended
incentives to attend matches, such as free t-shirts during games and on campus before games.
The students suggested putting the match schedules on the back of the t-shirts. They also
recommended having a grand opening at the beginning of the season in the new complex and
inviting the public.
In conclusion, better advertising, creating more team awareness and a connection to the
public are the main suggestions from the focus group.
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Survey Analysis
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The first question we asked is how often you attend a sporting event. We wanted to figure out
how frequently our survey respondents attended sporting events at Oklahoma State University in
general. After giving the respondents options, we determined that:
-The leading answer was “often,” which made up 32 percent of our respondents.
-This was closely followed by 29 percent of our respondents answering that they
“sometimes” attend OSU sporting events.
-There was a tie between 16 percent of our respondents answering they attend OSU
sporting events “all the time” or they “rarely” attend.
-Coming in least was “never,” which seven percent of our respondent’s answered.
These answers indicate that majority of our respondents attend OSU sporting events often and
that only a small portion of our respondents never attend OSU sporting events. A larger part of
our respondents, whether they attend all the time or sometimes, go to OSU sporting events.
The second question we asked was how our respondents preferred to receive information about
OSU sporting events. We wanted to determine which advertising, PR and marketing efforts
would be effective to reach our target population. After giving the respondents options, we
determined that:
-The leading answer was that 58 percent of our respondents prefer to learn about OSU
sporting events via E-mail.
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-The second and third answers were social media such as Facebook (34 percent) and
Twitter (29 percent).
-26 percent of our respondents answered that they prefer fliers, posters and on campus
advertisements.
-Only two percent of our respondents answered that they prefer the mail and 1 of the 100
respondents skipped this question.
These answers indicate that the students and community members prefer gaining knowledge
about OSU sporting events via e-mail and social media. Since only two percent of our
respondents answered that they prefer receiving mail, we learned that mail is not an effective
advertising technique.
The third question we asked our respondents to indicate their level of awareness about the
OSU Women’s tennis team. We wanted to find out what percent of respondents have attended a
match, and more importantly, we wanted to know if our respondents were even aware that we
had a women’s team. After giving our respondents options, we determined that:
-The leading answer was that 66 percent of our respondents indicated that they were
aware we have a women’s tennis team, but they have never attended a match.
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-The second response dropped down to 21 percent answering that they did not know we
had a women’s tennis team.
-12 percent of respondents answered that they are aware but they do not attend matches
regularly.
-One percent our respondents answered that they are aware and that they attend matches
regularly.
These answers indicate that the students and community members know that a women’s tennis
team exists at OSU, but they do not attend the matches. One respondent out of 100 stated that
they had been to a match, which indicates that the majority of our respondents do not go to tennis
matches at all. These answers are crucial to our research to determine the awareness that the
OSU community has regarding women’s tennis.
The fourth question we asked our respondents is if they had ever attended an OSU Women’s
tennis match. We wanted to find a simple way to find out just how many of our respondents had
actually attended a match. We found that:
-90 percent of our respondents answered no to if they had ever attended a match.
- Nine percent answered that they had attended a match.
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These answers indicate that the majority of our respondents have never attended a match. As
stated in an earlier question, the majority of our respondents, alumni, students, faculty, graduate
students or sports fans attend OSU sporting events often, but they do not attend women’s tennis
matches. Despite their attendance at basketball, baseball, football etc. games, they are not
interested in women’s tennis. These answers are a helpful way to develop advertising strategies
aimed at reaching out to these various people who are not attending the matches.
In the follow up question to asking the respondents if they have attended an OSU Women’s
tennis match, we wanted to pinpoint the exact reason that students and community members
were not attending matches. After giving the respondents options, we determined that:
-The leading answer (54 of the first 88 respondents) was “I am not interested.”
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-This was closely followed (44 of the first 88 respondents) by “I am not aware of price, time…”
-Six of the respondents answered “conflicting schedules with...” And the remaining 12 of the
first 100 respondents skipped the question.
These answers indicate that students and community members are not interested in the sport
of tennis, and that they are not aware of many aspects of the OSU Women’s tennis team.
Weather was an option for the respondents but it had zero responses. It’s not the time of year that
factors into whether students or community members attend a match, because they are not even
aware or interested in the tennis team.
We asked the respondents if they were aware of the indoor tennis center being built in
Stillwater. The Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center has recently been completed and
will host the initial matches of the OSU Men’s and Women’s tennis teams in January. The
question was formatted in a simple yes or no fashion.
-48 of the initial 99 respondents answered that they were aware of that OSU was in the
process of building a new tennis facility.
-53 of the initial 99 respondents answered that they were not aware of the construction.
-One respondent chose not to answer the question.
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These answers indicate that about half of the students and community members in
Stillwater are not aware of the new multi-million dollar indoor/outdoor tennis facility being
constructed north of Boone Pickens Stadium. The construction of this facility is an important
selling point for the OSU Women’s tennis team so we want to capitalize on it through
advertising as we attempt to increase awareness.
The respondents were asked to indicate the degree to which a new facility would
persuade them to attend an OSU Women’s tennis match. The scale for declaring the level of
influence was from 1-10, “1” indicating that a new facility would have little to no effect on the
decision to attend a tennis match, and “10” indicating it would be highly influential. Our research
group believes that the new facility is an important aspect of marketing to focus on, and it should
bring more awareness and appreciation for tennis.
-16 of the initial 58 respondents answered a 1 out of 10.
-The next highest category (8 out of 58) was for 5 out of 10.
-72 percent (42 out of 58) of respondents answered a 5 or below.
-21 percent (12 out of 58) of respondents answered an 8 or above.
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These answers indicate that students and community members in Stillwater are not that
interested in the construction of the new facility and how it relates to OSU tennis teams. The
highest picked answer was the lowest level of interest, so these respondents not only don’t care,
but also do so to a large degree. The reasons behind these feelings are still unknown, as it could
be a lack of correct information or personal reasons against the stadium’s construction.
This was a demographic question that was meant to determine the exact affiliation of our
respondents. The OSU Women’s tennis team needs assistance in all demographics, so we wanted
to make sure our respondents represented a wide range of opinions.
-63 of the 91 respondents were students at Oklahoma State University.
-20 of the 91 respondents were alumni of Oklahoma State University.
-Five were graduates, one was faculty/staff, and one was an athletic supporter.
-Nine decided not to answer the question.
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The majority of our respondents were students, which is our primary demographic of
focus. This is research is being conducted by students at OSU, so it makes sense most of the
respondents to our survey would be distributed to our direct and indirect friends.
This was a demographic question with the intention to find out the age groups of the survey
respondents. We didn’t have an age group lower than 17, because we aren’t targeting the
demographic younger than college-aged students.
-61 of the 100 respondents indicated they were 18-22, college-aged.
-21 of the 100 respondents indicated they were 23-27, recent alumni.
-14 of the 100 respondents were older than the age of 43.
-65 percent of the respondents were female.
-45 percent of all respondents were females from 18-22.
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These results reflect the results of our previous question, which indicated that the majority of
our respondents were college students or recent graduates. The majority of the respondents were
female, reflecting the percentage of the research group that is female. A broad range of ages were
represented, with many more represented at the extremes than the middle age groups from 28-42.
Interview Analysis
Interview 1 Analysis: The information I received from this interview will help for future
references. I learned that the rapport and being in a comfortable environment during the
interview helped Natasha feel freer to speak her mind. When I seemed more involved and
enthusiastic, this kept the interview going in a conversational sense. I already knew the
interviewee on a personal level from living together, which was a benefit to me.
I know some of Natasha’s signs of when she feels comfortable, for example when she’s
excited she uses a lot of hand gestures and cannot sit still in one position. If she’s feeling
uncomfortable she’ll use a lot of pauses in her words and sits calmly in one spot. I learned to get
a feel for how the interview is going to be based off of first impressions and the surroundings.
All of the observations taken from my interview will go toward other interviews and add
knowledge to the project on how to receive the most accurate information.
Interview 2 Analysis: For Monesh, better advertisement of the when the matches occur is all
that is needed. In our other research we have found that lack of knowledge of when the matches
occur is the most common reason for not attending.
Interview 3 Analysis: For Michelle, nothing would bring her to attend a tennis match. From our
research, it seems that she represents a smaller portion of the population.
Interview 4 Analysis: Through this interview with Matt Fletcher, I learned that most students
know very little or nothing at all about the OSU Women’s tennis team. Matt, who is a huge
athletic supporter, indicated that he would be interested in attending a match if there was more
effective advertising. I learned through this interview that students are drawn to incentives such
as free t-shirts, cash prizes or just anything free in general. Matt also agreed to come MC the first
tennis match of the season, which will make for effective advertising for students.
Interview 5 Analysis: Dana answered all of my questions casually and appeared to be really
thinking and trying to give her full and honest answers. We remained friendly and open
throughout the entire interview. She used her hands and her facial expressions to show her
thoughts on some of the questions, and often times she answered questions with an example of a
dialogue between people.
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The information I got from Dana coincided with the information that was previously found in the
focus group. She was not very aware of OSU tennis, and didn’t know that there even was a
women’s tennis team. Her attendance on sports previously, had often been based on the
excitement of the attending crowd. She also wasn’t aware of the new tennis complex being built,
but thought that she might would go to at least one match to experience the new complex. As far
as going to back to more tennis matches, she stated that it would depend on the amount of fun
had at the first match. She also believed that she knew little of the sport due to lack of
advertising, and came up with some suggestions that she believed would help the tennis team to
become known and would help increase attendance.
Interview 6 Analysis:
Matt Morgan answered each of the questions confidently and talked with me casually as
the conversation flowed naturally. He used his hands and supplementary vocal inflections to
emphasize his talking points. He would swivel in his chair slightly or look away for a bit when
thinking about answers. His body language remained casual throughout the interview and I felt
comfortable and relaxed while talking with him. Even after I was finished with the interview we
continued to talk for half and hour and he walked with me to my car.
Mr. Morgan’s lack of awareness of the OSU Women’s Tennis team confirmed the
research previously conducted. He thought that community involvement would be an important
area to emphasize if the team wanted more exposure. He thought that physical advertisement
would also be important to utilize. He brought up the example of t-shirts with schedules on the
back, which that would help the community become aware of the match times. His endearing
description of the Greenwood family brings up another positive aspect of the program that could
be emphasized. Mr. Morgan was especially interested in seeing the new complex, as most
students and community members have echoed. On the way to my car he asked me how paying
for games will work if a student doesn’t have an all-sports pass. I didn’t have an answer for him
so that should be included in any informational marketing for the OSU Women’s Tennis team.
In conclusion, Mr. Morgan’s answers reemphasize the findings of our previous research
regarding the OSU Women’s Tennis team. The tennis team needs to make itself heard in the
Stillwater community and broadcast their achievements to the university. Students and
community members are interested in attending matches once they are given some information
about the program, so this lack of advertising must be addressed.
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Plans
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Through the various forms of research that we collected with our survey, interviews, focus group
and ethnography, we have determined a plan of action that includes advertising, incentives and
community involvement.
Advertising:
The current publicity strategy for the team is less than desirable. Articles and team news are
added to OSU affiliated sites and social media, but unless a student or community member
actively searches for information, they aren’t aware of these updates. Since many students knew
little about the OSU Women’s tennis team, and most had an open mind toward learning more,
we believe that stronger advertising will increase awareness, and greater awareness will increase
attendance of the matches.
• Utilize social media
By using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the team could increase awareness by
getting likes and followers. Their pages could promote efforts in the community and around
campus, and remind about upcoming matches. We would also update followers about team
achievements and provide more information on the program and its members. The Twitter
account is also under the name “Chris Young,” which may confuse potential followers. We’d
like to distinguish the coach’s twitter account from an official team account.
• Table on Campus
By setting up on campus and holding promotional contests, or simply handing out schedules,
wristbands, tennis balls or t-shirts, the team should be able to get a larger following on campus.
• On-Campus Physical Advertising
Similar to the football and basketball posters that are present on campus, the OSU Women’s
tennis team needs to utilize on-premise signage. Strategically placing fliers and posters at bus
stops and popular areas on campus will increase exposure and prompt interest in the tennis
program.
• Utilize established OSU advertising outlets
OSU’s focus on the popular, financially profitable sports is evident in the way promotional
advertising is integrated into OSU news. For example, OSU communications emails will
frequently include information about upcoming football or basketball games. If we can maximize
the potential of the different established OSU communicative outlets, it would increase the
likelihood of students absorbing information and subsequently, developing interest.
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Incentives:
Providing incentives at the matches once students attend is a good way to keep the attendance at
a higher level.
• Grand opening
An exciting grand opening with Pistol Pete, prizes, and free giveaways, would make students
want to have a repeat of their experience and come back to more matches.
• Contests
During the matches, having a contest where people try to return a serve from one of the women’s
tennis players for a prize would make the matches fun and memorable.
• Free Items on Campus
With free t-shirts being handed out on campus, people would not only be more informed about
the team, but they would get other people informed about the team, and cause more attendance at
the games.
Community Involvement:
Having the team be involved in the community through volunteering and philanthropies would
provide a presence of the team in the community and would get their good reputations out in the
eye of the public.
• Volunteering
The OSU Women’s tennis team getting out in the community with different organizations would
increase awareness about the team and help the team form relationships with community
members. This would increase awareness and attendance as people saw the team working in the
community and they started to feel connected with them. The women could offer tennis clinics
for the community or host tennis tournaments to foster interest in the sport.
• Philanthropies
Another way for the OSU Women’s tennis team to get involved in the community is to join up
with Greek houses and campus organizations in their philanthropies and participate in their
events. The women could also start their own philanthropic cause to support their efforts.
• Use influential members in the community
By utilizing the established reputations of prominent Stillwater community members, we can
expose the tennis team to a wider audience and attract their interest in an easier manner. If
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Marcus Smart or Burns Hargis were to endorse the tennis team, the community would take
notice and begin to get involved. Matt Fletcher, an emcee for OSU athletic events, has offered to
emcee tennis matches.
Citations:
Survey Monkey was used to create and distribute the survey. We used several personal sources
in our research. Monesh Balla, Michelle Browne, Natalie Cockrell, Matt Fletcher, Morgan Flick
John Grant, Devon Hudson, Natasha Khan, Samantha Kurtz, Tyler Nichols, Callista Perigo,
Dana Schmidt and Sarah Towry
Additional information was also gathered from:
-OSU Women’s tennis team website:
http://www.okstate.com/sports/w-tennis/okst-w-tennis-body.html
-OSU Women’s tennis team’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-State-Womens-Tennis/355059614505402
-Twitter account of the OSU Women’s tennis team:
https://twitter.com/CowgirlTennis - @CowgirlTennis
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Appendix
Focus Group Moderator’s Guide……………………………….…….….……….…….….…………..29-30
Focus Group……………………………………………………………………………………………31-40
Survey……………………………………………………….……….………….……….……….….……41
Interview 1………………………………………………………………………….………….………42-43
Interview 2……………………………………….…….…….……….………….………….…………44-45
Interview 3………………………………………….………………………………………….………46-47
Interview 4……………………………………………………………………….………………….…48-51
Interview 5……….……….……..…………….….………….…….……….…….………....................52-57
Interview 6……………….……………….……………….……………………………………….......58-60
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Focus Group Moderator's Guide:
Research Goals
-Discuss opinions on the reputation of OSU Women’s tennis and how to improve awareness of
the program.
-Determine the reasons for historically poor attendance of OSU Women’s tennis matches and
improve on previous attendance.
Focus group room in JB 316, Nov. 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Moderator Alex: Hi, my name is Alex and I want to welcome you and thank you for coming
today. I’ll be asking questions and moderating the discussion. If any of you are not familiar with
a focus group, it is basically just a way for us to discuss an idea with you in a small group setting
to get your opinions and ideas on the topic. It should take approximately 45 minutes. Restrooms
in this building for men are on the 1st floor on the west side and the women’s restroom is located
in the hallway that runs through the first floor through the classrooms.
Moderator Kaylie: Hi, my name is Kaylie and I’ll also be moderating this discussion. We are
currently conducting research for the OSU Women’s tennis team. We are conducting research to
improve the reputation, exposure and attendance of the women’s tennis team. We want to hear
opinions on what the women’s tennis team is doing correctly, where they could improve, what
information you know about the team, etc. Just so you know, we will be recording the session for
our research purposes, but none of you will be identified. Lori, Destrie and Chelsie are here to
help observe and take notes, but again you will not be identified in any way.
Moderator Alex: Please be honest throughout this discussion. We want to hear your genuine
opinion and will not be upset with any response you give. Please feel free to speak out without
being called on. If you’d prefer not to answer a question then that’s okay too. If something
comes to your mind, please say it. However, we ask that you wait until the person speaking has
finished to avoid confusion. Please ask us if you have any questions. Now we’d like to go around
the room and have you all state your name and what you’re currently studying.
Moderator Kaylie: Great! I’m studying strategic communications and Alex is studying strategic
communication and marketing. We’d like to start by asking some general questions about
Oklahoma State athletics.
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-Do you attend Oklahoma State athletic events?
-Which ones?
-What makes you want to attend an OSU sporting event?
-What OSU athletics are you most familiar with?
-What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
-Does feeling a connection to the team affect your decision to attend a sporting event?
Moderator Alex: Now I’d like to ask some questions on the OSU Women’s tennis team.
-What do you know about the OSU Women’s tennis team?
-Do you attend tennis matches? Why or why not?
-Can you name a coach/player?
-Would you like to learn more about the OSU Women’s tennis players/staff?
-Should the OSU women’s tennis team involve themselves in more community events?
-How would you like players to connect with OSU students/community?
-Are you aware of (name positive statistics/interesting facts about team)?
Moderator Kaylie: Now we’re going to discuss attendance of OSU Women’s tennis matches and
how to improve it.
-What would make you want to attend a Women’s tennis match?
-Are you aware of the new tennis complex being constructed?
-OSU Women’s tennis matches are free (for students), free food is sometimes offered and
matches begin in January and continue throughout the spring. Does this information persuade
you to attend a tennis match?
-If you were more familiar with the women’s tennis team, would this information influence your
decision to attend a match?
VIDEO- http://www.okstate.com/sports/w-tennis/okst-w-tennis-body.html
-After watching the video, what are your thoughts?
-Does the new facility affect your decision to attend a match?
Moderator Alex: Does anyone else have anything they would like to add about the OSU
Women’s Tennis team and additional ways to improve the exposure and attendance?
Thank you all so much for your participation. We are so grateful and hope you have a great rest
of your day.
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Focus Group:
For our research we conducted a focus group that gave key insights into our target audience
about the Oklahoma State University Women’s tennis team. The group consisted of 10 students
within eight different majors. Two moderators led the focus group in discussion, two people
observed, took notes and recorded information, and one person was in charge of working the
camera and filming the group as the discussion took place.
Moderator 1: All right guys we are going to get started if you don’t mind. We are going to go
over some preliminary stuff. My name is Alex, and I want to thank you for coming and
participating in our focus group. I will be moderating and asking questions in this discussion
with Kaylie here. If you aren’t familiar with what a focus group is, it’s basically a way for us to
discuss an idea in a small group setting and get your opinions on an idea or topic. It’s an open
setting, so if you want to say something just say it. Also, please be respectful of those around
you, and don’t talk while they are talking. This will take approximately 45 minutes and just for
reference, the men’s restrooms are downstairs on the west side of the building and girls are in the
hallway outside this room.
Moderator 2: Like Alex said, I’m Kaylie and I will also be moderating this discussion. We are
currently conducting research over the Oklahoma State University Women’s tennis team and we
are trying to improve the reputation, exposure and attendance of the women’s tennis team. We
are here because we want to hear your opinions on what the tennis team is doing correctly, what
they can improve on and just other information regarding the team. We will be recording this
session for research purposes, but none of you will be identified in any way in our research. Lori,
Destrie, and Chelsie are also going to be here taking notes and observing.
Moderator 1: Keep in mind that in this session we want to hear your opinions, and we will not
be upset with any of your answers. Please be as honest as possible. Any information that you
give us is valuable, and we appreciate your honesty. However, we ask that you wait to speak
until the other person has stopped speaking so we can get the best response possible. Please ask
us if you have any questions during this process.
Moderator 1: Now we would like you all to state your names and what you are currently
studying.
F1: My name is Natalie Cockell and I am studying Nutritional Sciences/Allied Health.
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F2: My name is Tyler Nichols and I am studying the same thing, Nutritional Sciences/Allied
Health.
M1: My name is Devon Hudson and I’m in Industrial Engineering.
M2: I’m John Grant and I’m studying Business Management with Marketing and Human
Resources.
F3: I am Morgan Flick and I am studying Sociology and Anthropology.
F4: I’m Samantha Kurtz and I’m in Strategic Communications.
F5: I’m Sarah Towry, and I’m studying Nutritional Sciences/Allied Health
F6: I’m Callista Perigo and I’m studying Therapeutic Recreation.
M3: I’m Peter Cohen and I’m studying Agricultural Communications.
M4: I’m Zach Chandler and I’m studying Chemical Engineering.
Moderator 2: Great, we have a diverse group of people! Like I said, I am Kaylie and I am
studying Strategic Communications, and this is Alex and he is studying Strategic
Communications and Marketing. We would like to start by asking you some general questions
about Oklahoma State athletics. Do you attend Oklahoma State Athletics and if so, which ones?
F3: I don’t. I don’t have tickets or anything at all, period. I don’t do it, and I don’t like sports.
(laughter)
Moderator 2: Very honest opinion. Those are the kind of responses that we want.
M2: I go to all football and basketball and most baseball.
M3: I go to football, some basketball and then I’ve been to a few wrestling matches.
Moderator 2: It’s OK if you all have the same answers. Please, still speak up. We want all your
opinions.
M4: Football, basketball, occasional wrestling and occasional baseball too.
F4: I go to football and women’s soccer.
F6: I go to all the football games, and I’ve been to basketball games and some wrestling. And
now that I have a season pass I go to baseball.
F1: I did it freshman year, football and basketball. But I don’t do it anymore.
F2: I’ve been to a few football and baseball.
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F5: I go to football games and I’ve been to a few basketball and soccer games.
M1: A couple football games.
Moderator 2: OK great! What makes you want to attend the sporting events you go to? I’m
hearing a lot of football and basketball so what makes you want to attend those events?
M2: That’s what we are nationally known for and we have good teams, so it’s easy to support
them when they are good.
F6: I’m a paddle person so I like front row, and I like the crowd
M4: It’s also a social event too, and most of my friends go to the games as well.
Moderator 1: OK so it’s kind of the record and the environment once you are there? What
else would you say other than that?
F1: Maybe if you know someone who is playing?
Moderator 1: So maybe if you feel a connection to the team, something like that?
F1: Yeah I think so.
Moderator 2: OK so we already know what athletics you are familiar with, again I’m hearing a
lot of football, basketball.
Moderator 1: Why do you guys think you are most familiar with these sports? Is it the
marketing around campus, something we are nationally good at, or why do you guys
personally know the team so well?
M4: I think those are like the most competitive and the most popular with the American culture
in general, so that’s kind of what people normally gravitate to.
M1: I feel like that’s what the school advertises the most, football and basketball.
Moderator 1: Yeah they definitely do.
M3: That’s where the money is too. That’s like where the school gets most of their money too,
are those two sports.
Moderator 2: What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
F3: I like tennis. I played tennis, and I think tennis is fun.
Moderator 2: Do you like watching tennis?
F3: Watching tennis...not so much. But I’ll totally play.
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M4: It’s hard to watch. It’s kind of slow and boring sometimes.
Moderator 1: Definitely not all things have to be good. They can be negative.
Moderator 2: Yeah, don’t think that everything you say has to be positive. Say whatever you
feel.
F1: I don’t know enough about tennis to have a seriously strong opinion about it.
F6: You’re supposed to be quiet during tennis games, which is not fun.
M3: I didn’t grow up watching it, so I don’t know any tennis players, so it’s hard to root for
someone when you have no idea who they are or what’s going on during the game.
Moderator 1: Right. Yeah it’s hard to have a connection to the sport if you don’t know anyone
on the team. But we have actually talked to the coach, and he said that the people who do attend
the women’s matches are rowdy and very loud. They actually appreciate that, and the players
tend to play better. But we will get more into that in later questions about attendance, but they
actually love the rowdy and the crowd.
Moderator 2: Does feeling a connection to the team influence your decision to attend a
sporting event? Like if you’ve seen a bio or an interview about the player, or they are in the
community or anything along those lines?
M3: I would say, I mean I don’t personally know very many people on the Oklahoma State
teams. But I have one of my best friends who plays football for TU, and whenever I go to those
games I watch it more intently, and I have a more personal connection with those games, even
more so than I do with OSU games.
F3: I don’t think that you have to have a personal connection to enjoy the sport.
M4: I feel like if there was a personal connection, I would have more of a desire to go to the
sporting event just because I didn’t even know we had a women’s tennis team honestly, and I
feel like if I knew who the players were, I would have more of a desire to go to the matches.
Moderator 1: Would that be on the same par as if you saw an interview with Marcus Smart
and you really liked his demeanor and what he had to say, would that you make you feel like
you knew him more personally? And would that make you want to go to the game more?
F1: I think you would look at them as more of a real person, and you would have a more
personal aspect of the relationship if you felt like you knew them.
Moderator 1: Now I’m going to ask you all questions about the women’s team specifically.
What do you know about the OSU Women’s tennis team right now?
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M3: Not very much…
F3: I didn’t know we had one.
Moderator 1: See that’s the bridge we are trying to gap and that’s the big problem we are
having now. Have you guys ever attended a tennis match in your life? Whether it is amateur
or professional?
F3: Yeah.
Moderator 1: How was your experience there?
F3: It was kind of boring. (laughter)
Moderator 1: Do you know how you would improve that situation or experience?
F3: Maybe if it was a higher level of game because it wasn’t professional. Maybe if they were
better at the sport and it was faster pace, maybe I would have enjoyed it more.
Moderator 1: Can any of you name a player or coach on the OSU Women’s team now?
F3: No.
Moderator 1: That’s fine! Be honest.
F1: No.
F2: No.
M3: Nope.
Moderator 1: Why do you think players and coaches are unknown on the OSU campus?
M2: Lack of PR, honestly, like no promotions. If you go to the union, there will be screens of
football and basketball happening but no highlights of anything other than those two.
M3: It’s not that popular of a sport with like America as a whole so I mean what’s going to make
people from our school go to that? I mean it is when like Wimbledon rolls around or something
like that but not just every average day unless you’re into tennis.
M1: And I feel like the odds of meeting a tennis player, I mean there’s probably not near as
many tennis players as there are football players, so the odds of meeting one on campus aren’t
going to be very likely.
Moderator 2: All right cool. Would you guys like to learn more about the women’s tennis
team? Are you guys interested now that you realize there is a team?
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M3: Sure.
M4: Sure.
M2: Definitely yeah.
Moderator 1: So you guys are just open to learning about the players specifically?
M1: Do tennis teams have cheerleaders?
(laughter)
Moderator 1: They don’t currently. But we’re trying to get more attendance so you guys can be
the cheerleaders.
Moderator 2: Is that something that affects your decision to attend?
M1: Yeah.
Moderator 1: Okay, okay, we’ll take it into consideration. Should the OSU women’s tennis
team involve themselves more in the community events and philanthropies going on, such as
the basketball team and football team?
M3: I think it’d improve on their relations with everyone else on campus.
Moderator 1: Yeah, if they made public appearances would you guys feel more of a
connection, and then therefore be more connected to the team in general? And then perhaps
attend a match?
M3: Yeah.
Moderator 1: Okay, we’re getting somewhere. Should the OSU Women’s tennis team, when
they are involving themselves in the community, how do you think is the best way to do it—to
connect with students and also the community of Stillwater? What specific events do you think
they should be apart of, and how should they put themselves out there?
F3: I mean the big event is coming up, could they make a team for that? Or is that a Greek only
thing? I think anyone can participate!
Moderator 1: No, it’s not a Greek only thing. I think anyone can join.
F3: Yeah anyone can join. So, yeah. If they made like a team and did that, that’d be good
because that’s coming up in like two weeks.
Moderator 1: Yeah definitely. So would you guys feel more connected to the team if you saw
them at the community, trying to help, volunteering, etc?
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M4: I know at least the basketball teams walked around at homecoming to the different houses. I
feel like maybe the tennis team could walk around and just go to each house. They might get
some more PR out.
Moderator 1: Yeah that’s a good idea.
Moderator 2: Okay were going to discuss attendance of the OSU women’s tennis matches and
how we can improve that, and what you guys think about it. So what would make you want to
attend a women’s tennis match? What would bring you to it?
M2: Knowing when the season is. I don’t even know like what season they even play tennis in.
Or do we even sell OSU Women’s tennis gear in the union? Because I feel like a lot of people
are in there a lot so if they see OSU women’s tennis and they’d be like “Oh!” They’d want to let
us know we even have a team.
Moderator 1: So you think more merchandise would encourage attendance?
M2: I think so yeah because you see people wearing their jackets and stuff with OSU football on
it but you never see anything with OSU women’s tennis at all.
Moderator 1: Yeah, that’s a good idea
F6: Free t-shirts like at the matches. Just throw them into the crowd, and then people would wear
them.
Moderator 1: So incentives, things like that at the game? Would that encourage people you
think?
F6: Yeah.
Moderator 2: Is there any ideas at the actual match what would make you enjoy it? Because I
know you guys said you thought it was boring.
M1: Do they do highlights of the players like performance wise?
Moderator 1: Um not really. As you said we don’t have a lot of PR at the moment so we need to
get those highlights out there.
Moderator 2: That’s a great suggestion if that’s something that would bring you in.
M3: Do they have a student section per say, where like students would sit and gather?
Moderator 1: Yeah! That’s actually getting into the next question, if you want to go ahead and
ask that.
Moderator 2: Yeah. Are you guys aware that they’re constructing a new tennis complex?
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F3: Yes!
M3: I heard that.
Moderator 1: Yes a big multi-million dollar complex that’s going to be north of town.
Moderator 2: It’s actually almost finished.
Moderator 1: Yes, just on the other side of that new football facility.
M2: Okay.
F3: Oooh.
M2: Where the track and stuff is?
Moderator 1: Yeah, right! And they’re going to have, I believe 12 courts and just hundreds and
hundreds of seats.
Moderator 2: And there’s going to be like six or 12 more courts outside.
Moderator 1: Right and so just this huge complex.
M3: Indoor?
Mod 1: It will be indoor and outdoor.
M3: I think maybe have a grand opening for that type of thing. I know that kids our age are
always wanting to try all these new sports and stuff like that. Maybe if the tennis team did like a
voluntary tennis camp or whatever, a workshop where they coached and taught people the
fundamentals of tennis, just so they can go out and like play for fun.
Moderator 1: Have students come in and be taught by the team?
M3: Exactly, exactly. And then that way you build personal relationships as well as like kids
could like get into tennis and learn about it, so then if they go out and play every week, then
they’re probably going to go watch the matches too.
Moderator 1: Yeah, that’s a great idea.
Moderator 2: That is a great idea. Okay. Just a little bit of information on the women’s tennis
team: The matches are free for students. The coach even brings free food sometimes, which is
an incentive. The matches begin in the end of January and they continue throughout the
spring. Knowing that kind of information, when the matches are, where you can attend, what
times, things like that, does that influence your decision to attend a match? When you get that
information are you going to be more likely to attend knowing that?
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M3: Yeah.
F3: Yeah.
Moderator 1: And sometimes the free food is Chick-Fil-A he said, if that persuades you maybe
some more.
F3: Mmm, Chick-Fil-A.
M1: I’d like to know who the rivals are going to be too.
Moderator 1: Yeah mainly OU is currently the big rival obviously. But as we have more
attendance and stuff and we get more people on this bandwagon, I’m sure other big programs are
going to start hating us for being better now. And we’ll start developing rivals, and it will be this
fun connection. So I guess we’ll get there to have rivals and be good enough some day.
Moderator 2: Because the women’s tennis team is actually one of the best in the nation.
Moderator 1: Yeah, we’re top 25.
Moderator 2: We have one of the top recruiters. We’re very good, people just don’t know about
them.
Moderator 1: Yeah we have some individual studs, but we’ll get their names out there
eventually.
Moderator 1: There is a video tour of the new complex on the OSU website and you guys can
just go online and look at it. It’s ridiculous. It’s just huge. Does anyone else have anything
they’d like to say about the women’s tennis team? Any additional ways they can improve
exposure, reputation, or attendance?
M3: Talking about rivalries, maybe if the team actually went around and campaigned once again
it would improve personal relationships with other students. And actually seeing the student
athletes promoting their own games would be kind of cool to see. And maybe it’d bring them
down on your level and make you think, “Oh well I’d go support that!”
Moderator 1: Do you have any other ideas on how they would get involved with the
community? I know the camp was a really good idea. Maybe like advertising during the time
of the football games?
M3: Yeah something like that. Or they have like tabling and stuff like that around Chi-O clock.
F3: Or you know, give out free tennis balls that say like OSU women’s tennis and has the date of
their next game.
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Moderator 1: Yeah I like that. That’s awesome. Just hit those around campus! Do you have
anything else besides that?
F1: A tennis tournament. People create teams or whatever and there’s a big prize. Especially for
the Greeks, if they would donate to their philanthropy, like Greek people always do that. And try
to win money, like donations.
Moderator 1: Yeah that’s a great idea.
M3: Maybe instead of having…you know how they have a ball boy go and like get the ball
whenever it hits the net? Train a dog to do it!
F3: Oh that’d be so cute!
M3: They do it in baseball with batboys.
F3: And his name would be fast poke!
Moderator 1: Yeah go pick up a humane society dog? A new one every week. And the team
could play with him!
M3: Team mascot right there!
Moderator 1: I love these ideas. Do you guys have anything else other than that?
F5: I was thinking, like how he was talking about tabling at the Chi-O clock, like giving out free
t-shirts promoting their games that are coming up, and have the team be at the table because I
know that people always flock to free t-shirts. That would be good in getting people to know the
team as well.
Moderator 1: Do you guys have any ideas for like advertising something along those lines?
Because obviously we need some PR work.
M2: You could do like a simple t-shirt too. Just like OSU Women’s tennis on the front and the
schedule on the back and all the dates that we have home games. That’d be really simple. And
pass it out, and people would see it and be like, “Oh we have a tennis team!” And it would
spread really fast.
Moderator 1: Definitely.
M3: Or maybe, you know how in the student union they always have the TV screens just playing
the same things over and over again? Highlight reels or something like that on those would
maybe get people interested.
Moderator 1: Definitely yeah. These are all great ideas. Awesome. If you guys are done, then
we want to thank you for coming. We’re really grateful, and all this information is very valuable.
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Hopefully you’ll see in the next few years, maybe women’s tennis will be up and coming! But
you guys are free to go. Once again we’re very grateful for all the information and what not.
Have a great night!
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Interview 1
Interviewee: Natasha Khan
Info: I’ve known the person I interviewed since my freshman year at Oklahoma State
University, and she is currently my roommate. Natasha is in my sorority pledge class. We
became much closer during our junior year. I interviewed Natasha at our dining room table. She
currently works as an athletic tutor in computer mastery class at Gallagher Iba. She is also a
current OSU student majoring in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Finance and Marketing.
Rapport: Natasha was sitting with one of her legs crossed over the other and holding a Gatorade
bottle. As the interview continued her posture became more relaxed. When I asked her the final
question, she gave me the biggest smile. I would talk conversationally and slightly mimic her
reactions and behavior toward the questions. When she would get giggly and smiley about a
question, I would imitate and it seemed to make her more relaxed and open with her responses.
Destrie: Do you attend Oklahoma State athletic events? Which ones?
Natasha: My favorite sporting event to go to is football because of the atmosphere but I also go
to tennis matches, and maybe one or two wrestling matches. And if you’re lucky you’ll see me at
a basketball game, but probably not.
Destrie: What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
Natasha: I really enjoy tennis; I used to play as little kid. My family always told me tennis and
golf were “business” sports where you commonly will go play with people you know through
work and wanted us to learn to play one or the other. So with that option I hands down picked
tennis and love it since it’s a little more active than golf and can hold my attention.
Destrie: What do you know about the OSU Women’s Tennis team?
Natasha: Well I know a few of the players personally since I work with the athletic department
so I will hear about how their matches are going or where they get to travel at work.
Destrie: Do you attend tennis matches? Why or why not?
Natasha: Yes I do! As I said before I know quite a few of the players so I like to go out and
watch them and be the obnoxious fan in the stands for them. The vibe is just really relaxed and
the people that go to the matches are really friendly.
Destrie: What would make you want to attend a Women’s Tennis match?
Natasha: Free food is always a motivator. Maybe like a cool give away for attendance?
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Destrie: Are you aware of the new tennis complex being constructed?
Natasha: Yeah! I am trying to rope one of my tennis friends into showing it to me when it
finally gets finished.
Destrie: How do you prefer to receive information about OSU sporting events?
Natasha: I normally heard from word of mouth. I am pretty relaxed person and kind of do things
in a leisurely fashion. Not to mention whenever I get an automated e-mail from OSU it’s like
auto-deleted for me.
Destrie: How are you associated with Oklahoma State University?
Natasha: I am a senior here at Oklahoma State.
Destrie: Why did you choose to be an athletic tutor?
Natasha: I didn’t really choose to be an athletic tutor per say, It was more like my teacher
nominated me for the position. When I went in to interview, my boss described the job, the pay
rate, the atmosphere, and how I don’t have to work during holidays and then I was sold.
Destrie: Do you enjoy helping OSU student athletes?
Natasha: Yeah, it is a really fun and rewarding job. I like being able to help people understand
theories or various topics because I know how hard it is to ask questions while in class. Or I may
just be speaking for myself on that one because I get really shy in class.
Destrie: Does knowing the players of the team affect your decision to attend OSU games?
Natasha: Yes it does, whenever I go I feel like I am a soccer mom in the stands yelling “you go
sweetie, you score those points, and you do that thing”! You could say I have a strong maternal
instinct.
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Interview 2
Interviewee: Monesh Balla,
Info: Monesh is a graduate student studying MIS in the Spears School of Business. Monesh is
from Nepal, studying in the U.S.
Rapport: Monesh and I have worked together since March 2008. We have a work relationship.
The interview was conducted in a conference room at work. I was at the head of the table and
Monesh was sitting to the left of me. He was sitting in a relaxed position, but said he was a little
nervous to be interviewed at first. He started out speaking slowly, but soon relaxed and assumed
a conversational tone. The interviewed lasted about 10 minutes.
Kaylie: Do you attend Oklahoma State athletic events? If so, which ones?
Monesh: Yes, I do. I’ve been to football games, a basketball game and I’ve watched men’s
tennis
Kaylie: What makes you want to attend an OSU sporting event?
Monesh: They’re fun. Mainly because I enjoy the game.
Kaylie: What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
Monesh: I love tennis. I love playing tennis and it’s probably my favorite sport to watch. I am
also a member of the tennis club at OSU.
Kaylie: What do you know about the OSU Women’s Tennis team?
Monesh: Nothing.
Kaylie: Did you know we had one?
Monesh: Yes, I knew we had one. I think I’ve been to the website and I saw some, I think there
are a lot of foreigners on our school team.
Kaylie: Do you attend tennis matches? Why or why not?
Monesh: One men’s tennis match at OSU
Kaylie: Are you aware of the new tennis complex being constructed?
Monesh: Yes, I am.
Kaylie: How did you become aware?
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Monesh: I think I read it on the OKState website.
Kaylie: Would the new tennis complex influence your decision to attend a match?
Monesh: Well, I would go to a game regardless, even with the stadium right now, if II only
know when the games are taking place
Kaylie: If there were better advertising of the matches, you’d go?
Monesh: Yes
Kaylie: How do you prefer to receive information about OSU sporting events?
Monesh: For me, if they just post it on the website or emails, yeah.
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Interview 3
Interviewee: Michelle Browne
Info: Michelle is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Sociology
Rapport: I met Michelle in a ministry group on campus. We see each other weekly and have
become friends. I interviewed Michelle at her home. We sat at her kitchen table. She was relaxed
and comfortable. She spoke in a conversational tone. The interview lasted about 5 minutes.
Kaylie: Do you attend Oklahoma State athletic events? If so, which ones?
Michelle: Yes, um, mainly football, some basketball.
Kaylie: What makes you want to attend an OSU sporting event?
Michelle: Um, probably the atmosphere…I’m a big football buff...the love of the game and the
excitement
Kaylie: What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
Michelle: Never been to a match, don’t really see the point of it.
Kaylie: What makes you want to attend an OSU sporting event?
Michelle: Already like the game, football and basketball, and I love OSU.
Kaylie: What do you know about the OSU Women’s Tennis team?
Michelle: Nothing.
Kaylie: Do you attend tennis matches? Why or why not?
Michelle: No, never attended a tennis match in my life. I think it’s more enjoyable for the person
who’s playing it, kind of like baseball
Kaylie: What would make you want to attend a Women’s Tennis match?
Michelle: (long pause, thinking) Nothing
Kaylie: Are you aware of the new tennis complex being constructed?
Michelle: Nope (laughs) No, I am not aware.
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Kaylie: OSU Women’s tennis matches are free (for students), free food is sometimes
offered and matches begin in January and continue throughout the spring. Does this
information persuade you to attend a tennis match?
Michelle: No
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Interview 4
Interviewee: Matt Fletcher
Info: Matt is the Athletic MC for Oklahoma State University.
Rapport: I met Matt through one of my friends who works with him. I’ve known Matt since the
beginning of the semester and I thought he would be a perfect person to interview for this
project. I texted Matt two weeks in advance asking him if he would be available for me to ask
him a few questions about the OSU Women’s tennis team. Matt was glad to do it. We met in the
Student Union Atrium at 7:00.
Chelsie: What OSU sporting events do you usually MC for?
Matt: Um, the events I usually do are football, men and women’s basketball and wrestling.
Chelsie: Why do you do these particular sporting events?
Matt: Those are kind of our biggest attendance games and with those sports we have more
sponsorship …and that’s my job so I have to go (laughter).
Chelsie: Well that’s understandable. Why do you think those games have more attendance
than any other sporting event?
Matt: Well, football and basketball are a given, those are the biggest sports here (laughter).
Wrestling is what OSU athletics was founded on, and we are more dominant than anyone in the
country with wresting and always have been. Also, women’s basketball has been really
successful in the past few years and they are a top 25 team and draw a pretty good crowd as well.
Chelsie: Do you think, not to toot you own horn, people go to games because you’re there to
give away freebies and get the crowd riled up?
Matt: Well, I don’t think anyone comes to the games in particular to see me (pause) , but I do
think that giving away free stuff and getting people excited for the games makes a difference.
Everyone loves free stuff (shrugs shoulders). Giving people the option to come out on the court
and possibly win $100 is a good incentive and adds more excitement to the games. It’s not only
entertaining for the fans, but it changes things up a bit at the games. I think it’s all about the
atmosphere of the game that brings people back.
Chelsie: So you think it’s the atmosphere that draws people into attending a game?
Matt: Absolutely. The big atmospheres are fun memories that draw people back.
Chelsie: We talked a little about basketball, baseball and football, but I’m curious to know
what you know about the OSU Women’s tennis team?
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Matt: I know a few of the players, not well. I know who they are in passing.
Chelsie: Do you know any of their names?
Matt: (pause) Not off the top of my head, no. I know their faces (nervous laughter).
Chelsie: Do you know the coaches name?
Matt: I do not (more nervous laughter).
Chelsie: That’s OK, that’s the kind of information that we are trying to figure out.
Matt: They are a pretty unknown team for the most part (shrugs shoulders).
Chelsie: I know now that you’re an alumnus, but when you were a student did you ever
attend a tennis match?
Matt: No I did not, and still now, working in the athletic department I have not (nervous
laughter).
Chelsie: Why is that?
Matt: Um, I think now it’s just because I have so many other sports going on that I need to slow
down a bit. When I was a student I didn’t even know that tennis was a thing and did not know we
had a team. I think I would have liked going to tennis matches though because I think small
attendance games are fun to heckle. Everyone can hear you yell and it makes it more fun
(laughter).
Chelsie: So you know that when you watch tennis or attend a match you can be loud and
cheer?
Matt: See I didn’t know that. On TV everyone is super quiet until someone scores a point. The
only reason I understand tennis is from playing Mario Tennis on the Nintendo (laughter).
Chelsie: Well, Coach Young, that’s his name, he came and talked with our research class
and told us that he wants people to get excited and be loud at the matches. A lot of people
think that tennis is like golf and you have to be quiet the whole time. Knowing that
information, does that change your thoughts on wanting to attend a match?
Matt: I think it would be and a blast. It would be a good opportunity for students to come out
and show their support for OSU athletics.
Chelsie: Especially since they are building a new facility, where you aware of this?
Matt: Yes absolutely. It’s going to be awesome.
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Chelsie: Would the new facility influence you to attend a match?
Matt: Yes definitely. I know that now they play on those crappy courts at the Colvin and the
stands are tiny (laughter). I think the new facility will help and will bring out more students.
Chelsie: Why do you think students don’t attend tennis matches?
Matt: I would say it’s a lack of interest. Tennis isn’t a huge sport on campus. Unless you played
in high school, you’re not going to have much interest in attending. I think also a lot of students
just don’t know about the matches.
Chelsie: Do you think it’s a lack or PR and advertising?
Matt: Yeah and even if we blasted it to the students that there was a tennis match happening, I
don’t think students would attend unless there was incentive. Maybe a promotion of some sort
would help.
Chelsie: What kind of promotion?
Matt: Uh, off the top of my head, you could do an easy t-shirt promotion because students love
free t-shirts. Or promote that if you attend a match that night that and use your student I.D. you
can get a free hot dog at the concession stand. You have to give the students something to draw
them in, and at that point you have to hope you give them a good enough show that they want to
come back.
Chelsie: Did you know that some of the players are from Spain and Thailand?
Matt: I knew that one was from Thailand.
Chelsie: Do you think if students knew that and just knew information about the tennis
players that they would attend matches? Do you think it helps if students feel connected to
student athletes?
Matt: That’s a tactic that we try to use with all our sports. We try to get the athletes to interact
with students so they feel a bond and they think of them as just another student and they’re really
nice and they appreciate me, maybe I should come watch them play. Last year we had the
basketball team come out and play basketball with students out on the plaza just to get the team
to interact with students. One of the biggest things is feeling a connection with student athletes, I
think. That would be a good way to draw people in to the games.
Chelsie: Do you think the tennis matches being on the weekends would discourage students
from wanting to attend?
Matt: Saturday during the day in the spring shouldn’t be a problem. You can bring 200-300
students out of the 22,000 that attend here. Friday/Saturday afternoons are perfect because what
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else do you have going on?
Chelsie: During the time that they are playing their matches in the spring, the weather
might be an issue. Do you agree?
Matt: Well they have their indoor so I don’t think that should be an issue. Maybe it was an issue
when they played at the Colvin.
Chelsie: What if students aren’t aware that the new facility has an indoor?
Matt: That’s where the marketing and PR needs to come in. I think that the coaches should
allow an open house one day once it’s all finished so that anyone can watch and see how
awesome the new facility is.
Chelsie: I like the idea of an open house! So, knowing what you know now and since we are
in the process of researching the team and finding ways to draw in attention for the team,
would you be interesting in coming out and MC’ing a match?
Matt: I would love to! Just get me in contact with Coach Young and we can set something up
for the first season opener. Maybe we can get Pistol Pete to come too (laughter)!
Chelsie: We can definitely try and get something set up when the time comes closer and I
will get you two in contact with each other. Thank you so much Matt for coming out and
interviewing with me, you have really helped my group in our research!
Matt: I’m glad to do it. Let me know if you need any more help or ideas for your project!
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Interview 5
Interviewee: Dana Schmidt
Info: I have known Dana for a few months, and I met her through a mutual friend. She graduated
in the summer of 2012 from Oklahoma State University and now works there an Administrative
Support Specialist in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. She is also
currently pursing her graduate degree from OSU. She has a strong affiliation with the school.
Rapport: I invited Dana to dinner, so we went out to eat and caught up with each other before
getting into the interview process. We had each been shopping recently so we discussed that a
bit. I told her about how I was just going to ask her some questions about OSU athletics in
general and about the tennis team. Then she told me a story of how she tried to play tennis once
as a high school student but she broke her arm, so she couldn’t try out. Dana was very relaxed in
her surroundings and as we ate and got comfortable in conversation, she relaxed even more and
easily answered the interview questions. She sat upright, but comfortable in her chair, leaning
toward me with her arms on the table. The interview was recorded so I only took a few notes,
which made it more like a conversation between friends.
Lori: Do you attend OSU sporting events, and if so, which ones?
Dana: Do I attend them now?
Lori: Now or ever. You can talk about any of it.
Dana: Okay. (pause) Well, when I did my undergrad, I would go to the football games, and I
went to a singular wrestling duel (laughter) and a singular basketball game. Well, I went to a
few women’s basketball games, but I didn’t have basketball tickets. And then I’m going to a
wrestling duel on Sunday.
Lori: Oh that’s fun! And did you say you went to football?
Dana: I went to football, but I don’t have football tickets this year so I’ve just been watching
them. I go tailgating so I’ll be like by the stadium, but I don’t go in.
Lori: Cool! Okay, so what makes you want to go to the sporting events that you attend?
Dana: Um I really…well football is really boring. Don’t tell anyone in Oklahoma I said that or
they’ll kick me out.
Lori: (laughter)
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Dana: But I really like the atmosphere because it’s loud, and everyone is excited and having fun.
And like, it brings a bunch of different people together, so everyone’s like unified because not all
those people would gather in one place because they’re really different. But they’re all there for
the same reason, so its just fun.
Lori: Okay. Do you watch/like/know much about tennis?
Dana: Um, I used to play when I was little. My parents taught us. And then I quit cheer my
junior year of high school to play tennis but then I broke my arm and dislocated my elbow
playing sardines at church. (laughter) so I couldn’t try out! (laughter)
Lori: (laughter) That still makes me laugh, even the second time hearing it. I’m sorry to
hear that. (laughter) Okay, so you have never attended a women’s OSU tennis match?
Dana: I have not.
Lori: Can you tell me what you do know about the OSU Women’s tennis team?
Dana: I didn’t even know they had an OSU women’s tennis team. I knew we had tennis but I
wasn’t for sure that we had women’s tennis.
Lori: Okay. So why do you think the OSU women’s tennis team is so unknown?
Dana: Hmm, (pause) probably because they’re not advertised very well? Like even if you go
into Wal-Mart they have those little slips at the register that have the football schedule. You
know what I’m talking about?
Lori: Yeah!
Dana: Like those are everywhere. When we rent cars for work we rent cars from Motor Pool and
there’s a football little schedule you can take and a wrestling little schedule you can take.
Lori: Okay so I guess they don’t have any of those in tennis?
Dana: Yeah so I guess lack of advertising.
Lori: So when you have heard about OSU tennis at all, when have you heard about it?
Dana: I’ve seen the tennis courts because I used to live in the villages. But I wasn’t for sure we
had a women’s tennis team.
Lori: Were you aware that OSU is building a new tennis complex?
Dana: No, I didn’t know that. That’s festive!
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Lori: Yeah they’re going to have a new tennis complex with indoor and outdoor courts,
and they’re going to have seating all around and a student section. The women’s tennis
team is actually ranked pretty high.
Dana: Oh, they are?
Lori: Yeah but nobody knows it! And the complex should be finished by the season, which
starts in the end of January. So do you think having a new tennis complex would affect
your decision in going to the matches?
Dana: Hmm (hesitantly)…I don’t know. It might get me to attend a first one because I would
want to check out what its like. Because I feel like I do that, like even when they built that
building, I can’t remember what year I was when they built it…when they built that Henry
Bellmon Research Center? It’s like right there across from…so if you’re walking by Life
Sciences and then Ag Hall, and then it’s Henry Bellmon. Even when they built that, like I had no
classes in there, but I was like, “Lets go in!” So I would probably go in yeah. At least once.
Lori: So maybe after that depending on the amount of fun you had…
Dana: (overlapping) Yeah! I’d go back!
Lori: Okay! So kinds of things would you want to see at a match that would make you want
to go back?
Dana: Hmm...(long pause) I guess, things that are fun like at football games and basketball
games that you don’t really think about, but once you get there you’re like, “Ooh this is fun,” is
like when they give away prizes, and then freaking, the megatron! Like you always want to get
on the megatron. They have random like, “They’re just taking a time out,” but they start playing
a music, you start dancing, people start getting put on it! Like, I’ve been on it before and it’s like
“Yeeaah!” (dances and laughs) They just get so excited!
Lori: (laughter) So, megatron?
Dana: If they had a megatron, I’m not kidding, I think people would come back. Because it’s
like a thing on a college bucket list, like, “I want to get on the megatron!”
Lori: Yeah! Right? What about pistol Pete?
Dana: (excited) Pistol Pete should definitely come!
Lori: Because I feel like that would also influence them maybe?
Dana: Can bullet come on the tennis court? Can he jump over the net? (laughter)
(excitedly) People really would come to see that! (laughter)
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Lori: I bet so, oh my gosh! (laughter) Yeah! And when we did our focus group people were
saying that they don’t ever want to go to tennis because they were thinking that they have
to be quiet and stuff. But apparently the team really likes rowdy crowds and stuff, so I feel
like that would also help if fans could still be loud.
Dana: Yeah anytime you say bring the rowdy back to anything, people will show up. Like,
“Bring the rowdy back to Gallagher Iba.” It’s like, “What does that mean?” “I don’t care. I’ll be
there.”
Lori: Yeah that could work! Okay so how do you think the OSU Women’s Tennis Team
could better promote themselves?
Dana: Well, football they have the Orange and White game. Basketball, there’s homecoming
and hoops. Like if they did something like that where they had some type of (pause) pep rally of
sorts? It would have to be strategically timed, like something else would have to be going on
around campus. Because football, orange and white, people just love football because we’re in
the Midwest. And basketball, they do homecoming and hoops. So homecoming, everyone’s
already walking around so they’re like “Oh we can go to this cool show!” So they would have to
pair it with something else. And then, I know whenever I did events for CRU, especially when
you get Greek involvement going, you can award house points and be like “If you come, we’ll
give your house however many points!”
Lori: Yeah! That’s a good idea.
Dana: I’m a marketing genius. (laughter)
Lori: Yeah! (laughter) So also some people said they like going to basketball and tennis
because they kind of feel like they have a connection to the players.
Dana: Oh because you’re closer to them?
Lori: Yeah, do you feel like that?
Dana: Yeah that’s true. Yeah, so I only went to one men’s basketball game when I was in my
undergrad. When you’re closer to them they can hear you when you’re yelling at them and stuff.
And it was one of the times when it was snowing so they were like “Everyone can come for
free.” Because my best friend had tickets so she was like “Come it’s snowing they’re going to let
everyone in.” And I was like “okay!” So we were like in the third row. And then we won. And
then the basketball team came up in the stands after…
Lori: Whoa!...
Dana: To sing the alma mater. And you know Nick Sidorkus? He’s really pretty. And so he like
walked by me and then like stopped and was like “Can I get in here?” And I was like “What?”
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(laughter) and then he like put his arm around me and sang the alma mater and I was like
“AHHHH!”
Lori: (laughter)
Dana: The only basketball game I’ve ever been to. I was like “I’m never going to another
because nothing will top it.” But really I just don’t have tickets so that’s why I’m not going.
(laughter)
Lori: So do you think being connected then would maybe make people want to come
watch?
Dana: Yeah because it is more fun. Like football is like so long. It’s hot. It’s outside. But
basketball is so fun, because you are a lot closer.
Lori: Mmhmm! Okay! Do you have any suggestions on how the women’s team could get
themselves out there? To form a reputation and become known?
Dana: If they can do anything like I said like homecoming and hoops and pair something like
that. Anything like that, or even just doing something on library lawn during the middle of the
day, like (pause) have some kind of contest or something like tennis serves and they could set
something up on the lawn.
Lori: Ooooh tennis serves! Like serving…but also
Dana: Yeah “serving” like playing tennis! Like let people play tennis or have some type of prize
and be like “If you can be more accurate than whoever you can get some type of free tickets or
something!”
Lori: That’s a good idea. I like that. So when it comes to advertising, what’s the best way
do you think to reach students through advertisements on campus or on the internet?
Dana: Like if someone in person, you know how people are always like yelling on library lawn?
Like kicker, whenever kicker is on campus, it’s like good God you know because they’re yelling
at u through that microphone and that guy is harassing you when you walk by.
Lori: (laughter) Yeah!
Dana: That and I would say Facebook and Twitter. I would say Twitter more because Facebook,
I feel like there’s a ton of crap on there. Like twitter, if you could get like Pistol Pete, there’s like
that pistols guy or whatever and he could tweet. Don’t do…(sternly) people do those handouts on
campus. I immediately throw those away. If I’m walking and have headphones in and someone
shoves something at me, it’s immediately in the trash, like I don’t care.
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Lori: Ooh okay. So no handouts, but maybe a different kind of thing outside that’s not as
forceful? But more fun?
Dana: Yeah more festive!
Lori: Cool! Well okay. I believe that is all I have. Thank you so much for your input!
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Interview 6
Interviewee: Matthew Morgan
Info:
I’ve known the person I interviewed for several years. He was an older member of my Fraternity
and we have several mutual friends who helped us become closer. I went to interview him at the
OSU Foundation, where he has an office. He is currently working in the donor programs
department and works frequently with OSU community members and alumni. He is also a
current student of OSU, completing his undergrad in 2009 then pursuing his graduate degree. He
has deep ties to the university and is proud of his affiliation with Oklahoma State University.
Rapport:
Mr. Morgan is usually very comfortable with himself and his surroundings. He assumed a
relaxed position in his chair as I explained my intentions in the interview process. The front of
his desk rests up against a window, so there was no physical separation between us and it was
easy to talk genuinely about my questions. He was attentive and made eye contact during the
interview. He had his legs and arms crossed, but this was due to the cold temperature and did not
reflect his disposition or facial expressions. He was always facing me and made an effort to nod
in acknowledgement or verbally confirm his understanding of my questions.
I spoke very casually during the interview and made an effort to make the questions seem like
part of the same conversation. I maintained good posture facing Mr. Morgan with my laptop on
my lap as I simultaneously typed and talked. I attentively listened to Mr. Morgan’s answers and
encouraged him to elaborate on certain answers that were leading to good ideas for the tennis
team.
Alex: Do you attend Oklahoma State athletic events?
Matthew: Yes. I have been to football, baseball, and basketball games.
Alex: What makes you want to attend an OSU sporting event?
Matthew: I enjoy seeing and talking to people I know and supporting OSU. The social aspect is
important to me. I also like watching the game and it’s always more fun when we’re winning.
Alex: What OSU athletics are you most familiar with, besides the obvious football,
basketball, and baseball?
Matthew: Wrestling, women’s soccer, softball, and I have been to one tennis match.
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Alex: What are your feelings on the sport of tennis?
Matthew: Love it. I enjoy playing it. I don’t know much about the culture or pay attention to
tennis news. I’ll watch the popular tournaments on TV. Wimbledon, U.S. Open, etc.
Alex: Does feeling a connection to the team affect your decision to attend a sporting event?
Matthew: Definitely.
Alex: How so, like if you knew a player personally?
Matthew: Yeah or if I’m emotionally invested. When I care, I go see the team.
Alex: Are you familiar with the OSU women’s tennis team?
Matthew: I’m aware we have one.
Alex: What do you know about the OSU Women’s Tennis team?
Matthew: That they exist basically.
Alex: Do you attend tennis matches? Why or why not?
Matthew: Nope. Don’t really know when they are or know much about the team.
Alex: Can you name a coach/player?
Matthew: Nope.
Alex: Would you like to learn more about the OSU women’s tennis players/staff?
Matthew: Yes. I haven’t actively searched for info but I wouldn’t mind learning more.
Alex: Should the OSU women’s tennis team involve themselves in more community events?
Matthew: Absolutely. Show they care to be cared about. Eddie Sutton would do his show at
frats/restaurants, wanted to get them involved. Give and get back.
Alex: How would you like players to connect with OSU students/community?
Matthew:Getting their name out. Be present at big events – philanthropy competitions, Greek
chapter causes, other sporting events and things like that. Also they could bring promotional
swag, pass out shirts and posters. Exposure would be the big thing. You want to put it in people’s
minds and make it stay there.
Alex: What would make you want to attend a Women’s Tennis match?
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Matthew: If we had a good team, or if it’s a big competitor. If it’s OU or something I’d be
interested in going. A good facility and giving away things would help too.
Alex: Are you aware of the new tennis complex being constructed?
Matthew: Yes I actually know the Greenwoods. Michael and Anne Greenwood are great people.
They fund the student foundation, give to many other charities, scholarships, supported Chris
Young, and have a dedicated reading room in library.
Alex: Would students connect to the Greenwoods?
Matthew: I definitely think so. They’re great role models. They’re a big part of community and
they’ve stepped up to support a program in need.
Alex: OSU Women’s tennis matches are also free (for students), sometimes offer free food
and matches begin in January and continue throughout the spring.
Matthew: Awesome. I’d definitely want to see that new complex.
Alex: Now that you are familiar with the women’s tennis team, does this information
influence your decision to attend a match?
Matthew: Yes. Anything free will always be persuasive and I want to check out the new facility.
Especially if they end up hosting big tournaments like a Big 12 championship or any
professional games. That will be a big draw.