2022 Honoree: Terri Christine Jones

This year, the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament honors the life of Terri Christine Jones.  In March, Terri, 59, passed away at home in Westerville, Ohio following an 11 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  More than 50 friends and family members have made gifts in her name to fund research, provide treatment and offer care to those impacted by the disease.   

Much beloved in the local tennis community, Terri served as Executive Director of Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) since 2009 and on its Board of Trustees since 2006.  She was U.S. Tennis Association Summer League Coordinator, Chair of the Arnold Sports Festival Committee, and a member of the U.S. Tennis National and Midwest Associations. Terri was the local lead for the 10 and under pilot initiative while bringing tennis to all the Columbus Public Schools. Columbus was recognized as one of the national leaders for this effort.

“Terri’s impact on tennis in Columbus cannot be overstated, but the impact she had on many of us in the tennis community is even more profound. Terri will be remembered for her legacy of giving back,” said Geoffrey Bibo, President of the GCTA.

Terri worked as an administrative assistant at Otterbein University Counseling Center, her alma mater.  A life-long resident of Westerville, Terri was a member of Church of the Master United Methodist Church, the Otterbein "O" Club, and Westerville South High School Athletic Boosters.  In addition to playing tennis and pickleball, Terri was an avid gardener, shopper and football fan.  She never missed a Buckeye game and was also a supporter of the New England Patriots.  Terri will be remembered by her neighbors for hosting porch parties and bringing people together.

"Terri’s willingness to always better tennis was unmatched and will live on forever. She was chosen as the Midwest Section Schools Committee chair because of her valuable insights and leadership skills. She was instrumental in implementing new initiatives if they could lead to the growth of tennis participation," stated Jim Amick, the Midwest Section Tennis Service Representative.

Terri leaves behind a large and devoted family including her spouse of 20 years, Nancy Swisher; a son, Sam Swisher; her parents, Suzi and Ron; a brother, Jeff (and Karen) Jones; a sister Penni (and Atticus) Myser; and several nieces and nephews.   

“Terri was a joy to work with - hard working, intelligent, efficient and the consummate professional.  She was largely responsible for Central Ohio winning the USTA award for the top community tennis association in the country,” reflected Phil Diaz, a GCTA board member.  “Terri's characteristics that stood out the most, though, were her kindness and grace.  Terri always treated others with compassion and respect.  Her grace was obvious in her everyday interactions, especially evident and truly remarkable in how she dealt with her illness. Terri was an extraordinary person and it’s meaningful to play in her honor.  In life and in death, she is still bringing people together.”