RD Customer Spotlight: Kim Strickland

From Washington, DC to Westlake — A Full-Circle Tennis Comeback

Since 2024, Kim Strickland has been part of the Racket Doctor community, bringing with her a lifelong connection to the game — one shaped by junior tournaments, collegiate competition, and an inspiring return after more than two decades away.

An aggressive baseliner with a deep competitive history, Kim’s tennis journey proves that the game never really lets you go.

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Quick Facts

• Name: Kim Strickland

• From: Washington, DC area → now Westlake, Los Angeles

• Customer Since: 2024

• Favorite Racket: Babolat Pure Drive

• Playing Style: Aggressive Baseliner

• Tennis Hero: Serena Williams & Roger Federer (then); Coco Gauff & Carlos Alcaraz (now)

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🎾 RD Customer Spotlight: Kim Strickland — About Her Tennis Journey

How did you first get into tennis?

Ever since I can remember as a little kid, my mother and father would play every weekend at the local tennis park in Arlington, VA. I wanted to have fun with them and play too so when I was about 5 my parents got me my first racket. After they would play doubles, my father would spend time throwing me the ball. After a while, they had me play by myself on the wall while they played doubles. At around 8 years old, my parents signed me up for lessons at the Arlington Y Racket Club.

Who taught you how to play?

Initially, my father taught me how to play. I got formal lessons when I was around 8 years old when my parents signed me up at the Arlington Y Racket Club in Arlington, Virginia. When I was about 10 years old I started playing USTA Junior/Futures Tournaments. In my very first match, I went up against the #1 seed; although I lost, I lost in a tiebreaker. And for note, that young lady never beat me again.

However, I believe my biggest impact on my tennis career was playing for the Reebok Team in Washington, DC. When I was about 12 years old, my father went to the 16th & Kennedy Tennis Facility (location where the Citi Open is played) and I saw a bunch of kids in the same outfits and I told my dad I have to be a part of that group–yes, the fashion sold me. So, my dad inquired with one of the coaches and they scheduled a match between me and one of the Reebok kids. I did quite well and they advised that I would need to try out for the team. Hundreds of kids participated in the Reebok Tryouts and I was one of the few selected to join the team. The Reebok Team helped me to eventually become the top 5 in the Mid-Atlantic Juniors, top 100 in the Nation by the time I was 16, and eventually earn a full-scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC.

What was your first racket?

Probably a Wilson but I don't remember but later in my tennis career, I was sponsored with Wilson and played with the Wilson Triad.

What’s your favorite shot to hit?

Back in the day it was the backhand down the line. Now, forehand down the line.

Singles or doubles — and why?

Definitely singles. I like to win or lose on my own.

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🧠 Why Tennis Still Matters

What keeps you coming back to the sport?

Tennis became a part of who I was. When I was younger, due to my rating and accomplishments I would garner recognition & awards and that made me feel like a winner. During my senior year in college, I learned I was pregnant and unable to play. After I had my daughter, I stopped playing tennis.

After a 22-year hiatus, I thought I needed an outlet from the everyday stress of adulting so I started playing again. After a year of work and several tournaments, I can now say that the hard work paid off– I am #1 in Socal and #1 in the Nation for Women’s 30 over, which is a great accomplishment–feels good to be back!

Do you have a favorite memory on the court?

I have three favorite memories–great things come in 3s.

First, prior to Serena and Venus going pro, they came to Washington, DC for the Legg Mason tournament (now known as the Citi Open). As a member of the Reebok Team, the Legg Mason Tournament grounds were my home courts. As an exhibition for the tournament, they selected two members of the Reebok team to hit with Serena and Venus–I was one of those selected to play in the exhibition.

Second, was my final match of my senior year in High School. The Washington Post came to the match to interview me and record how I did. I ended my high school tennis career 46-0 (undefeated).

Lastly, when I was about 16 years old, I lost to a yong lady in the winter in Baltimore, Maryland, who had just moved from training in California. We encountered each other again that summer and it was a 3-set match and she ended up having to retire and left in an ambulance.

Any advice for someone just getting into tennis?

Tennis is a never-ending learning experience. Have fun and enjoy the life-long ups and downs of the game. But most importantly have fun on the ride. And always remember, tennis is the healthiest sport.

What’s one life lesson you’ve learned from tennis?

Hard work pays off. You put in the hours, you can garner the respect.

Has tennis helped you in your career/off the court?

Absolutely. You work hard, perfect what it is you’re doing, and support your teammates to achieve a common vision. But most importantly, you never lose the winning spirit.

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🔧 Gear & Routine

What racket are you playing with right now and why?

Babolat Pure Drive.

How often do you restring your racket?

My racket pops about once a month.

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🏪 About Racket Doctor

How long have you been coming to Racket Doctor?

About a year and a half.

What keeps you coming back?

The people/staff – they are good at what they do and are the best!

Would you recommend Racket Doctor to a friend?

I would totally recommend the Racket Doctor for any and all tennis player needs. The staff is extremely educated on the products and the game to provide individuals with the proper equipment for their needs.

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Thanks for all the good business, Kim — we appreciate you.