General 9/2/2021 7:30:00 AM

Women's Tennis' Mary Beth Ricketts: Where Are They Now?

Mary Beth Muncher Ricketts was a member of the Lipscomb University women's tennis team. She earned ASUN All-Academic Team honors in 2005-2006, 2004-2005 and 2004-2003. She spent some time remembering her days on campus and on the tennis courts.

What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?

I played at Lipscomb from 2002-2006 for Coach Lynn Griffith (Coach G/Ward).

What teammates were most memorable, and why?

We had a very close team my last couple years, but most memorable is Casey (Case) Hall. She was my doubles partner for three years, my bus buddy, travel roommate, tape squad and my closest friend. We had a great time playing tennis together and I have a lot of great memories with her.

Also, Emily Ellis and Virginia Baldwin were such sweet teammates and I loved practicing with them because they pushed me to play better. Jamie Aid with her humor and all her pranks are fun memories I cherish.

What degrees have you earned, from where, and when?

I earned a Bachelor of Science from Lipscomb University in Finance, Economics and Management in 2006. I went on to attend The University of Alabama and earn my MBA with a concentration is Supply Chain and Operations Management in 2009.

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

I was introduced to Lipscomb University through my dad and brother. My dad was the pitcher for Lipscomb baseball in the 1970s and then my brother attended Lipscomb on a golf scholarship. While visiting and touring the campus for my brother I fell in love with the school. I hoped to follow in my family's footsteps, and I was fortunate enough to be offered a scholarship to play tennis.

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

I have so many wonderful memories!! Our spring break trips to Hilton Head and Fuddruckers, riding in the van with Coach G driving and the two of us being the only ones wanting to listen to the football game, watching Casey drive her opponents to the edge of sanity, imitating Coach G's voice to get his phone to make a call, IHOP at 2 a.m. in the snow after an incredibly long match (thanks Case), and playing catch phrase on all the bus trips.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

Coach G was my biggest influence during my years at Lipscomb. He always cheered us on and pushed us to be better in tennis, school, and life. He called us his daughters and we felt like it too. It was heartbreaking to hear of his passing, but I still hear his voice telling me to "Hunker down!" and all the wonderful messages and lessons he taught us. He loved the parable of the talents, and it was a frequent Sunday morning message when we travelled.

What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?

I remember hanging out in the halls of Johnson with girls doing cartwheels down the hall or riding a unicycle. A lot of stuff happened in the halls, studying, talking, haircuts, races, etc. Painting the Bison after Alabama beat Tennessee in football. I spent a lot of time in the SAC or when they built the game room underneath it. I loved that most of my classes were in Swang and steps away from my dorm, so I did not have to rush across campus to get to my classes.

What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Thanks for that Coach G! I learned time management between having to plan classes around our tennis schedules, making sure assignments were done or that I had a plan to study for tests around travel. I learned to stand up for myself whether it was for a call in a match or normal college life. And I learned that I had great friends that had my back.

Who were your favorite professors and why?

I loved Dr. Tom Seals Bible classes. He was my favorite teacher at Lipscomb, and I tried to get one of his classes every semester. He had an amazing way of teaching the Bible from a historical perspective. Also, my most memorable classes would be finance with Dr. Bill Ingram only because his tests would last three-plus hours every time!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up mainly in Alpharetta, Georgia.

But home was always Birmingham, Alabama.

Where do you live, and what do you do now?

My family and I currently live in Huntsville, Alabama. After I finished my MBA, I moved to Huntsville to work as a Logistics Management Specialist in 2009. I've been an International Program Manager for Cargo Helicopters for six years. It's been a very interesting and never boring career.

Tell us about your family:

My husband, Justin Ricketts, and I have been married for nine years. We have two amazing daughters, Emmaline and Amelia, and baby No. 3 is due in February. We stay busy with the girls' sports, dance, and school. I'm hoping I can convince one of them to play tennis!

FAST FINISH:

Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite TV show or movie: "Best British Baking Show"
Favorite Bible scripture: Ruth 1:16
Favorite sports team: University of Alabama football
Rather ride or drive? drive
Pick one – salad or dessert: dessert
Dream vacation: the beach
Early morning or late-night person: neither

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