Meet the Member: Cameron Mason

Where are you from and what brought you to the Reno/Tahoe area?

My wife Amanda and I moved here in 2021 from San Diego. We had “discovered” Reno a few years back on a vacation to Tahoe. The weather wasn’t so great that weekend and we were looking for other things to do. We somehow came across the Reno Wine Walk and ended up having a great day meeting some friendly locals and exploring the Riverwalk district.  We decided if the opportunity ever came to move here we would take it and then lo and behold….. Covid came along and we had the opportunity to work remote. We packed a U-Haul and we’ve been enjoying it here ever since.

How long have you been a member of WTC?

I joined WTC in the summer of 2022. I hadn’t played tennis in a few years and decided to give it a shot again. I came across WTC online and went down to check it out. That’s when I met Tom who gave me the low-down on all the activities at WTC like the ladder, bump doubles, and the ability to just come down and find a match almost any time. He also spent about 10 minutes explaining the incredible health benefits of eating Sardines daily. I took him up on the tennis and turned down the sardines. 

What WTC or USTA activities do you participate in?

I occasionally play matches on the ladder and compete on a few USTA teams, one of which I captain. The USTA matches can get really competitive and it’s fun to get out there and put your best effort out.  Amanda and I like to make food for the team and our opponents after. This season we did smoked tri-tip one week and Al Pastor tacos another. 

What’s your tennis story? How did you get started and what keeps you going?

I didn’t start playing tennis until I was in my late 20’s. My dad got me into it and he was my playing partner for years until I started playing a local league in San Diego. It was very similar to the ladder we have here. I played in the 4.5 singles league and really enjoyed it until injuries forced me out.  I had never played doubles until I moved to Reno and joined Washoe but have really come to enjoy it. There is a great group of players that have taken me in here and I really appreciate the friendships I have developed through our little club. 

What is another favorite hobby other than tennis?

I’m an avid golfer. I like Redhawk and Sierra Sage, but there are tons of other great courses in the area. I like the challenge of golf, but for anyone new to the sport who is thinking about getting into it they should know that:

 1. It’s super expensive and 2. It can be really frustrating. 

Who is your favorite tennis player? Why?

My favorite tennis player is my father. If we’re talking about pros then Roger Federer was amazing to watch in his prime. His game has always appeared effortless and elegant. He has been an incredible ambassador for the sport and I miss watching him play. 

Any fun plans for the upcoming winter? How do you like to spend your time during the snowy months?

I’m an avid snowboarder and you will find me at Mt Rose, Kirkwood, or Northstar a couple times a week during the winter.

Would you like to share anything about your family, occupation, or pets?

I work in sales and that’s kind of boring, but my wife works in Family Law which is all drama. We have a dog named Mitchell who you will see around the club. He is a huge tennis fan, especially if his dad is playing.

My wife and I are working with the county right now to adopt a child and I can’t wait to introduce that child to our community here at WTC and hopefully get a racket in their hands as soon as possible!