Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Tennis Celebrates Lori McNeil and Malika Rose
February 20, 2022 | Cowgirl Tennis
In recognition of Black History Month, the Cowgirl tennis program is looking back at some of the greatest Black student-athletes in program history: Lori McNeil and Malika Rose.
McNeil was not only the first Black tennis player in OSU history, but she was the program's first All-American as well, earning the distinction in 1982. She would go on to become a three-time All-Big Eight selection before turning pro in 1984.
Her professional career featured 32 doubles titles, including the mixed doubles championship at the 1988 French Open. She also scored a stunning first-round victory over defending champion Steffi Graf at Wimbledon in 1994, eventually reaching the semifinals. She entered the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2006. McNeil undoubtedly helped lay the foundation for the ongoing success of Cowgirl tennis.
The Cowgirls earned back-to-back NCAA tournament bids in 2012 and 2013, for the first time since the 1990 and 1991 seasons.
A large part of OSU's success during that time frame was the emergence of Malika Rose. The 2013 All-Big 12 singles star put together a storied career at Oklahoma State and was a part of the catalyst to help OSU return to the national map. Rose partnered with Kanyapat Narattana to form a dynamic All-Big 12 doubles duo.
Lori McNeil was instrumental in Malika Rose's development. McNeil coached Rose for a few years during her junior career. McNeil traveled with Rose to many international tournaments including helping her win Rose's first national event, the Copper Bowl.
"Lori played an instrumental role in my development as a young junior and woman," Rose said. "She believed in my abilities at a time when I wasn't the most confident and it was her belief in me that helped me to win my first national championship. It's a week I'll never forget and a moment that wouldn't have been possible without her being there – coaching and guiding me along the way. I'm so grateful for the many memories we share and for all the invaluable lessons she taught me on and off the court."
Rose took care of business on and off the court. The 2010-13 letterwinner was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2011 and was the ITA Central Region Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner.
McNeil and Rose helped pave the way for the program's future, which has now had a total of 11 All-Big 12 singles and 13 All-Big 12 doubles selections along with 16 All-Americans.
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