More Than a Match: Ian Bracks, Rooted in Oklahoma

For Ian Bracks, playing college tennis at Oklahoma State means more than competing in the Big 12, it means representing home. The Tulsa native has turned familiar courts and hometown support into fuel, bringing a grounded mindset and competitive edge to the Cowboy Tennis program.

Long before he ever wore the orange and black, Bracks grew up in Tulsa, surrounded by a tennis community that quietly prepared him for the college game and pointed him toward OSU.

Bracks trained at Tucker Tennis Academy, a place he credits for shaping both his competitive mindset and his love for the sport.

"It had a rich history of competitive tennis players and good competitors," Bracks said.

Tulsa also provided him with early exposure to college tennis through the All-American Championships, an annual event hosted by the University of Tulsa.

"Every year, I would go and watch the college tennis that was being played there," he said. "I was a big OSU fan and always wanted to play here."

That dream came true in Stillwater, where Bracks now represents OSU the highest level. Wearing the Cowboy uniform carries special significance for the Tulsa native.

"Oklahoma is sort of an overlooked state in terms of tennis," Bracks said. "So, it means a lot to be from Oklahoma and play for Oklahoma State and represent it for what I believe it is."

Competing in the Big 12 has lived up to expectations, with every program consistently bringing intense competition.

"It is one of the tougher conferences," Bracks said. "Every school is really competitive."

With the league's recent expansion, the experience has become even more national.

"You get to see a lot more cool, different places," he added. "It's pretty nice."

While tennis is often viewed as an individual sport, Bracks places heavy emphasis on team culture at OSU.

"You are either adding to things or taking away from things," he said. "So, I try to be the brick that I need to be in the wall that we're trying to create."

That mindset carries into daily practices, team meals and long travel days that build trust long before match day arrives.

Family support has been a constant throughout Bracks' journey. His parents and coaches have played central roles in his development, providing both structure and encouragement.

"Family means a lot to me," Bracks said. "My coaches have been like my parents my whole life, and having that connection with people, it really means something."

That support was on full display during one of Bracks' most memorable matches, a road dual against Tulsa. Competing in the city where he trained and grew up, Bracks was surrounded by familiar faces.

"All my friends, everyone that I trained with from the Tucker Academy came," he said. "I was the deciding clinch match, and I won it in the third set."

Sharing that moment with the people who helped shape his tennis career made it unforgettable.

Playing close to home continues to motivate Bracks.

"Being from Oklahoma, I can look in the crowd and see that that's where I was," he said. "This program means everything to me. It's been my dream to play here for so long, and I really want to make the most of every moment."

For Bracks, the Oklahoma State uniform embodies years of work, belief and support.

"It means everything to me," he said. "For eight or nine years, I've wanted to wear the orange and black. Having the logo on my chest is something I never want to take off."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Ian Bracks

Related Videos