Staying Active with Tennis

Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working in the Mid-Atlantic or through your involvement with tennis?

I’ve met many different people throughout my involvement in tennis. One person I met when I was playing club tennis for James Madison University was a USTA employee. She helped me get acquainted with USTA adult leagues after graduation.

What has surprised you most about tennis and its impact in the Mid-Atlantic region?

What’s surprised me about tennis is the amount of people who are extremely passionate about the sport. During my junior tennis days, tennis was tough and competitive. Now that I’ve joined adult leagues, I see many people playing because they enjoy tennis, not because they want to win. Even when missing easy shots, players can still smile and laugh it off. That kind of casual and fun tennis environment was new to me when I first started playing in adult leagues.

This year is USTA Mid-Atlantic's 100th anniversary, in what ways do you think tennis has evolved in the region's AAPI community over the last 100 years?

I definitely saw an increase in the prevalence of tennis within the AAPI community. Not just in USTA, but also smaller communities where people go out just to hit on nearby community/high school courts. I used to hold small tennis camps for kids, and saw an increase in interest in tennis camps from parents in the AAPI community.

Why is it important to increase access to tennis in the AAPI community?

I believe it’s important to increase access to tennis in the AAPI community because not only is it a great form of exercise, but it allows us to develop closer relationships. Tennis was one of the main ways I made new friends and reconnected with old friends over the years.

What would you tell someone interested in getting involved in tennis?  

Definitely sign up for USTA Mid-Atlantic programs! There are many league opportunities as well as various educational materials USTA Mid-Atlantic provides. Also, reach out to the nearby Tennis facility or a listed provider and you can get started with lessons if you are just starting out. 

Using three words, how would you describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?

Passionate, Competitive, Welcoming

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Centennial by subscribing to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s YouTube Channel and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

This year USTA Mid-Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is celebrating 100 years of promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Get involved and show your support for the next 100 years of tennis. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.