Tennis: A Sport of a Lifetime

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month (AAPI). To celebrate, USTA Mid-Atlantic is honoring members of the AAPI communities who contribute to our region’s vibrant tennis family both on and off the court.

“Tennis is a sport for a lifetime” says John Lee of North Potomac, Maryland. John should know, he grew up playing tennis with his father and brother. He went on to play for his high school tennis team and now is a USTA League captain and player. Tennis is the primary sport for John’s family. USTA Mid-Atlantic caught up with John to find how tennis has made an impact on him and the Asian Community. 

How has tennis become an important aspect in your life?

It has become a significant part of my life as it is a part of my weekly schedule, my daughter plays on her high school tennis team, and most of my friends are league players.

What is one way tennis has influenced your life? 

Tennis has helped me develop a great circle of friends. I consider them my tennis family.

In your opinion, why do you think it is important for ALL people to play tennis?

Tennis benefits all aspects of our lives - physically, mentally, and socially. It is a great form of exercise as well as a great way to meet people and be a part of a tennis community. 

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?

In my 6 years of playing in USTA Mid-Atlantic League Tennis, I've seen an increase in people from the AAPI community playing in local USTA Leagues as well playing at USTA Leagues Regional and Sectional Championships.

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

Because of the growing number of people from the AAPI community interested in playing tennis, I think it is important to increase access to the AAPI community in this region.

What is one thing you wish people knew about playing League tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?

It is a great way to be a part of a team with people from all walks of life and have opportunities to compete locally, regionally, and nationally together.  

What three words would you use to describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?

Competitive, Community, Pride

Any final thoughts that you would like to share with the Mid-Atlantic tennis community?

I love being a part of the Mid-Atlantic tennis community.  Great tennis, great people, and great organization!  It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

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.