AAPI Month Feature: Dilok Phanchantraurai

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the U.S., and USTA Iowa is recognizing Dilok Phanchantraurai for his accomplishments.

If it wasn’t for the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Phanchantraurai family may have never picked up a tennis racquet. Since tennis was one of the few sports considered safe to play during COVID-19, Dilok Phanchantraurai decided to put his daughter in it so she could still stay active during such a challenging time.

“She started competing, and loved everything about tennis,” he said. “I didn’t want to just sit on the sidelines and watch. I wanted to be involved in her tennis journey, so I picked up a racquet and learned how to play tennis.”

The more Phanchantraurai got involved in his daughter’s tennis journey, the more he wanted to know about the sport. He purchased a stringing machine and learned how to string racquets. He recently became a USTA official as well.

“It’s only been a few years, but our tennis journeys have been amazing,” he said.

Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Phanchantraurai first came to the U.S. in 1996 to pursue higher education. After living in Michigan and Arkansas, he moved to Ames, Iowa, in 2007. He currently works as a police officer for the City of Ames.

“We all agree playing tennis requires as much mental strength as physical fitness,” Phanchantraurai said. “As a police officer, my job can be stressful and physically demanding at times. Tennis helps me stay focused and keeps me healthy.”

Phanchantraurai believes diversity in sports is paramount. He said individuals should appreciate and cherish diversity because it brings different groups of people together. Celebrations like AAPI Month serve as a reminder to recognize other cultures.

“AAPI Month provides a chance to experience cultural differences by learning from others who are different from them,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the uniqueness. Tennis is a global sport, and I appreciate that it brings us closer together.”