Jitesh Patel, USTA Kansas vice chair of officiating, details benefits of becoming an official

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S., and USTA Kansas is highlighting members of these communities who have made an impact on and off the court. This year, we’re shining the spotlight on Jitesh Patel.

Jitesh Patel is the USTA Kansas vice chair of officiating and is highly regarded as an experienced, fair and dedicated official throughout the district.

Patel has played tennis since he was 18, and while he doesn’t play as much these days as he recovers from surgery, he spends plenty of time perfecting his craft as an official.

“I played tennis ‘til the end of 2024 and had shoulder surgery in January 2025,” Patel said. “With better recovery, I intend to play tennis again.”

Patel, who lives in Topeka, has been an official since 1995 and vice chair since 1999. He officiates matches that take place within a four-hour driving radius of his home, ranging from junior tournaments to ITA events. It’s something he does in his free time when he’s not working his full-time job.

“Being a full-time engineer, I was involved in recruiting and training new officials,” Patel said. “I also encouraged club management to facilitate young club trainers’ schedules so that they can train as officials and make extra money.”

As an advocate for officiating, Patel would love to see more individuals get involved and give it a try. To learn more about becoming an official, the benefits of officiating and to fill out an interest form, click here.

“I always encourage players and fans to get involved and train as officials,” Patel said. “For young people, this could provide extra income.”

Patel also sees a pathway to officiating for tennis teaching professionals that benefits underresourced communities.

“I think encouraging young club trainers and guiding them to extra income would be beneficial to individuals and clubs in low-population areas with (smaller) budgets,” Patel said.

To view more Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month articles from across USTA Missouri Valley, click here. To learn more about becoming an official, click here.