AAPI Month Feature: Lincoln's Witty Srisa-an

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month occurring in May in the United States, USTA Nebraska is featuring Lincoln tennis player Witty Srisa-an.

When Witty Srisa-an was growing up in Bangkok, Thailand, he decided to give tennis a try when he was 11 years old because many of his friends were playing.

“At first, I enjoyed the social aspect of the game, practicing alongside friends,” he said. “I stopped playing regularly at age 15 after moving to Chicago, but picked it up again 27 years later as a way to stay active and healthy.”

Srisa-an (pronounced See-sa-an) moved to Lincoln in 2002 when he joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he currently serves as professor and director of the School of Computing. Three years after the move Srisa-an’s wife opened Blue Orchid Restaurant, which continues to be a popular staple in the Lincoln community.

“This December, we’ll be celebrating its 20th anniversary,” Srisa-an said.

It wasn’t until Srisa-an couldn’t play tennis because of an ACL injury in 2012 that he truly realized how much he missed the sport.

He now makes it a point to be on the court at least once a week, whether that’s hitting with Woods Tennis Center Head Pro Talor Wain, taking part in drills or playing in an adult league.

“For me, tennis is my ‘me time,’” he said. “I place a lot of value on finding moments to refocus and relieve stress, and being on the court makes me genuinely happy. It also gives me just the right amount of exercise to stay healthy.”

Months like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month are important to build awareness, Srisa-an said, and recognize cultures that are different from one’s own.

“It is a meaningful way to acknowledge their presence and celebrate the contributions, cultures and histories of their communities,” he said. “It also helps foster a deeper understanding of both the successes they’ve achieved and the challenges they have faced.”

He added that Lincoln residents are fortunate to have a strong tennis community and a place like Woods Tennis Center, which not only values the game but cares deeply about the people who play it.

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