Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Antonio Lares in the spotlight

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month taking place Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 USTA Oklahoma is featuring Antonio Lares, a tennis coach who shares his love for the sport at First Serve OKC.

Antonio Lares, a first-generation Mexican-American, has a passion for tennis that began unexpectedly during his high school years in Oklahoma City. Raised by his grandparents with Spanish his first language, Lares’ journey is rooted in his heritage. His family is from Rio Grande, Zacatecas, and the values instilled in him by his grandparents have guided his path in life.

Now residing in Harrah, Oklahoma, Lares’ introduction to tennis came through a high school requirement to earn an athletic credit. This choice sparked a love for the sport that has endured for more than a decade.

While he started as a player, his passion has evolved into a fulfilling career in coaching. Lares currently balances his time between teaching pickleball at Chicken N Pickle and serving with AmeriCorps at First Serve OKC, a local tennis nonprofit.

At First Serve OKC, Lares works with a diverse range of students, many of whom share his Hispanic heritage. He plays a big role in the organization’s programs, particularly in Oklahoma City public schools, where he helps create after-school tennis opportunities for young students.

“My favorite thing about tennis is the learning and teachings you get from the sport,” Lares said. “The kids I have gotten to coach have taught me just as much as I have them. Playing and teaching tennis for so long has shown me that you never stop learning, which makes the game that more enjoyable.”

Lares’ ability to connect with families and students through his bilingual skills has been instrumental in bridging cultural gaps and fostering a love for tennis among the Hispanic community.

Lares’ passion for coaching has earned him a new role as the tennis coach at Classen SAS High School for the 2025 season. For Lares, tennis is more than just a game; it's a lifelong learning experience. He believes the sport teaches valuable lessons, and he is grateful for the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of players.

Interested in coaching tennis? Click here for USTA coaching resources. To read additional National Hispanic Heritage Month articles from around the USTA Missouri Valley, click here.