In their own words: Manuel Moreno, Jr. on Hispanic Heritage Month

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the USTA also celebrates those in the Hispanic community whose dedication to the sport as USTA volunteers helps to keep our game growing strong. There are more than 350 national volunteers from all 17 USTA sections, and while it would be difficult to recognize every Hispanic leader here, we’re thrilled to be able to highlight these volunteer leaders, in their own words, whose contributions, influence and enthusiasm continue to push this organization and this sport forward. In this installment, inaugural USTA National High School Committee member Manuel Moreno, Jr. reflects on what tennis means to him.

Tennis has been so good to me. It’s created many great opportunities over all these years. And it all started when I was 13, when my mom got me involved in the sport. In fact, she made me my first pair of white tennis shorts. I attended a summer tennis program offered in the Galveston, Texas public parks. (I’ve lived in Galveston all of my 66 years; I’m a BOI—“born on the island.”)

When I started tennis, I didn’t think much of the sport. I was into baseball and other team sports. But once I went out there and realized it really challenged me, I started getting hooked. That’s when I met my high school tennis instructor, Vince Stiglich, Jr., and it was his infectious passion for the sport that made me fall in love with tennis—a passion I carry to this day.

Coach Stiglich convinced me that I could get a scholarship to college if I worked at the sport, and that’s what I did, first for two years at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas (where we were nationally ranked for both years), then at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. I played at Lamar for two years, then was an assistant tennis coach there for two more years, working for Coach Ron Wesbrooks.

Now, I’m into my 39th year as a high school tennis coach, and 41st year coaching overall. After college, I went back to O’Connell High School in Galveston for 13 years, then to Clear Lake High School for two years, and now, this is my 24th year at J. Frank Dobie High School in Houston, where I coach varsity, JV and freshman teams. I run no-cut programs and I’ve had as many as 100 kids on my teams. I really believe that if a student wants to represent their school, they should have every chance to do so. That’s where you’ll find the diamonds in the rough. (Editor’s note: Moreno received the Starfish Award in 2014 for his work with no-cut high school tennis.)

But also, remember that Galveston Parks & Rec summer program I took part in when I was a teenager? After my senior year in high school, I helped Coach Stiglich run that—and this year, I just finished my 49th year with that program! Also, with the help of the City of Galveston, my high school has hosted one of the largest, if not THE largest, high school tennis tournament in Texas—the popular Beachcomber Classic, now in its 35th year.