Q&A with Jesse Pangilinan

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, USTA NorCal is celebrating local players and professionals around Northern California. In this article we are highlighting Jesse Pangilinan. He is a Junior Tennis Director at Laguna Creek Sports Club. He is very active in the community as a player on a Park and Recreation USTA League team, as well as working with his local Park & Recreation to help promote tennis and work with local junior and adult players and help guide them on their tennis journeys. Jesse was also recently recognized as a 2023 Adult Tournament Director of the Year for Laguna Creek Sports Club at USTA NorCal’s annual Adult Competition Awards ceremony.

Q: How long have you been playing/involved in tennis and how did you get started?

A: I emigrated from the Philippines to the United States in January 1981. I have been playing tennis since the summer of that year. My first job was working at a local hotel, picking up dirty linens before getting promoted to work in fitness clubs. At this hotel, they had seven tennis courts. I taught myself how to play in the beginning and got help from the members of the club on how to play the game. I went on to play one year in high school and one year in community college.

I then started teaching tennis in the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network in Sacramento. I traveled to local parks and high school courts to teach. I loved every minute of it! I started working for private clubs as a Tennis Drop-In Coordinator, then tennis camps, before getting promoted to Junior Tennis Coordinator.

Q: Are there any leaders or sources of inspiration in your tennis, and how do you pass on your knowledge and passion to the next generation, particularly among youth players?

A: My tennis inspiration came from my parents. My grandfather played tennis and I have an uncle who teaches tennis in the Philippines. I never really had the opportunity to play in the Philippines, but after I emigrated to the US, I had the opportunity. My parents guided me to play. My mom would have to use her credit card to buy my racquets and tennis bags. Even though we were struggling, she made sure I had the equipment to play. I played a lot of tennis. We didn’t have the money to pay for lessons so that wasn’t an option. I used tennis to occupy my time and keep my parents happy. 

These days, I’m a regular player at McKinley Park and Sacramento City College. These are two places that mean a lot to me in building my tennis career in teaching and coaching juniors. This generation is a bit tougher.  Kids these days have so many distractions. So many use expensive iPhones or iPads as a babysitter. Some of the kids are willing to play and listen but it’s always up to them how much knowledge and understanding they need to learn to play.

Q: In honor of AAPI Month, why do you believe it's crucial to have a diverse representation within the tennis community, and what steps can be taken to foster inclusivity in the sport locally?

A: Tennis is a vital part of our ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusion. It's a time to acknowledge the significant roles that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in shaping tennis. Many players of AAPI heritage have been integral to America's success in tennis. 

I believe the best way to support inclusivity locally is through a few steps like providing training and education, encouraging underrepresented groups and ensuring that sports facilities and programs are accessible. 

Q: What strategies do you use to engage both kids and adults in tennis, and how do you adapt your coaching techniques for different age groups?

A: To me, it’s very simple. You always want them to have fun! When they are having fun, it is easy for them to listen and be interested in the game. I have realized that when you are teaching different age groups, you’ll realize the importance of being able to relate to what is going on in your students’ worlds. You begin to look back at when you were their age and wonder what appealed to you.