Southern

David Marquina brings his own experiences to Hispanic Heritage Month

Rick Limpert / Special to USTA Southern | September 19, 2025

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, running Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, USTA Southern is highlighting volunteer and coach David Marquina.

David Marquina thinks back and remembers how far he has come when it comes to National Hispanic Heritage Month. Born and raised in Venezuela, Marquina is making a difference in North Carolina.

He is the Dual Director of Racquet Sports and the MacGregor Downs Country Club / The Club at 12 Oaks in Holly Springs, N.C., and volunteers on the USTA Southern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

"It's great to have a month (to) celebrate our culture and heritage," said Marquina, who has been welcoming the influx of Hispanics to North Carolina for much of the last 20 years. "My goal with tennis is to give more to the community and expose more players to tennis."

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In left photo, David Marquina with doubles partner Kara Diachencko and with students in right photo.

The USTA recognizes and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month each year to honor the contributions of its Hispanic community and to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport. The USTA features individuals of Hispanic heritage who are making an impact as players, coaches and volunteers, fostering a more inclusive tennis environment for all.

Collegiate player at two schools

Marquina has a decorated tennis past, playing college tennis at Metro State University of Denver and Barton College in Wilson, N.C. After his graduation in 2002, he left for Florida where he founded the South Florida Tennis Academy in Fort Lauderdale. In 2004, he returned to North Carolina to join his wife, who was finishing nursing school. Their love for North Carolina kept them here and tennis has made that bond even stronger.

"It's true soccer and baseball are the number one sports for Hispanics. But, the USTA has been trying and doing a good job,” in reaching out to Hispanics about tennis, added Marquina.

“I never pursued a professional career myself. It’s been a means to an end. Beyond developing strokes and strategy, it helps players build confidence on the court that has carried into their lives off the court. I enjoy receiving messages from former players, years later, sharing how tennis helped their careers, relationships and overall personal growth.

Marquina says it's an ongoing battle to put tennis on par with other sports. "It's true soccer and baseball are the number one sports for Hispanics. But, the USTA has been trying and doing a good job,” in reaching out to Hispanics about tennis, added Marquina.

Marquina says the job ultimately falls on him and his staff to connect with individuals and families. Events like play days in the community and festivals have a proven track record.

"Come and try tennis!"

Marquina says that is what they ask everyone. He also stressed the team aspect to tennis that many don't talk about. In Junior Team Tennis, high school and college, it's about the team.

"I've been able to host young players from South America and put them on track for a college scholarship. We help them with everything from SAT test taking to proper training on and off the court."

Marquina's goal has always been about balancing education and competitive tennis, something that wasn’t an option back home in Venezuela. That balance shaped how he coaches today—always emphasizing opportunity, discipline and long-term growth through the game.

He says he has emphasized that balance to his favorite students, his daughters: Isabella, 19; Bianca, 16 and Giuliana, 15.

“All of my daughters have played tennis and Isabella is currently at the University of Miami and competes on the club tennis team. I trained and traveled with her and credit her with shaping my coaching. Coaching your own children requires a unique balance. Separate roles and keep your emotions in check.”

Marquina believes the way to reach the Hispanic community is through the family.

"Most of the classes I have, I also invite the parents. We make sure we have a racquet for the kids and one for the parents as well. I’ve had the privilege of teaching an incredibly wide range of players—everyone from CFOs, CEOs, professional athletes, to individuals with special needs, aspiring pros fighting to break into the top 200, and even the court keepers at the clubs where I’ve worked.”

His mantra to all newcomers is “Come and try tennis!”

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