Texas Tennis Leaders Set to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month With Pro Panel and Exhibition Play

DALLAS — On May 20, The Asian American Pacific Islander Tennis Association, Dallas Tennis Association, RSPA Texas, and USTA Texas will host the second annual AAPI Month Celebration of Culture and Tennis event at the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex at SMU. This collaborative event honors Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month by uniting the Dallas community with professional athletes, coaches, and industry leaders for a night of advocacy and on-court action.

The evening will feature a high-level panel followed by exhibition play and open court time. The event is designed to bridge the gap between professional sports and community wellness.

"This AAPI Heritage Month, AAPITA is proud to partner with USTA Texas to harness the connective power of tennis—expanding access, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities through sport," said Samantha Crawford, executive director of the Asian American Pacific Islander Tennis Association (AAPITA) and a former WTA professional.

Crawford will lead the panel of speakers alongside USTA players and coaches. The panel, moderated by AJ Chabria, features a diverse cross-section of Texas tennis leadership. Featured speakers include Aayushi Chouhan, a Dallas area league coordinator; Patrick Nguyen, a teaching pro and coach for current professional talent; Johnathon Pham, Director of Tennis Operations at TCU; and Will Manhkong, who serves as both a high school coach and USTA tournament director. Together, these leaders will share insights into the sport’s evolving landscape and the growing influence of the AAPI community in the business and coaching of the game.

Following the panel, the event takes action to the courts. Attendees are encouraged to bring their racquets for instruction from pros and take part in open play on court. Organizers emphasized that the event is inclusive of all skill levels, though the "open play" portion is limited to the first 50 registrants.

"Tennis is the world's healthiest sport and now is a great time to pick up a racket and get on the court," said Carmen Callies, diversity, equity, and inclusion manager for USTA Texas. "All participants are invited to get in on the action—no matter your level, there is a place for you on the court."