AAPI Heritage Month: Natasha Patrick’s Tennis Journey of Inclusion

SAN ANTONIO — For Natasha Patrick, tennis is much more than a sport of racquets and boundary lines; it is a vehicle for community, representation, and personal transformation. After picking up a racquet for the first time in her late 30s, Patrick quickly transitioned from a novice league player to a vital advocate for tennis equity in Texas.

Today, she serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for USTA Texas, works closely with the San Antonio Tennis Association (SATA), and volunteers with the DNA Tennis Foundation of Central Texas. Born in Sri Lanka and having lived in Hawaii, Patrick draws from a rich, multicultural background to dismantle stereotypes and expand access to underserved youth.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Patrick sat down to discuss her tennis journey, the nuances of AAPI representation, and the power of serving the next generation.

USTA Texas: What has been the most rewarding part of your volunteer experience?

Patrick: Working with children. Through SATA, I’ve helped with a variety of camps where my own children volunteered alongside me. That experience of serving together made it especially rewarding. Watching kids be introduced to tennis for the first time and seeing their confidence grow is something I truly enjoy.

USTA Texas: What inspires you to continue this outreach in San Antonio?

Patrick: Seeing the impact tennis has beyond the court. It’s about creating access, building confidence, and giving kids a sense of belonging. In a city like San Antonio, there are many communities where exposure to tennis is limited, and being able to open that door matters to me. I’m also inspired by the shared commitment of the other volunteers, families and players I meet along the way.

USTA Texas: You have a unique cultural background, having been born in Sri Lanka and later living in Hawaii. How has that shaped your perspective?

Patrick: Moving between the U.S. and Sri Lanka allowed me to fully experience different languages and cultures, but it also gave me an early understanding of the realities of poverty in a developing nation. Later, living in Hawaii gave me a deep appreciation for community and adaptability. Because I grew up between cultures, I understand that not everyone is introduced to the sport in the same way. It makes me intentional about creating welcoming, approachable environments.

USTA Texas: Did you have any AAPI role models growing up who influenced you?

Patrick: I grew up around tennis informally—my dad played for fun and I had relatives who were very good players. Professionally, I remember watching Michael Chang. His perseverance and humility really stood out to me. Those qualities of discipline, resilience, and respect for the game have stayed with me.

USTA Texas: What unique perspective does your heritage bring to the "One Texas, One Tennis" vision?

Patrick: To me, "One Texas, One Tennis" truly means everyone. Tennis is often viewed as a privileged sport, but what it offers is universal. The lessons of resilience, determination, and healthy competition are the same regardless of background. Especially at a young age, those early experiences build lasting confidence.

USTA Texas: What does representation mean to you personally?

Patrick: Representation goes beyond just seeing faces that look like mine. It’s about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, included, and able to belong. It means making sure opportunities exist for everyone to participate, and ensuring the tennis community feels accessible to those who may not have traditionally seen themselves in it.

USTA Texas: What are some overlooked challenges that the AAPI community faces?

Patrick: One major challenge is the assumption that the AAPI community is a single, uniform group. There is a wide range of cultures, experiences, and socioeconomic backgrounds that get overlooked, meaning some individuals don't receive the visibility or support they need. Another challenge is the "model minority" stereotype, which can minimize the need for outreach and resources by masking the barriers that still exist.

USTA Texas: AAPI athletes are often subjected to narrow stereotypes. How does your work help shift that narrative?

Patrick: I try to approach people as individuals first. In my volunteer work, particularly with the DNA Tennis Foundation of Central Texas, I see a wide range of children from AAPI backgrounds actively participating. This reflects a diversity of interests and abilities that exist beyond common stereotypes. In those moments, it’s less about changing a broad narrative and more about making sure each child feels supported to explore the sport in their own way.

USTA Texas: How does your volunteer work bridge the gap between honoring your roots and building a future for the next generation?

Patrick: It’s about carrying forward the values I was raised with—community, respect, and giving back. My dad worked in public health, so I grew up seeing the importance of serving others firsthand. By being consistent in supporting programs that give young players a positive introduction to the sport, I can honor those values while welcoming the next generation.

USTA Texas: What is your final message to the broader tennis community?

Patrick: I encourage others to get involved and volunteer within their local programs and Community Tennis Associations (CTAs). For me, the San Antonio Tennis Association was a door that opened to make a difference. Our individual backgrounds can give so much back to the next generation. Seeing the smiles on children, whether they succeed or simply enjoy being on the court, is what makes it all worthwhile.