AAPI Roundtable: Balancing the Court and the Classroom

Hosted by the USTA Texas Asian American & Pacific Islander Engagement Committee

Moderator:
Rex Cuajunco, Director of Tennis Operations, SMU

Guests:
Justin Quest, Head Coach, Allen High School
Sujay Lama, Head Coach, Arkansas State University
Tori Ramakrishnan, Former Tennis on Campus Captain
Pranav Kumar, Professional Tennis Player, Former DI Tennis Athlete at Texas A&M

A recent roundtable discussion, hosted by the USTA Texas Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Engagement Committee, explored the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) tennis players and their families when balancing the demands of competitive tennis with academic responsibilities. The conversation featured a diverse panel of experts in the tennis community, including college coaches, high school educators, former athletes, and current professionals.

The panel discussion was moderated by Rex Cuajunco, Director of Tennis Operations at Southern Methodist University (SMU), and included insights from Justin Quest, Head Coach at Allen High School, Sujay Lama, Head Coach at Arkansas State University, Tori Ramakrishnan, a former Tennis on Campus captain, and Pranav Kumar, a professional tennis player and former Division I athlete at Texas A&M.

The Intersection of Tennis and Education

Throughout the conversation, one of the central themes was the delicate balance student-athletes must strike between rigorous training and academic excellence.

Ramakrishnan, who led the Tennis on Campus program during her time at SMU, reflected on her own experiences as an athlete. "When you're juggling tennis and schoolwork, it often feels like there’s never enough time in the day. But for me, tennis was a way to stay motivated academically. The discipline I learned on the court helped me stay focused in the classroom," she said.

Pranav Kumar, who transitioned from a Division I tennis career at Texas A&M to a professional athlete, discussed how managing both academic and athletic careers required strategic planning and support. "Balancing tennis and school requires a strong support system. At A&M, the coaches and academic advisors worked closely together to ensure I could maintain my studies while competing at a high level," he said.

Support from Coaches and Family

For many student-athletes in the AAPI community, the role of family and mentors is crucial in navigating these dual demands. However, the pressure to succeed can sometimes lead to stress and burnout.

Lama, the head coach at Arkansas State University, emphasized the importance of having a support system that understands the complexities of student-athlete life. "In our program, we encourage our players to prioritize mental health. It's essential to recognize when someone might need a break or additional resources, whether that’s academic help or counseling services. Balancing these worlds takes more than just good time management—it takes a village," he explained.

Quest pointed out that for many AAPI families, the emphasis on academic achievement is a deeply ingrained cultural value. "There’s often a fear that dedicating too much time to sports may interfere with academic success. But the truth is, the discipline, time management, and resilience developed through sports can actually enhance academic performance," he noted.

Mental Health and Well-being

As the conversation progressed, the panelists discussed the growing awareness of mental health issues among student-athletes, particularly within the AAPI community, where stigma around seeking help can be pronounced.

Kumar stressed the importance of being proactive about mental well-being. "The mental aspect of balancing both academics and athletics is something that isn’t often discussed enough. In my experience, finding a balance and recognizing when you need help is key to long-term success in both areas," he said.

The panel also noted that many AAPI students may feel additional pressure due to cultural expectations, which can sometimes lead to mental health challenges. "The emphasis on academic achievement can create feelings of isolation or anxiety," added Ramakrishnan. "It's important for both coaches and parents to be attuned to the emotional well-being of these athletes."

The Path Forward

Looking ahead, the panelists agreed that the future of AAPI student-athletes in tennis lies in creating environments that foster both academic and athletic growth. "As a coach, I believe in a holistic approach," said Lama. "We want our athletes to excel in both areas, but more importantly, we want them to be well-rounded individuals who are supported and empowered."

Kumar concluded by encouraging parents and coaches to redefine success. "Success is not just about wins on the court or grades in the classroom. It's about developing the character and resilience that will carry athletes through challenges in life."

Ultimately, the roundtable underscored the importance of understanding the unique pressures faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander student-athletes and the need for collaborative support from families, coaches, and communities to help them thrive both on the court and in the classroom.

The USTA Texas AAPI Engagement Committee’s roundtable provided valuable insights into the intersection of tennis and education for AAPI student-athletes. Moving forward, it is clear that a supportive environment—one that acknowledges the challenges of balancing academics and athletics—is essential for nurturing the next generation of tennis players.