Hispanic Heritage Month: How Sebastian Sainz Brings Familia to Texas Tennis

It felt like being a kid at an amusement park. Afterwards, I found myself fully re‑engaged with the sport, reminded of everything I loved about tennis. I started thinking there must be a way I could volunteer or contribute to the sport in a meaningful way.

Around that same time, my background in academic coordination and program management had given me experience in operations, logistics, and student‑facing work. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can help people grow and achieve their goals, and when I learned more about how junior tournaments functioned and having participated myself years ago, it felt like the perfect intersection of everything I cared about.

Q: Were there Hispanic or Latino players, coaches, or family members who inspired you when you were younger?

Sainz: Absolutely. While tennis didn’t always have a lot of Hispanic representation on the professional tour when I was growing up, the people who inspired me most were the ones closest to home. My tennis coach, Edmundo Rincón, taught us the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance — qualities that shaped not just how I played, but how I approached challenges in general. His influence made a huge impact on me at a young age.

I also looked up to Spanish‑speaking players like Rafael Nadal and Juan Martín del Potro. Seeing them compete at the highest levels — hearing them speak Spanish in interviews and watching the pride they carried for their cultures — made me feel connected to the sport in a different way. And today, I make sure to tune in to Renata Zarazúa, who represents Mexico.

Q: What does celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally, as someone working behind the scenes in sports?

Sainz: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means honoring the values, people, and experiences that shaped me. Working behind the scenes in sports, it’s a reminder that representation isn’t only about the athletes on court — it’s also about the volunteers, coordinators, and leaders who help create the environment young players grow up in. For me, it’s a chance to highlight the impact Hispanic professionals have on the sport, even if our work isn’t always front‑facing.

It also gives me space to reflect on my own journey. I come from a community where familia, resilience, and pride in our roots guide everything we do. Bringing those values into my work at USTA Texas feels meaningful, because I know how important it is for families to see people who understand their culture and experiences helping shape the pathway their kids are navigating.

It especially feels meaningful because I support our South Territory in Junior Competition, which includes the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, and Laredo — communities with deep Hispanic roots and strong cultural pride. Being able to serve these areas feels like giving back to the places and people who shaped my own connection to tennis.

Q: Why is it important for young Hispanic players and families to see Hispanic leaders, coordinators, and officials at USTA Texas events?

Sainz: Representation absolutely matters. It’s helpful for young Hispanic players and families to see how others who share their culture, language, and background were able to find their place in the sport. When they see Hispanic leaders, it creates a sense of trust and familiarity — it shows them that tennis is a space where they belong, not just as participants but as future leaders.

For many families, especially in Hispanic communities, navigating junior tennis can feel overwhelming at first. Seeing someone who understands their cultural values, communicates in a way that feels comfortable, and reflects their community makes the experience more welcoming. It helps families feel confident asking questions, advocating for their kids, and engaging fully in the sport.

Q: Concepts like familia and community are central to Hispanic culture. How do those values influence the way you approach your work with young athletes and their families?

Sainz: They’ve been influential in every way. The way I see myself contributing to USTA Texas is by treating everyone as family. Familia and community shape how I show up in this role — with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support the people around me. We all love tennis, we’re all wanting to grow the game, and make the most of the opportunities the sport brings, so I try to build an environment where families feel welcomed, understood, and supported.