Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize and honor the cultural contributions, history, and achievements of the AAPI community. In celebration of the occasion, USTA Florida and the Asian-American Pacific Islander Tennis Association (AAPITA) came together to host a special day of tennis, community engagement, and cultural connection.
On May 17th at the Lake Cane Tennis Center, the community was celebrated both on and off the court during a special Community Tennis Day.
The event offered something for everyone, including on-site food trucks, the opportunity to meet former professional players, and an AAPI Q&A panel exploring the impact of AAPI culture through tennis. Court activities included instructor-led tennis drills and kid-friendly games, giving the community a chance to participate in all aspects of the sport.
On the courts, three groups participated in instructor-led drill sessions, each tailored to a specific skill level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—to ensure that players of all experience levels could take part. Additionally, Bollywood dancers were on-site to lead a cultural dance workshop, where participants lined up to learn each step before performing the full routine together.
The AAPI Q&A panel was moderated by Danielle Gooding, Director of Community Tennis at USTA Florida. Panelists included Neev Rana, a junior player at the Gooding Todero Academy, and Grace Min, Senior Project Manager of Global Events at USTA. The discussion offered a thought-provoking and engaging conversation of the significance and influence of AAPI culture within tennis, as the panelists reflected on their personal journeys through tennis.
USTA Florida is committed to recognizing those who help tennis grow across all communities, including the AAPI community. Whether those participating were picking up a racquet for the first time, or attending in support of community and culture, the event celebrated the commitment of ensuring tennis is accessible and welcoming to all.
To view all images from this event, please click here.