Celebrating Cultural Months
Months
Celebrating the Community, Together!
At USTA Southern California, tennis is more than just a sport, it’s a unifying force that brings people together, fosters inclusion, and celebrates diversity. Our Cultural Month celebrations recognize and honor the histories, contributions, and legacies of historically marginalized groups. Through these initiatives, we build meaningful connections between culture, sport, and community, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued on and off the court.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to making tennis accessible to all by working closely with our local Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) and National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programs. These partnerships allow us to celebrate cultural heritage and recognize the voices that have shaped the sport.
Throughout the year and during each Cultural Month, USTA Southern California works with CTAs and NJTL programs to host Play Days, clinics, and celebrations that honor the heritage of diverse communities while creating inclusive spaces to connect through tennis. These events spotlight trailblazing leaders, welcome players of all backgrounds, and bring culture, sport, and community together with engaging activities and inspiring guest speakers.
Learn about how you can get involved using the toggles below!
Are you part of a community we celebrate during Cultural Months like Black History Month, Pride Month, or Hispanic Heritage Month? We want to hear from you! Share how tennis and cultural heritage intersect in Southern California, or how our cultural month celebrations have inspired you.
Submit your story today and be featured by USTA SoCal as we continue celebrating diversity in tennis.
Looking to make a difference in the SoCal tennis community? Sign up to volunteer! Whether you’re assisting at events or mentoring the next generation of players, your contribution will leave a lasting impact. It’s a rewarding way to share your passion for tennis and help others discover the joy of the game. Register as a volunteer here.
Black History Month (BHM)
Black History Month celebrates the achievements and impact of Black athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and leaders who have shaped tennis.
USTA Southern California honors icons like Arthur Ashe and Venus and Serena Williams, as well as local changemakers like Otis Smith III, who’ve inspired future generations and expanded opportunities in the sport.
Through stories and interviews, we highlight their lasting influence and reaffirm our year-round commitment to a more inclusive tennis community.
In 2024, USTA SoCal partnered with Doris Obih’s 40 Love Foundation at Edward Vincent Jr. Park in Inglewood, welcoming more than 100 players and parents for a day of tennis and celebration.
In 2025, we partnered with Erika Bond’s All Love Racquet Club at Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles to host The Cookout, featuring kids’ and adult clinics, music, vendors, food, and a tribute to Arthur Ashe at Rancho Cienega Recreation Center. Proceeds supported the From Court to College Scholarship, benefiting future student-athletes in the tennis community.
Women’s History Month
March celebrates the leadership and impact of women in tennis. USTA Southern California honors pioneers like Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals, whose fight for equality transformed the game and inspired future generations.
Throughout the month, we spotlight women at every level throughout SoCal—players, coaches, and leaders—whose vision and dedication continue to expand access and shape the sport.
Autism Acceptance Month
April celebrates neurodiversity, honoring the strengths and contributions of individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). USTA Southern California highlights how adaptive tennis builds confidence, connection, and skills through local programs like ACEing Autism and Serving Advantage.
Autism Acceptance Month reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where every player feels valued and inspired.
In April 2024, USTA SoCal supported a Play Day hosted by Serving Advantage at Bill Barber Memorial Park in Irvine. The Serving Advantage leadership team held a youth session in the morning for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Youth participated in fun tennis and fitness games as well as social skills activities. The leadership team also held a popular teen and adult session in the afternoon. Members of the USTA SoCal Youth Leadership Council interacted with participants, shared information about USTA and DEI, and helped with on-court activities.
In 2025, Serving Advantage hosted a L6 “Share the love” charity tournament. (confirming details with Wendi).
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI)
May celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and their impact on tennis.
USTA Southern California honors athletes like Michael Chang and local leaders whose contributions inspire new generations, highlighting vibrant programs, historic clubs, and ongoing efforts that foster growth, opportunity, and representation in the sport.
In 2024, two vibrant SoCal NJTLs celebrated AANHPI Month at local parks. Semurana Tennis Association hosted a community Play Day at Victoria Park in Carson, featuring drills, on-court games, and the popular “hit for prizes,” followed by a luncheon and youth-led Polynesian dance for nearly 300 attendees. Love, Set, Match held a bustling Play Day at George Elder Park in Monterey Park with Live Ball, Red Ball activities, tennis drills, and a multicultural potluck.
In 2025, both NJTLs returned with expanded celebrations. Semurana Tennis Association offered activities for all skill levels, including Red Ball and liveball games, a youth-led Polynesian dance, and a photo op with Disney’s Stitch. Love, Set, Match, led by Phillip Kim, featured a Red Ball Kids’ Zone, adult and advanced courts, a diverse potluck, giveaways, and guest speakers from AAPITA and LA Fire Victims, creating a lively and impactful event.
Pride Month
In June, USTA Southern California celebrates Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting inclusion, authenticity, and connection in tennis. Icons like Billie Jean King and local LGBTQIA+ players, coaches, and leaders inspire progress and equity on and off the court.
Partnering with groups like the Los Angeles Tennis Association, USTA SoCal hosts tournaments, clinics, and programs that unite players and showcase tennis as a tool for empowerment, celebrating individuality and strengthening a welcoming, diverse tennis community.
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM)
From September 15 to October 15, USTA Southern California celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities in SoCal tennis.
Leaders and athletes like Charlie Pasarell and Francisco “Pancho” González have shaped the sport, inspired future generations, and strengthened communities across Southern California.
In 2024, USTA SoCal hosted a community day at the Cal State LA Tennis Complex with a Kids’ Zone, fitness activities, music, food, prizes, and tennis games for all levels, including Red Ball, liveball, and wheelchair courts. Special guests Charlie Pasarell, Rosie Casals, and Erica Alfaro shared their inspiring stories and experiences with attendees.
