USTA Southern California will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cal State LA on September 21st from 10am-1pm. The event is free and open to the public. Click here to register for the event!

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On Southern California’s sun-drenched courts, Esther Avila-Hendershott is reshaping the future of tennis. As the first Latina to lead USTA Southern California’s Community Tennis and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, her passion for tennis is matched only by her commitment to making the sport accessible to all.

Her journey began years ago when she founded the Pasadena Tennis Association, a non-profit offering year-round tennis classes and summer camps. Partnering with local schools, Avila-Hendershott’s organization provided a gateway for individuals from all backgrounds to engage with the sport. This grassroots effort laid the foundation for her broader vision of inclusivity in tennis.

Now, as the USTA SoCal Director of Community Tennis & DEI, Avila-Hendershott’s impact has amplified. She spearheads a team that provides resources, equipment, and training opportunities, ensuring that marginalized and all communities can thrive equally in the sport of tennis. Her initiatives have reached African American, Asian, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities, proving that tennis can be a unifying force across diverse groups.

Avila-Hendershott’s tireless efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She’s been honored with the prestigious Eugene Jung Award, recognizing her dedication to making tennis accessible to diverse and underserved communities. But for Avila-Hendershott, the real reward is seeing the transformation in the young players she mentors. Her impact is exemplified by rising star Daniela Borruel, whom Avila-Hendershott introduced to the SCTA Foundation. Through the Foundation’s “Achievers Team” program, which funded Borruel’s travel and development, she has flourished, recently earning a full-ride athletic scholarship to the USC women’s tennis program.

The impact of Avila-Hendershott’s work will be on full display at an upcoming community event that embodies her vision of diverse participation and inclusive programming. Set for Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Cal State LA Tennis Complex, this free event coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of tennis accessibility and community engagement.

Attendees can look forward to a fun atmosphere filled with activities for all ages and skill levels. The event will feature a Kids’ Zone, mindfulness and fitness activities, music, and food. Tennis enthusiasts and newcomers alike can participate in various tennis games designed to get everyone moving and enjoying the sport. Exciting prizes and exclusive LA Dodger swag will be given out, adding to the day’s festivities.

The event will also showcase guest speakers, including Antonio Ley, founder of Club Raquetas, who will share his personal journey of how tennis transformed his health and life. Attendees will also hear from Erica Alfaro, whose story of rising from farm work to earning a master’s degree demonstrates the power of perseverance and education. Tennis legends Rosie Casals and Charlie Pasarell will also be attending, demonstrating the sport’s potential for breaking barriers and inspiring change.

As Southern California’s tennis community gathers for this celebration of diversity and inclusion, one thing is clear: Esther Avila-Hendershott’s vision of a more inclusive tennis world is not just a dream – it’s becoming a reality, one serve at a time.