DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
WHAT WE BELIEVE
USTA Southern California Social Injustice Statement – August 1, 2020

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
WHAT WE BELIEVE
USTA Southern California strives to be a model of inclusivity and equity as we bring competitive, social and fitness-oriented tennis programs to Southern California residents. We are fully committed to making tennis accessible to diverse and underserved communities so that they may experience and enjoy the life-long benefits of the sport. Our investment in the players and organizations who serve these communities allows USTA Southern California to extend our reach across the Section, recognizing and supporting young and talented players of color who have the potential to use tennis as a vehicle for obtaining a college or vocational education, or a professional career.
As an organization, we stand firmly alongside progressive organizations which seek to eradicate historical wrongs, working in tandem towards a community where every person is afforded boundless ability to thrive. We believe all of these things will improve our SoCal tennis community and create a stronger industry with better prospects for future success, both on and off the tennis court.
USTA Southern California Social Injustice Statement – August 1, 2020

Our Objective

Operate programming with an understanding of cultural differences to ensure our programs and events are enjoyed by everyone.
Create strategic partnerships with organizations and companies that are working in diverse communities and ensure diverse suppliers are a part of our sourcing and procurement process.
Cultivate and support tennis programs and events where the primary objective is to create access to the sport for under-resourced communities.
Recruit and retain a diverse workforce throughout the SoCal tennis industry that includes volunteers, coaches, officials, and tournament directors
Reflect and represent the true diversity of Southern California in our front-facing content and materials.
Establish a workplace culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and brings to bear the talent and diversity of our staff.
Reflections of Diversity
Frances Simpson-Lang
"To me, Black History Month is a celebration of how far we’ve come in the tennis world and a time of reflection on the work still to be done."
Tory Bailey
As Tory Bailey finds his place in the college ranks, local high school players remain thankful for his impact.
Ken Bentley
“I hope when my work is done on earth people will say Ken Bentley was another Arthur Ashe because he opened doors for others.”
Lisa Thomas
“Although I love being a scientist, my true love is tennis, both playing and teaching!”
Cameron Hines
"...Watching other black people play tennis made me interested in playing in the first place and now it has become my whole life. That wouldn’t have happened without representation..."

Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee of USTA Southern California was formed to provide a voice for issues relating to D&I in the tennis community, as well as to advise, guide and collaborate with USTA SoCal toward increasing diversity and inclusion among players, coaches, and other members of the SoCal tennis industry.
Esther Hendershott
Director of Community Tennis
Lorena Martin
Damu Bobb
Justin Belisario
Nadia Adbala
Doris Obih
Ryan Redondo (Chair)
Gabrielle Clark
Jerome Payapal
Junior Development Grant
As part of our commitment to supporting young tennis players from under-resourced communities in Southern California, we have earmarked up to $10,000 annually for grants to players who demonstrate good citizenship, a commitment to his/her education, and to playing tennis in college and/or beyond. These grants may be applied for via the SCTA Foundation website.

Featured Players
Featured Players

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