Saying Goodbye to Kathleen’s Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and it’s also National Tennis Month.
Given the roles my Asian-American heritage and love of tennis play in my life, you could say May is Kathleen’s Month. As we prepare to say goodbye to Kathleen’s Month, it’s a good time for me to reflect and celebrate where these two parts of my life intersect and enrich each other.
One of the reasons I love tennis is that, to excel in it, one must have copious amounts of discipline, focus, and perseverance — values prized and nurtured in many Asian cultures, including my own Chinese heritage. Although I’m not a great player myself (I strike fear in the heart of no opponent, sadly), I watched how tennis channeled my son’s youthful energy into focus and stamina that enriched his academic and professional careers.
Tennis Was My Destiny
When I encouraged my son to play tennis (which sparked my almost two decades of volunteerism with the United States Tennis Association and later the USTA Foundation, the USTA’s charitable arm), I hadn’t consciously made this association. But, on reflection, I confess that tennis has always spoken to that part of me that seeks out discipline and focus. In a way, tennis was destined to play a role in my life.
One of the lessons I remember most from my son’s tennis coach was the “Ball. Hit.” mantra. It helped him narrow his focus during an important game to the two most important elements: the ball, and hitting the ball. Drilling down to those two basics helped him shut out the noise, stress, and other distractions.
That kind of mindfulness would be right at home in many Asian cultures, where meditation and other mindfulness-based practices flourish.
The discipline required to excel in tennis also appeals to my strong work ethic, which I’m sure I owe at least in part to my Chinese heritage. My siblings and I never “phoned it in,” either academically or professionally, and I know my parents weren’t the only Asian parents who had high standards for their children and their academic and professional performance.
Perfect Match: A Fusion of Focus and Identity
Players like Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, both of Japan (although Osaka has lived in the United States for most of her life), are among the best-known Asian players, but there have been many more.
Tennis – and the focus and discipline it both nurtures and requires – is a perfect match for the values instilled in me by my Asian heritage. It's a sport that transcends language and background, offering a platform for Asians to compete on a global stage. Seeing players like Osaka and Nishikori succeed inspires young Asian athletes and breaks down barriers within the sport.
May might be coming to an end, but the intersection of my heritage and love for tennis remains a constant force in my life. This fusion of identity and passion isn't just about individual growth; it's about inspiring others. As I continue my work with the USTA Foundation, I hope to play a part in making tennis more accessible to Asian American communities.
By fostering a love for the sport, we can cultivate the next generation of champions, all while celebrating the cultural tapestry that makes tennis such a vibrant and diverse sport.