Alachua County’s Jade Park named USTA Florida Tennis Volunteer of the Month

With each year, tennis continues to achieve new heights and volunteers play a massive role in the development of the sport. Through their countless hours of coaching, coordinating, and simply being out there for others, tennis is able to grow. 

In Alachua County, Jade Park is a volunteer that is helping the tennis movement, as she donates much of her time to making sure tennis can operate at all levels. 

Jade has been operating her own tennis program for the past 13 years, and the foundation of this program has given her the ability to move forward with other programs.

One of those coming just two years ago, as Jade and others in her community wanted to give adults the chance to experience tennis in Alachua County. So, they went to Buchholz High School’s tennis courts and started a free adult program and encouraged everyone to come out once to give it a try.  

Jade Park has been providing many people in Alachua County with tennis for two years.

The success that this program saw in such a short period of time was amazing. Many adult players were able to enjoy the game of tennis and had a fun place to come out and practice tennis with others who share that passion. 

“I love tennis and I love people who love tennis,” she said, when asked about why she dedicates so much time to the game. “I would love everyone who plays tennis with me to feel they are right at home.” 

When she’s not helping run tennis programs at Buchholz High School, she is working with Aces in Motion, which is also in Gainesville, to give tennis to underprivileged middle schoolers. On top of that she also works with the Boys and Girls Club to help them reimagine the way they see tennis. Jade hopes to have classes starting in the near future with these local organizations. 

Her goal for all of this is to provide kids in the program with a free tennis program that they can always rely on. While tennis may only seem like a competitive sport, Jade wants young children to have the opportunity to experience the thrill of just swinging a tennis racket and playing with friends.  

Jade is always looking to do whatever it takes to make everyone feel welcome, whether that’s organize matches for participants, practice time, or just be a reliable, friendly face. When she isn’t helping provide tennis to the people of Gainesville, she loves to spend her time in the kitchen, as cooking and baking is one of her favorite hobbies.  

Jade wants everyone to feel the same love and joy that tennis brings her.

USTA Florida is thankful to have Jade be involved with tennis in Alachua County and thanks her for her outstanding work and dedication to provide all ages an opportunity to play tennis.

Outstanding volunteers are recognized numerous ways by volunteering for tennis in Florida. The Volunteer of the Month Award is one-way peers in their community can recognize people doing great work for tennis. Do you know someone who is making a difference in Florida tennis? You can nominate someone anytime to be awarded Volunteer of the Month kudos.   

Interested in volunteering in tennis? Visit www.USTAFlorida.com/Volunteers to learn more about available opportunities.