In celebration of Pride Month, throughout June USTA Florida will recognize those in the LGBTQ+ community whose character and passion continue to embrace our message that tennis is for all – regardless of skill, age, race, or sexuality.
There is no better feeling in the world than being yourself and Lake Cane Tennis Center Director of Operations, Greg “Moose” DeMoustes makes sure to live that message out every day. “I find it extremely important to be who I am, live my truth, and support anybody in my community that is looking to come out to live their true self.”
Moose got involved with tennis when he was just three years old. His parents played and he fell in love with the sport, but as he grew older, he knew that playing wasn’t his true calling, coaching was. “I’ve always wanted to be a coach,” he said. This led him to seek out how to get his certification to teach and become a professional tennis coach.
Moose knew he wanted to make an impact in the tennis community, and coaching gave him the opportunity to do that.
Fast forward 40 years and Moose has been changing lives around the world in tennis on and off the court. He’s spent the last 18 months at Lake Cane Tennis Center, where he currently calls home.
He loves to do this because he knows that everyone in the world needs some sort of support to make things easier in their lives. “One of the biggest joys is being able to see anybody from the age of three to older enjoy the game,” Moose said. “Having the opportunity to make a change in somebody’s life is one of the biggest reasons I come back to what I do every day.”
Not only is he helping improve their game on the court, but Moose is also a massive role model for all his players off the court. “It’s all about equality and giving everybody the same amount of time and effort,” he said. “I strive to be a leader on and off the court. My community at the Tennis Club, or wherever I am, I try to do my best that I can to help support everybody around me.”
He has also been part of the LGBTQ+ community since he was 14 years old. “I sat down with my folks and spoke about being a little different and feeling like I was not part of the community at large.” Feeling included and being himself has always been super important to Moose.
Having everyone feel welcomed and like family is important to Moose.
“There are people all around that will be willing to help you between allies and members of the community. Everybody at large is supportive,” he said. “You have to understand that you’re not alone, that you’re not the only one, and being yourself sometimes is difficult. It comes with some different situations, but being yourself is probably the most authentic you can ever be.”
Pride means everything to Moose and he wants to make sure no one can ever take that away from him. “It means a lot to me. Just being able to put my shoulders back and up, have a smile on my face, and be proud for where I’ve come from.”
He said that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves and when he’s coaching, Moose loves to lead by example and make everyone feel part of one big family. “There is a lot more inclusivity for men, women, and transgenders, and the sport world is starting to do positive things for everyone in the world, which is huge.”
We Play For Pride
Moose is extremely happy to announce that Lake Cane Tennis Center is hosting “We Play For Pride” a charity tournament with all proceeds going to the Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA). The event is taking place at Lake Cane Tennis Center, from June 23 to June 25.
Lake Cane Tennis Center is hosting a charity “We Play For Pride” Tournament.
“Pride means so much to so many. I think if you have family, community member, coach, we all have an opportunity to support one another,” he said, encouraging people to come out and play. “It’s the first step and I think it’s a great opportunity that we have in Orlando Tennis.”
This event means a lot to Moose because his parents were huge supporters when he came out, and he thinks that everyone should have that kind of support. The OYA’s mission is to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and questioning youth in Central Florida.
If you are interested in signing up, click here or email alex@mgtennis.com for more information.
