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.
Being a voice, leader, and advocate for the Pride Community is the perfect description for Philip Sokolov. He began his career in tennis down in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was the USTA President of the section for about four years.
Fast forward a few years, he moved to Florida, where he is currently located in Deerfield. Super Volunteer is one of the best ways to refer to Phil as he does a lot for the community. He used to run Friday night round robins with the South Florida Tennis Club and the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) and, which helped get everyone from the community out and playing tennis.
Phil has been helping in tennis for over 15 years in South Florida.
Phil still runs round robins every Sunday and has up to 80 players show up for some tennis fun. “I like to see when new people are in town, that they love tennis and want to get involved, but don’t know a lot of people,” Phil said. These Sunday tennis sessions allow people to meet others and get more knowledgeable on ways to be involved with the sport.
He is extremely involved with the GLTA World Tour as he is constantly hosting tournaments and charity events that have raised loads of money for local charities. His events for GLTA have seen upward of 300 to 400 attendees and tons of support from the local community. He loves to give people a chance to play tennis, and he will never stop doing that as long as he lives.
Why is Pride Important
Pride to Phil means family, and he shares that at his round robins.
To Phil, Pride means family. His round robins are built on family, and they aren’t just open to members of the LGBTQ+ community. “We don’t ever discriminate,” Phil preached. “It’s open to everybody. We try to love each other and help one another through the good and bad times. We’re like one big happy family down here.”
He is constantly advocating for the LGTBQ+ community, whether in person or through his GLTA events, Phil wants to see more support come from higher ups. “The worst thing someone can say is ‘no’,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, know you have a voice. Say what you need to say, and people will listen.”
Phil is a great role model for the South Florida tennis community, but more importantly, he leads by example, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the game that we all love.
