Hispanic Heritage History and Growth in Florida Throughout the Years

As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds from September 15 to October 15, USTA Florida proudly celebrates the significant contributions of Hispanic players, coaches, and volunteers who have enriched the state’s tennis landscape.  

Hispanic influence in Florida’s tennis scene dates back several decades. The migration of Hispanic families to Florida brought a wave of talent and passion for the sport. One of the biggest Hispanic pioneers from Florida is Mary Joe Fernandez, a tennis legend born in the Dominican Republic, but raised in Miami, made a substantial impact on the tennis world. Fernandez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Doubles Grand Slam champion, has been a role model for aspiring tennis players in Florida, especially with young girls.

Mary Joe Fernandez in July, 1981 at Laver’s Racquet Club, Delray Beach.

In recent years, the growth of Hispanic participation in Florida tennis has been remarkable. The state’s vast Hispanic population, which makes up a little more than a quarter of Florida’s residents, has fueled a vibrant tennis culture. This growth is reflected in the increasing number of Hispanic players, volunteers, tournament directors, and coaches. 

Following the boom of tennis participation in 2020, partially due to the Covid pandemic, Florida tennis was well represented by the Hispanic culture. At that time, 16% of the 1.5 million tennis players in the state were Hispanic. In 2022, there were 1.63 million players with 23% being Hispanic, a 7% jump in just two years! Over the course of the next two years, Florida has more than 1.8 million players with more than 26% of the community represented by Hispanic participants, one of the largest of any USTA section. 

USTA Florida has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment that supports Hispanic players, volunteers, and communities. There are 617 volunteers registered in the USTA Florida Volunteer Aces program, with just over 11% being Hispanic. On the tournaments side, there are 210 tournament directors in the state. Of those, there are just over 10% that are Hispanic. 

When it comes to Community Coaches, of the more than 500 participants, 13% of them represent the Hispanic community. Finally, the approved trainers of the Community Coach Program are 10% Hispanic. 

For USTA Florida Adult Leagues, South Florida counties such as Broward and Miami-Dade make up a great portion of Hispanic population. That region has seen great success in the past few years, including some National Championships, where Miami-Dade won back-to-back titles in the Adult 40 & Over 4.5 Men’s division. 

USTA Florida has worked hard to promote tennis to Hispanic communities and grow the game in those areas. Back in 2013, the organization launched the Tenis Para Todos initiative, which was focused to bring the sport to Hispanic families across Central and South Florida, the two regions with the largest Hispanic population in the state. 

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s essential to recognize the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Florida tennis. The future is bright on all fronts with more Hispanic youth taking up the sport, coaches being trained, and volunteers getting involved with tennis. USTA Florida’s commitment to expanding its outreach and support for Hispanic communities remains a core goal. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic individuals to Florida’s tennis landscape and spotlight their growth. The organization plans to continue its efforts to make tennis a sport that anyone can see themselves in. By offering more programs and resources, USTA Florida aims to ensure that the next generation of Hispanic tennis players has the opportunity to thrive.