This past weekend, amid a backdrop of heightened concern across Los Angeles due to recent immigration enforcement efforts, something deeply meaningful unfolded on the home courts of TuMe Tennis Club: a vibrant gathering centered on culture, community, and connection.
Despite cancellations of major events throughout the region, including the USTA SoCal Hispanic Heritage Month Cal State LA Showcase🔗, Play Like Pancho at the TuMe Tennis Clubhouse, offered a safe space to honor heritage, and encourage connection, during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Honoring a Legend, Uplifting a Legacy
The event paid tribute to Pancho Gonzales, a Mexican-American tennis icon who rose from the public courts of South Central L.A. to become one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, all during a time when racism, xenophobia, and exclusion defined much of American tennis.
“Play Like Pancho” wasn’t just a slogan, it was a call to action. A reminder that Latine excellence has always existed in sport, even if it wasn’t always welcomed. And a celebration of how far the community has come, despite every systemic obstacle thrown in its way.
Breaking Bread, Sharing Culture
We kicked off the day with a welcoming pan dulce and café social, where returning members reunited and new faces found their place at the table. From there, the courts came alive with a beginner-friendly clinic led by TuMe Tennis Coaches, an exciting 3v3 team singles mini tournament, followed by lunch from our favorite local taco cart, with refreshing sips of aguas frescas from La Cocina Vallarta, that reminded us that food is more than nourishment — it’s cultural memory and a universal invitation.
Throughout the afternoon, food, culture, and sport blended seamlessly, this simple act of togetherness felt deeply profound.
Giveaways, Gratitude, and Gear
TuMe Tennis x Nike gear and the latest Nike tennis shoes were awarded to game/raffle winners, and all attendees received a gift bag courtesy of the USTA SoCal. Special acknowledgment goes to USTA SoCal Community Director Esther Hendershott, whose leadership and partnership helped bring this event to life, and to life at the right time. You can read more about Esther and her impact on SoCal Tennis HERE.
Players POV
All the moments: the smiles, the footwork, the conchas in hand, were captured through the lens of Jess V., a SoCal-born, Latina tennis player whose photography brought authentic POV and heart to every shot. Through her eyes, we saw a community not just surviving, but thriving.
A Soft but Powerful Resistance
In a climate where many in the Latine community are feeling unsafe, invisible, or silenced, Play Like Pancho was a gentle but unshakeable form of resistance. It reminded us that culture cannot be canceled, and that reclaiming joy is a radical act.
We didn’t just play tennis...we showed up for one another. And in doing so, we honored not only Pancho Gonzales but everyone who came before and everyone who’s still fighting to be seen.