Yet, from the inside looking out, the hard, cold numbers belie the fact that this emerging demographic, with few exceptions, barely registers a blip on the Division I collegiate and professional radar screens.
Michael Jessup (right), a perennial standout on the NorCal tennis scene and No. 1 ranked in Men's Open, now intends to do something about it. He is one of the few Americans of Asian ancestry who can claim success in the junior, collegiate, professional and Adult Open ranks. Moreover, he is blazing his own record-setting path through the NorCal Open division. (He had not lost an Open match since 1999 and wass on a 60-plus match winning streak until Stanford's David Martin snapped it at the Stead Open in August).
His personal mission now is to revive the long-defunct Asian American Tennis Foundation and place it squarely back at the forefront of outstanding NorCal organizations.
"There is currently no organization in place to bond the Asian community together," said Jessup. "And there really hasn't been any appreciable effort to bring the lives, culture and experiences of Asian American tennis players to the masses. One of the key things I hope to accomplish is to re-create a sense of community among Asian American tennis players and their supporters."
Richard Kim of San Francisco who currently directs the 67-year-old Chinese Nationals tournament applauds Jessup's gumption. "We've certainly seen a drop in numbers with our tournament, as have many other Asian American organizations such as the East Bay Chinese Tennis League and others," said Kim.
"Young Asian-Americans are being drawn to other team sports such as basketball and baseball," he added. "Older Asian-Americans are starting to find the wear and tear of tennis to be much too strenuous and are turning to sports like golf. I think it will be wonderful for the Asian American tennis community to see this organization thrive once again."
Atop Jessup's to-do list is the re-instatement of the Asian American Tennis Championships. He's reviving the once-popular tournament, which will come back home to roost at Sunnyvale's Las Palmas Tennis Center next year. Jessup will be pleased if he can attract 200 participants the first year out, The money raised from entry fees, sponsorships and private donors will be used to establish training grants, scholarships and other general support for Asian American tennis players and programs, he said.
Down the road Jessup would like to use the organization to establish localized player development clinics, grass roots programs and coaches training seminars for Asian players and families. He has already secured commitments from a cadre of NorCal's best-known Asian American coaching veterans such as June Lee, Tony Yang, June Hernandez, Brian Junio, Byron Nepomuceno and Darryl Lee.
The former Asian American Tennis Foundation enjoyed its greatest success in the early '90's during George Wu's tenure as President. Its annual fund-raising tournament, the Asian American Tennis Championships, boasted a draw of 200 participants.
"The importance of role models and the information those role models can pass on cannot be underestimated," said Jessup, who recalled the dearth of Asian role models during his formative tennis years. "Michael Chang was a big influence on me growing up, but it was difficult not seeing many people on the circuit who looked like me and who I could relate to on a personal level."
While much of the AATF's heart and soul will be rooted in the traditions and history of Asian American culture, Jessup plans to take every advantage of 21st century technology by establishing a strong online presence. The organization's website, currently under construction (Home), will feature tennis chat rooms, player profiles and news.
"It's hard work," said Jessup, "but my philosophy is that belief really does determine the outcome. I can't think of any better way for me to express my appreciation to those who assisted me along the way or to give back to the sport that has enriched my life in so many unbelievable ways."
- by Sharon Smith-Mauney
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