The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (“ITA”) announced the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month observance. The ITA will focus on a celebration of Hispanic heritage and hope. This invites our Association coaches, student-athletes, and programs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope.
The celebration will give us an opportunity to reflect on all of the contributions that Hispanic coaches and student-athletes have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, by celebrating the contributions and importance of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. While the holiday normally recognizes the contributions of Hispanic-Americans, the ITA is celebrating the contributions of all Hispanics who have made contributions to our sport and beyond as a student-athlete and/or coach.
The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 31-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
“Diversity is a hallmark of our sport,” said ITA CEO Timothy Russell. “The global nature of college tennis is a strength to be celebrated, this month and every day.”
Our sport recognizes the resilient effort and contributions of Hispanic student-athletes and coaches to achieve their goals. Hispanics have served and continue to serve our nation with honor and valor in all aspects of the formation of our country. The contributions of Hispanics in America are numerous.
- Opening the Door to Latina Coaches: Maru Brito, Tulane
- A Pathway to Success: Cristina Sanchez-Quintanar, Arkansas
