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Sharing Stories from Our Community
PABLO CRUZ | October 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America.
To celebrate, SATA is highlighting players of Hispanic heritage who have been impacted by tennis and who continue to play and enjoy the game.
John Barrera
Rediscovering the passion for tennis
John is a 3rd generation Mexican American who was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. John started playing tennis in high school. He played a couple of years of club tennis in college and then took 20 years off the tennis court.
In 2015, he returned to playing and won the Men’s 3.0 Doubles in the Simply the Best tournament. John continues to improve on his skills by attending weekly training sessions and practicing as much as he can.
John’s love for competing in tennis is exemplary. He has traveled and competed in local and international tournaments in Milan and London.
John has participated in a local tennis organization as a Board member and continues to participate in local community charity events.
Josefina Linares
Finding joy in tennis
Josefina was born to parents from Allende, Coahuila Mexico. The 65-year-old practices her favorite sport, tennis, 3-4 days per week. She started playing when she was in her thirties and has played socially since then. In the last four years, she has joined several tennis clubs, including: JCC-Jewish Community Center, The Tennis Park at Whispering Oaks, Pickup Tennis of San Antonio, and the Tennis Club of San Antonio.
Josefina, who currently has a rating of 3.0, has been working hard, mentally and physically, to improve her skills. Her highest achievement this year was being a finalist in the 2024 Texas Adult Sectional Tournament’s Mixed Doubles 3.5 category.
Her goal is to be more competitive and continue practicing this wonderful sport while also making new friends for many years to come.
