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  • Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Clarisse Baca

    Q: What’s your tennis story? What first brought you to tennis, when did you start playing, and what has kept you connected to the game?

    A: My tennis journey started at age seven, spending Sundays hitting against a wall while my dad played doubles with his friends. It didn’t take long for him to realize I was completely obsessed—and from there, the rest is history. Decades later, what keeps me hooked isn’t just the sport itself, but the community. I’ve met some of my favorite people through tennis, and nothing beats sharing the court with others who match that same deep passion and drive

    Q: What impact do you hope to make through tennis, both on and off the court?

    A: Community builder and passionate tennis advocate!

    Q:Who has inspired you along the way, whether in tennis, your family, or your community?

    A: My dad, former and current players and fellow coaches

    Q: What is your favorite tennis memory so far?

    A: It used to be winning my first national tennis tournament at the age of 12, but lately it has been a culmination of moments whether I am wrapping up a tennis tournament, traveling to a conference, connecting with a tennis friend, and/or rallying with my 7 year old son. 

    Q: How has your Hispanic heritage shaped your journey in tennis and the way you connect with others? 

    A: My heritage is everything to me. Even though I have been living in California for 17 years, I carry my Mexican roots on and off the court. It grounds me and motivates me to be a better coach and person and to open doors for those who come after me.

    Q: What does representation in tennis mean to you, especially for young Hispanic and Latino players and families? 

    A: Representation is crucial, if you can see one, you can be one!

    Q: What barriers have you seen Hispanic and Latino families face in accessing tennis, and what can we do to help create more opportunities?

    A: Accessibility and familiarity with the sport! Both of my boys (7) and (5) attend a full immersion Spanish elementary school and my kids are the only ones who play tennis. We create more opportunities by targeting latino and hispanic elementary schools and pre-schools and introducing them to the sport and explaining the pathway and benefits. There is so much great talent! I am starting to work on a local project to help this mission come to fruition! Can’t wait to share! 

    Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of Hispanic and Latino players, coaches, and leaders in tennis?

    A: Players: reach out, ask questions and get involved because we need the hispanic community if we want to keep growing tennis in our country. Coaches: attend a saturday recreational 7-10U soccer game in your neighborhood and recruit some kids from communities that are not displayed in your daily lessons or clinics. Leaders: numbers count, the hispanic and latino demographic and purchasing power continues to increase, be prepared!

    Q: When you think about the future of tennis, what would you most like to see for the Hispanic and Latino community?

    A: An increase in participation rates in all areas of the sport- from red ball to professional. 

    Q: How long have you been coaching and what led you to start?

    A: I’ve been coaching for 15 years now! It started back in college as a simple way to cover extra expenses and later, my MBA. I began by working with early development juniors during summer camps, and I immediately fell in love with it. What started as a part-time job quickly turned into a lifelong career, and I haven’t looked back since.

    Q: What’s your Coaching Philosophy?

    A: My coaching philosophy continues to evolve through the passing of my coaching career, but one simple sentence continues to be my north star which is to lead with intention and integrity to better serve others! 

    Q: You are involved in several coaching cohorts and groups, including the WTA Inclusion Program, the USTA Coaching Women’s Cohort, and you helped create the Latina Tennis Coach Association. Can you share a little about each one and what the programs mean to you?

    A: I am lucky. The 2026 WTA Inclusion Program and USTA Coaching Women’s Cohort have brought me so much joy and motivation to continue to become the best version of myself. The more I learn, the less I know. Sharing tennis courts and board rooms with likeminded coaches and industry professionals from across the world has not only reminded me of my calling, but of my need to continue to be a better coach, professional and person. 2026 has been a year of professional and personal growth and I look forward to all the next steps, expanded horizons, and exciting projects yet to come.

    Latina Tennis Coach is an organization dedicated to recruit and advance latina coaches in the world. It started during the 2019 pandemic with the need of utilizing our ‘free’ time to connect with other latina coaches. We have close to 200 members and are growing!

    Q: You’ve coached across all levels of the game, from beginners through college tennis and beyond. What has been your favorite level to coach and why?

    A: All levels have had their fair share of good and bad moments. From my first ‘10 and under girls group, ‘D2 Nationals versus Barry University, to 18+ 4.0 NorCal Sectionals and more. It continues to be a great ride and grateful to all the players who chose to work with me!

    Q: What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in coaching?

    A: Coaching is a lifestyle not a job! Be prepared, surround yourself with coaches and industry professionals that can help you grow. Get your feet dirty, say yes to the 7 PM clinics, Junior Team Tennis on Fridays at 4 pm, volunteer with the USTA, and reach out to other coaches for advice! And of course, go to ustacoaching.com to find out more information on how to get started. Our industry is rising, we need you!