Black History Month Spotlight: Keith Adams

Q: Can you tell us a little about your journey in tennis and how you first got started?

A: I began playing tennis at around ten years old. At the time, I was unable to join the older boys who were going to play baseball, and I remember feeling frustrated about being left out. Determined to find something to do, I discovered an old tennis racket in the pantry and took it to the local schoolyard, where I began hitting against the wall. I do not even believe I had a proper tennis ball at first. That simple moment of improvisation marked the beginning of my lifelong connection to the game.

Q: What has your experience been like as a Black player in the tennis community?

A: My earliest experience as a Black player in the tennis community was within a group of fellow Black players. We would gather to play after work and on weekends. Friday nights were especially memorable, as we participated in Round Robin play at the Rally Racket Club in East Orange, New Jersey. One moment that stands out vividly is seeing Althea Gibson sitting at the bar watching us play. Her presence was powerful and inspiring, even if unspoken.

Q: Who or what has influenced your path along the way?

A: I have always been motivated by the competitive nature of tennis and the opportunity it provides to test oneself. I enjoyed seeing what I could accomplish through my own effort, discipline, and determination.

Q: What has kept you connected to the game over the years?

A: After relocating to California, I made the decision to learn how to teach tennis as a way of giving back to a game that has meant so much to me. Teaching allowed me to stay connected to the sport while helping others discover and develop their own passion for it. Thanks to Coaches Ken DeHart John Cervantes Carl Mendoza

Q: What role do you play within the NorCal tennis community today?

A: Today, I serve as a mentor, instructor, and connector within the Northern California tennis community. I work to introduce new players to the sport, provide guidance and training, and help create access to equipment and opportunities whenever possible.

When you think about your impact here, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the many individuals I have helped connect to the game—whether by providing equipment, facilitating school programs, or offering training. Through tennis, I have built relationships with countless wonderful people, and seeing others grow and thrive in the sport is deeply rewarding.

Q: Why does representation in tennis matter, especially for young Black athletes?

A: Representation is critically important. Many young Black athletes do not see tennis as a viable path for themselves, often perceiving it as a sport reserved for the wealthy. As players advance to higher levels, the financial demands increase—lessons, travel, equipment, and court time can be costly, particularly in inner-city communities where access to courts is limited and often expensive. Greater representation helps young athletes envision a future for themselves in the sport.

Q: What would you say to a young Black player who is just starting out or may not see many people who look like them in the sport?

A: I would encourage them to keep playing. Tennis is truly a lifetime sport. Even if you do not see many players who look like you, you share the same goals and aspirations—to improve, to compete, and to be the best you can be. Along the way, you will build friendships with people from all backgrounds and grow not only as an athlete but as a well-rounded individual.

Q: What does a more welcoming and inclusive tennis community look like to you?

To me, a more welcoming and inclusive tennis community is one where access is not determined by income, background, or who you know. It means affordable court time, accessible equipment, and quality instruction being available in every neighborhood—not just in private clubs or affluent areas.

It looks like public parks and schools with well-maintained courts, active youth programs, and coaches who are intentional about reaching kids who might not otherwise see tennis as an option. It means creating pathways for players to grow without financial barriers pushing them out as they improve.

It also means representation at every level—players, coaches, administrators, and club leadership who reflect the diversity of the broader community. When young players see people who look like them succeeding and leading in the sport, it changes what they believe is possible.

A truly inclusive tennis community is one where beginners feel just as valued as advanced players, where newcomers are welcomed warmly, and where mentorship is part of the culture. It is a community built on encouragement rather than exclusivity—where the goal is not just to develop great players, but to build confident, connected individuals through the game.