Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Month: Trishna Patel

For Trishna Patel, tennis has always been more than a game, it’s been the key to connection, character-building, and personal growth. Born in Mumbai, India, Trishna picked up a racquet at just seven years old, playing on community courts with a passion that would take her across the world. 

At 13, she made a life-changing decision and moved to Florida alone to train at the prestigious Bollettieri Academy, now known as IMG Academy. While she returned to India once a year to reconnect with her family, Florida quickly became a second home. “I think Florida is very friendly to athletes and families moving across the world,” Trishna said. From the weather to its location, Trishna believes that Florida is the best place to train. She also noted that the state has some of the best coaches and facilities in the world. 

Her love for the sport and competitive drive took her to Brown University, where she made history. As an NCAA Division I student-athlete, Trishna helped lead the team to only its second Ivy League Championship and was later inducted into the Brown Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. She still holds the university record for most singles and doubles wins in a single season. 

After college, Trishna played at private clubs, but eight years ago, she returned to Florida and rediscovered the joy of community tennis. Now, she serves as the Director of the Ormond Beach Tennis Center, an 8-court Har-Tru facility located near the beach. There, she and her team are focused on programs for all ages in a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment. 

While Trishna knows tennis is viewed as an isolating sport she shares that when you play recreationally or run community programs for kids, you realize how social and connective the sport can be. Trishna and many providers she works with are focusing on the social, health, and character-building aspects of tennis. 

That perspective is shaped by her multifaceted identity, as a single mom, Asian American, athlete, business owner, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and USTA Florida Board Member. She views her work as a way to inspire others and open doors. “When we create opportunities for one another, we show our younger athletes that they are supported and part of a community.” 

Trishna also gives back through coaching, serving as the head boys and girls tennis coach for Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach. She runs a no-cut program with the help of parent volunteers and is passionate about making the sport accessible to everyone. In 2023, she was honored as USPTA Florida Region 4 Pro of the Year. And in 2024, the City of Ormond Beach awarded her the contract to operate the local tennis center, an opportunity she’s embraced with new initiatives and an inclusive vision for growth. 

Rapid Fire with Trishna Patel 

• Singles or Doubles: Doubles 
• Favorite Indian dish: Chicken Korma 
• Favorite player: Martina Navratilova 
• Favorite tennis shot: Volley 
• Favorite facility: McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center at William & Mary 
• Favorite thing about tennis: “It makes you crazy. Tennis gives you the highest highs and lowest lows.” 
• US Open or Wimbledon: US Open