Katrina Adams shares her experiences from her days competing on the tennis court to becoming the first African-American and the youngest person ever to serve as President and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Her role models include Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe and now Katrina has become a role model herself. Her accomplishments are impressive and detailed in Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the Only One.
A series of interesting stories includes a fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to run the U.S. Open Championships. During her time leading the USTA, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open, underwent a massive, multi-million dollar enhancement. Adams puts you right on center court with the world’s top players including the drama of the U.S. Open Women’s Finals in 2018 when Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams.
As a rising junior player, successful college player and ultimately competing on the Women’s professional tour, Adams had the support and encouragement of a strong family unit and many caring coaches and extended family. But as she writes, she was often the only one "who looked like me,” which made her journey a challenging one. This awareness developed into a mission to create opportunities for African American youth and champion diversity.
If you have an interest in the sport of tennis and an interest in learning more about an inspiring woman who has broken barriers, check out Own the Arena.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Nonfiction: Autobiography/Memoir/Leadership/Sports.
Publication Date: February 23, 2021.
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