Sports
Tennis pioneer Rosie Casals to be honored in Plano during Hispanic Heritage Month
By media release
Sep 8, 2024
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Sept. 13-14 event also features
pro/celebrity/charity tennis tournament

Plano, Texas – On Sept. 13-14, Plano’s Life Time Fitness & Athletic Club will host the Rosie Cup Tennis Doubles Round Robin Tournament. Presented by the Law Offices of Dirrell Jones, PLLC and The Shanklin Law Firm, the event will pay homage to “America’s First Hispanic Lady of Women’s Tennis,” Rosie Casals. The occasion will include a video retrospective of Ms. Casals’ incredible and iconic career.

Her contributions, along with Billie Jean King’s and “The Original 9,” paved the way for women’s tennis and women’s sports, including Title IX, which allows equal educational and career opportunities for females. Ms. Casals will be awarded by some of tennis’ most prestigious organizations and recognized by the City of Plano and notable Hispanic organizations. WFAA’s Emmy Award winning news reporter, Rebecca Lopez, is the host for the evening.

Kicking off the tennis tournament and Casals’ tribute will be a private, invitation-only fundraiser in South Oak Cliff in association with DFW Hispanic Communicators. The Hispanic Heritage Month occasion will provide Mexican-themed menus, margaritas, and entertainment. Valet parking will be provided. Athletes in Acting Awards’ Hand Up Foundation’s Founder, Larry York, will also be in attendance to honor Ms. Casals, his former boss. The Hand Up Foundation provides scholarships to student athletes studying radio, television, film, the arts, advertising and marketing. 

The tennis tournament begins Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:00 p.m. culminating at 7:00 p.m. Celebs expected to attend include former Dallas Cowboys, professional tennis players, a former gold medal gymnast, radio and television personalities, former pro basketball players, including Chris Owens, the great nephew of the legendary, gold medal sprinter, Jesse Owens. Invitations will be extended to NBA great Dirk Nowitzki, tennis sensation John Isner, and others soon to be announced. Also scheduled will be a “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, college team exhibitions, a “Rally with Rosie” tennis exhibition, food, entertainment, and lots of fun!

The public may watch the tennis tournament for free. Life Café will be on hand to take food and drink orders.

The event takes place at Life Time Fitness & Athletic Centers, 7100 Preston Road, Plano TX 75024. Proceeds benefit Rosie Casals’ Love & Love Tennis Foundation and Athletes in Acting Awards’ Hand Up Foundation. The nearby Sandman Signature Plano-Frisco Hotel, 8451 Parkwood Boulevard, Plano, Texas 75024, is offering a discounted rate through September 8th for attendees.

For more information, email: info@athletesinactingawards.com or call 469-616-5913.