Full Circle: Greg “Moose” DeMoustes on South Florida Tennis, Legacy, and a New Chapter at Veltri

South Florida has a rich and storied tennis tradition. For generations, public parks, recreation programs, clubs, schools, and community tennis centers have done more than grow the game—they have created connections, friendships, mentorships, and memories that extend far beyond the court.

For Greg “Moose” DeMoustes, that journey began as a teenager in the public parks and recreation system. It was there that he discovered a passion not only for tennis, but for people, community, mentorship, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Today, that journey has come full circle.

“I’m incredibly humbled and proud to return to those roots as Supervisor of Racquet Sports at Frank Veltri Tennis Center with the City of Plantation.”

For Moose, Veltri represents much more than courts and programming.

“Veltri is more than a premier racquet sports facility. It is part of the South Florida tennis community and carries a legacy built by generations of players, coaches, families, staff, and volunteers. I feel a tremendous responsibility and an even greater opportunity—to help build upon that legacy.”

Stepping into a leadership role at a facility with such a deep history comes with both pride and responsibility.

Moose’s approach is not about simply changing what already exists. It is about listening, learning, building relationships, and finding opportunities to move the community forward.

His leadership philosophy is simple: Provoke positive change. Build safety and trust. Create a foundation where community can thrive.

At the heart of that philosophy is inclusion.

“When people feel welcomed, respected, valued, and heard, they are more likely to connect, participate, support one another, and truly feel that they belong.”

That belief has shaped much of Moose’s career and continues to influence his vision for Veltri.

The vision is straightforward: support the VTC team, expand opportunities, grow tennis and pickleball, and create an environment where players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can find their place on the court.

Inclusion means creating opportunities for everyone to participate. At Veltri, that includes supporting programs such as LSA programming and wheelchair tennis, while continuing to explore ways to make racquet sports more accessible to the broader community.

These programs represent something bigger than individual offerings. They reflect the belief that the court should be a place where people can connect, compete, learn, have fun, and belong—regardless of ability or experience.

That means continuing to develop programming, creating opportunities for connection, supporting competitive and recreational players, and making sure the facility remains rooted in its most important purpose: serving the community.

Because community is bigger than a league, a tournament, a program, or a membership number.

Community is people.

It is the player who walks onto a court for the first time. The longtime member who has spent decades playing with friends. The coach who changes a young player’s life. The adaptive athlete discovering a new opportunity. The volunteer who gives their time. The parent watching from the fence. The staff member who makes someone feel welcome.

Those moments are what make a tennis center more than a facility.

They make it a community.

Throughout his career, Moose has been fortunate to work alongside mentors and colleagues who challenged him, supported him, and believed in him.

Their influence continues to shape how he leads today.

He understands that leadership is not something built alone. It is developed through relationships, experiences, successes, mistakes, and the people willing to invest in you along the way.

That perspective is something he hopes to pass forward.

“I’m deeply grateful to Patricia O’Toole, Director of Parks & Recreation; Chris Cooksey, Superintendent of Aquatics and Racquet Sports; and the City of Plantation for the opportunity to lead at a place with such a meaningful history.”

Returning to the public recreation system where his own journey began is more than a career milestone. It is a reminder of how powerful community tennis can be.

He sees an opportunity to honor what came before while continuing to evolve what comes next.

“I’m proud of where I’ve been, grateful for where I am, and excited about where we’re going.”

That future includes tennis. It includes pickleball. It includes competition, recreation, mentorship, friendship, inclusion, and fun.

And most importantly, creating a racquet sports community where everyone has a place on the court.

Photos courtesy of City of Plantation Parks and Recreation.

FLORIDA TENNIS NEWS — POWERED BY OUR PARTNERS