Who We Are
Mastering Every Event
Althea Lake Nona brings success to the forefront, ensuring that every gathering comes together in perfect fashion. Each event is made complete with vibrant style and unique flair, creating a lifestyle and atmosphere that makes an impression on every guest. At Althea Lake Nona, you’ll be met with the most memorable meeting setting Orlando has to offer.
The Start of It All
Althea Neale Gibson was an American tennis player, a professional golfer, and one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. She grew up here in Orlando. In 1956, Althea made history and became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships).
Win After Win
In 1957, Althea won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals, the precursor of the US Open. She won both again in 1958 and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press both years. In all, she won 11 Grand Slam tournaments: five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title.
Teeing Off
In the early 1960s, Althea also became the first Black player to compete in the Women's Professional Golf Tour. At a time when racism and prejudice were widespread in sports and society, Gibson never gave up. "Her road to success was a challenging one", said Billie Jean King, "but I never saw her back down." In 1964, she became the first Black woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour.
Her Legacy
A widely distributed quote from Althea Gibson reads, “I always wanted to be somebody. If I made it, it’s half because I was game enough to take a lot of punishment along the way, and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.” Today, we honor the brave accomplishments Althea made for equality in sports and the world at large.
The Excitement of Aloft
Discover outstanding convenience and amenities. Located right next to the USTA National Campus, Aloft Orlando Lake Nona is a chic and contemporary hotel attached to our event center.
What the Planners are Saying
The final video from our recent group fam trip at Lake Nona features heartfelt testimonials from attendees, capturing the trip's essence and camaraderie against the stunning backdrop. It's a genuine showcase of the trip's impact and shared experiences, leaving viewers inspired for future adventures.