Check out the latest interviews with Dani Apted Schlottman.

Dani Apted Schlottman does not always carry a tennis racquet with her and in real life looks much less “squinty” than she does in this photo.

Though Dani played volleyball at Saint Louis University, tennis has always been in her blood. Something else runs through her veins too: an entrepreneurial spirit.

“Chances are that once in your life you’ve enjoyed a Ms. Hulling’s cake, taken a horse-drawn carriage ride, played tennis or met friends at Creve Coeur Racquet Club, or stayed at a Cheshire Lodge Fantasy Suite which means in some way,” said Dani, “my family has been a little part of your family.”

“My family has done a little bit of everything. They’ve started restaurants, magazines, hotels, golf courses, ice cream shops to tennis clubs. It took me a little while to see where I fit in.”

Dani spent just a few months at Creve Coeur Racquet Club before her move to Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. She was chosen to manage and operate the facility for the non-profit board that leases the courts from Forest Park. It was during this summer that she learned about the St. Louis Aces and when she and her father began action to take over ownership of the team.

In her sixth year with the St. Louis Aces Dani has made some changes. Gone are the days of crusty, quiet, boring tennis. She brought in more music, better happy hours and a younger audience. With unique match nights with themes anywhere from all inclusive cocktails to bringing your dog, she’s definitely changed people’s perceptions of what “Aces Tennis” is all about. While changing the atmosphere to more of a fun night out for everyone, not just tennis fans, she has kept the tennis talent level high. Players such as Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Anna Kournikova, Martina Navratilova and many more have played in St. Louis.

Dani has been honored by the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Lift for Life Academy and The United States Tennis Association.