May, who grew up in California, is the daughter of the late David May II, who was an heir to the May Department Stores Co retail giant.

The company, acquired by Macy's in 2005, was founded by Alysia's great grandfather, German born businessman David May.

After attending Westlake High School in Los Angeles, May was recruited by the UCLA Bruins to play collegiate tennis, then in 1990 turned professional.

[4] In the early 1990s she competed on the professional tour, most prominently as a doubles player, reaching a top ranking of 58 in the world.

She featured in the main draw of the women's doubles at all four grand slam tournaments and won one WTA title, at Schenectady in 1990 partnering Nana Miyagi.