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Come out and see about four hundred of the country’s top junior girl players at the Level 1 USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 16s and 18s National Championships from Saturday, August 8, through Sunday, August 16 at Barnes Tennis Center. Admission is FREE. This is a fantastic opportunity for all juniors to get inspired by watching youth incredible tennis.

The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of this prestigious event, which gives the champions an entre into the 2026 U.S. Open main and junior draws.

“The SCTA Foundation is thrilled to suppport this fantastic tournament,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the Southern California Tennis Association. “Our mission is to support youth tennis at all levels, and this includes an opportunity for our So Cal kids to see what they can aspire to become. What better way to do it than to have a free courtside experience for eight days this summer. We encourage the So Cal tennis community of all ages to come out and watch.”

This fiercely competitive tournament has been the launching ground for tomorrow’s college and professional stars. Alyssa Ahn, the 2025 Girls’ 18s singles champion, converted a wildcard entry into an amazing national victory. Ahn was also the 2022 Girls’ 16s champion. At the 2025 U.S. Open, she faced WTA No. 24 ranked Elise Mertens of Belgium in the first round for a wonderful experience. Afterward, Ahn stepped into the Cardinal women’s tennis line up as a freshman where she earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference Third-Team Singles Honors. She played No. 2 singles for the Cardinal and logged an impressive 12-5 record. This fall, Ahn will begin her sophomore college tennis journey, and the SCTA Foundation wishes her a great year.

Other past champions include 18-year-old Iva Jovic (2024) from Torrance, now ranked WTA No. 16 in singles. She won the 2025 Guadalajara Open Akron presented by Santander and was a finalist at the 2026 Hobart International in Australia. Santa Barbara’s Kayla Day won the 2016 Girls’ 18s singles title, and is now ranked WTA No. 126 in singles. Amber Liu was the 2001 Girls’ 18s singles champion, and Wimbledon champion Karen (Hantze) Sussman, won the title in 1960. Additional past singles champions were Clervie Ngounoue (2023), Ashlyn Krueger (2021), Katie Volynets and Shelby Rogers (2010).

“Being put in this elite group means so much to me,” said Ahn, in a USTA SoCal article. “It really motivates me to continue working hard and follow in the footsteps of the legends who have won these titles previously.”

If you are interested in watching outstanding singles and doubles matches, additional sites will be Sunday through Tuesday, August 8 to 4, at the University of San Diego.  Matches can also be seen Sunday through Wednesday, August 5 to 8, at Balboa Tennis Club. The singles and doubles finals will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, at Barnes Tennis Center but be sure to check for times. Admission is FREE. For tournament information, go to the official website CLICK HERE.

“We believe tennis can change lives in so many outstanding ways,” Milan said. “It promotes good health and well-being for people of all ages and stages of life on and off the tennis court.”

The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation is able to support great events like the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 16s and 18s National Championships thanks to donor  generosity and support. Please consider your financial gift to help us with our mission.  CLICK HERE   To learn more about the SCTA Foundation, CLICK HERE.

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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Who is This Workshop Geared For?

It is designed for new tennis instructors, PE teachers, elementary, middle and high school coaches, college coaches and players, or current tennis coaches seeking a refresher course. This is the first step in the USTA Coaching Pathway. There is a free coupon code below for high school coaches.

“We want to make it easy and accessible to become a USTA certified coach,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director of the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation.  “This is a great opportunity for high school coaches and entry level instructors. It will also help strong high school and college players who are thinking about entering the coaching profession.”

How to Sign Up

It is simple and easy. Follow the steps below.

• Sign up for free USTA Coaching Baseline Membership at  ustacoaching.com.
• If you are already a USTA member, use your current USTA email and password when signing up for the Baseline membership.
• If you are a new member, create new credentials.
• Once you create your Baseline membership, go back to the home page.
• Click on the two white bars in the upper left corner of your screen.
• Click on Events.
• The In-Person Events Schedule will drop down.
• Select the Intro to Coaching Workshop at the Barnes Tennis Center on August 22^nd.
• Use the complimentary code to sign up for the Barnes Intro to Coaching workshop (ITCBARNES8HS100).

Benefits of Being a USTA Coach

• 20% gear discount (with prerequisites)
• Serve Tennis Software
• Limited access to the USTA Coaching Online Learning Hub
• Member exclusive benefits
• IHG Exclusive Travel Discounts
• Exclusive Hyperice Discounts (Up to 25% Off)
• McDavid Discounts (40% Off)
• Dermasport Discounts (30% Off)

For more information, contact Kevin Finkelberg, Director of USTA SoCal Coaching, at finkelberg@scta.usta.com. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation’s scholarships and grants, please go to sctafoundation.org/scholarships/. To donate to the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation and help us make tennis an equal-opportunity and accessible sport to under-resources youth, send your gift to sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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About the Southern California  Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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For fifteen-year-old Keinaan and his mother, tennis is not just a recreational sport – it’s a lifeline. Thanks to the South Bay Serves tennis program sponsored by the Teens Rise Foundation, he made his high school team as a freshman. This summer, he played in his first-ever USTA Junior Team Tennis (JTT) league in the 18U division.

“I never thought tennis would be something for me,” Keinaan said. “Now I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Keinaan faced many obstacles to learn the sport. He took the bus or trolley to attend the free Saturday tennis classes held at Mount Miguel High. Matches were a greater challenge as some were 40 miles away, but he arranged for rides and carpooled with other families. Keinaan never missed a single match.

Having recently immigrated from Latin America, Keinaan and his mother were searching for a sense of community. They found it in the South Bay Serves tennis program. By eliminating barriers to entry, the program is proving that access, mentorship and a team can completely re-route a teen’s life.

Built From the Ground Up

South Bay Serves didn’t start with the idea of building a competitive youth tennis program. It was created with the idea of starting a grassroots tennis pathway for under-served kids. It began three years ago with a community grant from the Southern California Tennis Association (SCTA) Foundation. The strategy was straightforward: rent courts on Saturday mornings at Mount Miguel High School and offer free, two-hour, drop-in lessons to youth aged 8 to 18. No experience required. No expensive gear necessary.

“South Bay Serves and Teens Rise are doing an incredible job of bringing tennis to communities who are in need of programs and opportunities,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director of the SCTA Foundation. “Our missions of changing lives through sport perfectly align, and we are thrilled to be a part of their program. We love that they also embrace education and give under-resourced kids a chance to experience more in life on and off the tennis court.”

The initial response to South Bay Serves was overwhelming. Students who had never held a racquet began showing up week after week. They didn’t just learn how to hit a ball, they got competitive, and soon, they wanted more.

To meet this student-driven demand, the SCTA Foundation doubled down on its investment for the next funding cycle, covering league match expenses, court rentals, and coaching staff. Within just one year, South Bay Serves evolved from a casual weekend clinic into a fully operational USTA Junior Team Tennis program.

During the recent summer season, 16 of the program’s 24 training athletes competed across four distinct teams (U10, U12, and two U18 squads).

“Junior Team Tennis has done something for our students that no classroom can replicate; it has given them a reason to compete, to belong, and to believe in themselves as athletes,” says Gaby Millán, Executive Director of Teens Rise Foundation. “JTT didn’t just teach them tennis. It taught them that they belong in the sport.”

Overcoming the Play Gap

The reality for youth living in South San Diego neighborhoods like Chula Vista, San Ysidro, and Sweetwater is that organized sports like tennis are often an unaffordable luxury. South San Diego statistics indicate that 25% of children under age 18 are living in poverty. Only 10% of adults earn a college degree and there is an over-whelming number of single parent households, according to the Teens Rise Foundation.

While many local high schools field tennis teams, elementary and middle schools rarely offer sport, leaving a massive gap in early development. South Bay Serves fills this void. The hunger for tennis is palpable—and once the kids get hooked, their parents fall in love with the game, too.

A Holistic Approach to Youth Development

Teens Rise Foundation understands that athletic success requires a stable foundation off the court. South Bay Serves is just one part of a three-pronged ecosystem:

• Teens Rise: South Bay Serves: Tennis instruction, teamwork, and local competition to 700  players each year at elementary, middle and high schools.
• Tennis Rise: Salut: Health and wellness programming, including yoga, mindfulness, and resilience training.
• Teens Rise: Scholars: Academic empowerment offering college campus tours, career panels, hands-on STEM field trips, and youth art exhibits displayed across San Diego.

Trust, Culture, and the Coaching Pipeline

A program like this only succeeds if the community trusts the leaders on the court. South Bay Serves is highly intentional about hiring from within. The coaching staff—led by Coach Charles Griffin, alongside Coaches Timothy Ton, Alex Alvarez, David Santos, and Miguel Liera—are locals, not outsiders.

Because the majority of the students are Hispanic, most of the coaches are bilingual, eliminating communication barriers for both athletes and their parents. Furthermore, coaches instill accountability by tasking the youth with taking care of their equipment and respecting school resources.

Now, a homegrown coaching pipeline is emerging. Older JTT players who advanced through the program are returning to volunteer as mentors for the younger children.

The Next Goal

Currently, South Bay Serves operates after-school programs one to two days a week across 14 elementary and middle schools within the Sweetwater, Chula Vista, and San Ysidro school districts. But they are just getting started.

Looking ahead, South Bay Serves strives to expand to full fall and spring USTA JTT teams with at least six players per team. The ultimate goal, however, is full Physical Education (PE) Integration. By bringing tennis directly into the mandatory school curriculum, this will eliminate transportation and financial barriers entirely, making tennis an organic part of the local school culture.

“Teens Rise Foundation is not just building USTA JTT teams,” Millán said. “It is building the next generation of South Bay players and tennis coaches.”

To learn more about the Teens Rise Foundation or the South Bay Serves tennis program, please contact Kim Riveros at info@tennisrise.org. To support the SCTA Foundation’s mission of empower life-changing programs like Teens Rise, consider making a financial gift at sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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 About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation: We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on social media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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Calling all tennis friends to join the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation to celebrate an amazing book launch featuring tennis legend Charlie Pasarell. The book is called Serving First: Dreams Realized and Lessons Learned from Family, Friends, and a Life in Tennis, and this celebration will be held on August 19, 2026, at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

Pasarell, a Puerto Rican-American tennis champion, was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in 1967. He was a five-time national champion in Puerto Rico and attended UCLA where he roomed with teammate Arthur Ashe. Pasarell won the 1966 NCAA singles and doubles titles and was the top collegiate player in the nation. He won 23 singles titles as a pro and reached a career high of No. 11 in the world.

Off the court, Pasarell made an enormous impact when in 1972 he partnered with Ashe and Sheridan Snyder to launch the National Junior Tennis and Learning program. It is still thriving today offering free or low-cost tennis to underserved and at-risk youth.  In the professional level, Pasarell transitioned into administration and rebuilt the Indian Wells Tennis Garden tournament into one of the top events in the world. Today that tennis tournament, now the BNP Paribas, is aptly named a “Tennis Paradise.”

“We are excited to be a part of this event and honor Charlie’s stellar career,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “His accomplishments are legendary and experiences will be both inspirational and motivational to hear. He helped change the world for under-resourced juniors.”

Journalist Richard Evans, a respected long-time tennis journalist and author of 23 books, will join Charlie for this special evening to trade behind-the-scenes stories and tennis history from the 1960s to the present day. Richard is a fellow inductee in the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a long-time friend of Charlie. Finally, Joel Drucker, a historian-at-large for the Hall of Fame and co-author of Serving First, will moderate what is sure to be a lively and engaging conversation.

Attendees will enjoy a full bar, four stations of hors d’oeuvres, exceptional stories, and autographed copies of Charlie’s book  are included at a cost of $125 per person. All proceeds after costs will be donated to the SCTA Foundation. To reserve your spot for this special evening, please CLICK HERE.

For questions or information, please contact Linda Milan at lmilan@sctafoundation.org.

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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Annette Buck was an incredibly generous tennis advocate, organizer, leader and friend. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She did not seek the limelight, rather preferred to shine her love and attention on others. After years of devoting herself to the sport of tennis and its community, Annette passed away on February 21, 2026, at age 82.

The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation celebrates her life and honors her legacy of helping others less fortunate than herself. She fought for fairness and advocated for those in need. Annette left a very generous financial gift to the SCTA Foundation, whose mission is to make tennis accessible to everyone regardless of age, ethnicity or economic means. We are forever grateful.

Our SCTA Foundation Executive Director, Linda Milan, was one of Annette’s closest friends and they worked together at USTA Southern California. In this story, Linda shares her personal memories with Annette.

There were so many memories shared by Linda Milan and Annette Buck. Their story started on the courts of the Warner Center Tennis Club. Every Saturday morning, a small group would gather to play a friendly round-robin event. Afterward, they would get lunch and inevitably find their way to small tennis shops to browse for clothing. Over time, this group expanded and took their rackets to the West Side, Calabasas and Malibu. They affectionately dubbed these weekly gatherings as the “Annette Buck Invitational.” Those days usually wrapped up with laughs over lunch at Don the Beachcomber, laying the foundation for a lifelong bond.

Annette was a woman of vibrant passions, and when she wasn’t on the tennis court, she was looking at the sky. Bird watching was one of her absolute favorite things to do.

“I was constantly amazed by the depth of her knowledge,” Linda said. “Annette didn’t just look at birds, she understood them. She kept meticulous journals, tracking every species she spotted.”  Whether Annette was traveling for leisure or attending USTA Annual Meetings with her husband, Jim, she always carved out time to appreciate the local wildlife and log bird sightings in her cross-country travels.

An Adventurer in Life

Annette was eager to explore life. She joined Linda on a vacation to Australia and New Zealand when Linda’s husband, Allen, was unable to travel due to a business commitment. They went “mud bogging” through remote areas of New Zealand, and it was a wild adventure. They drove through thick mud to see the untouched countryside. In Australia, they visited Kangaroo Island, an open sanctuary where animals roamed freely. Annette also joined Linda in Hawaii for a week when Allen was producing a concert featuring an eclectic mix of jazz, rock and traditional Hawaiian music. She simply loved new experiences.

Concert Adventures

Linda and Annette shared a deep love for music, specifically, Joan Baez. They went to many of Baez’s concerts. One night, the pair saw her perform at the Wiltern Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. They parked in a nearby lot where attendants were collecting tickets. When they returned, however, the lot was filled with flashing red lights and police officers. It turned out the “attendants” did not actually own the lot. Channeling their inner outlaw spirit, the dynamic duo quickly escaped the chaos, jumped into their car, and drove away as fast as they could, laughing all the way home.

Annette’s generosity extended far beyond vacations, and she made Linda and Allen feel like family during holiday celebrations. As the oldest of seven children, Annette’s family gatherings were massive, lively and full of love.

From the Court to the Office: Partners at the SCTA

In 2005, their relationship took on a new dimension when Linda started working for the Southern California Tennis Association (SCTA). Since both lived in Woodland Hills just miles apart, they became commuting partners. For eleven incredible years, from 2005 to 2016, they shared the drive, the traffic and their lives.

To say Annette’s organizational skills were “off the charts” is an understatement. In the days before computers, Annette ran massive events completely by hand.

“I can still picture her spreadsheets because they were literally a yard long,” Linda said. “She tracked the progress of the matches manually, using a massive board with names, courts and times with tons of push pins. It was an incredibly challenging, tedious process, but Annette flawlessly executed it.”

Legendary Leadership

Annette was an unparalleled leader. She was meticulous, detail-oriented and deeply committed to fairness. When she ran the Southern California Intercollegiate Championships, she collaborated closely with legendary coaches like UCLA Men’s Coach Billy Martin and USC Men’s Coach Peter Smith. She obsessed over getting the seedings exactly right. Even though it was not an official NCAA event, she knew how much it mattered to college tennis. Each time there was a player change in the event, she would patiently sit down and redo the entire draw by hand. She cared about the players’ experience above all else.

Superior Customer Service

“No question was too small, and no hour was too late.” That was Annette’s philosophy as a tournament director. She would routinely take phone calls from stressed players or organizers at 11pm. Linda would often say, “Annette, it can wait until the morning!” But Annette would just smile and say, “I was up, and they needed help, so I’m happy to do it.” Annette had a unique gift for helping people through their crises right in the moment.

Player experience and fairness were her guiding lights. One summer, Annette ran the Senior Men’s North/South Challenge in Fresno. It was punishingly hot. Knowing the heat risks, Annette wanted the players to use a match tie-break instead of a grueling third set. The men were determined and insisted on playing the full third set. Annette listened to them, made sure they felt heard, and allowed them to play it their way—even though some later suffered from heat issues. She knew a better way to do things but valued others’ autonomy and voice.

A Woman with Solutions

Whenever a conflict arose, Annette was the ultimate problem solver. She would quietly listen to the facts from everyone involved, strip away the noise and find the heart of the issue. Then she engineered a compromise that left everyone feeling heard and respected.

Annette Buck was one of a kind. She was a force of nature, an adventurous explorer and a meticulous leader. Her positive influence on the tennis community has left a lasting impact that greatly contributed to the growth of the sport in Southern California and beyond.

“Annette was a fierce advocate for fairness, and above all, the truest friend I could have ever asked for,” Linda said. “The courts, the commutes and the world are infinitely brighter because she was in them.”

To learn more about Annette Buck’s impact on the Southern California tennis community, please read her story by USTA Southern California. CLICK HERE To donate to the SCTA Foundation and make a big impact on kids’ lives through the sport of tennis, CLICK HERE.

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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For 13-year-old Micah Velte, the tennis court isn’t just a place to play, it’s where he’s building a future. Born with Spina Bifida, Micah has spent a decade navigating the world from a wheelchair, but on the court, he isn’t just a participant. He has become a rising force. Currently ranked No. 5 in the Junior A Division and No. 3 in Adult B, Micah is proving that with the his team of coaches and an unwavering spirit, his potential is unlimited.

Recent Success

For the first time, Micah won the COED Adult B Singles and Doubles Titles at the Arizona Level 3 Open Wheelchair Tournament. While it is clear that Micah has the talent and drive to reach his goals, the cost of travel often remains a barrier. The SCTA Foundation is happy to help Launch His Dreams through scholarships.

“Micah is an amazing young man who deserves every opportunity to reach his goals and we are happy to support his journey,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director of the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation. “He has the passion and determination along with a dedicated support system from his family and coaches. His future is bright.”

Photo credit: USTA SoCalA Legacy Born at Three

Micah’s tennis journey began at age three under the wing of the late iconic Coach Dee Henry, a legendary pioneer in wheelchair tennis and long-time coach at Biola University.

“Coach Dee made Micah love tennis,” says his father, Jonathan Velte. “Her style was so welcoming and supportive. Micah’s passion for tennis and his success is all due to her influence.”

That foundation is now being built upon by a “village” of mentors. Coach Keith Orahood of T3 Adaptive Racquet Sports focuses on Micah’s stroke production and training.

“Coach Keith has helped me continue what Coach Dee started,” Micah said. “He is the coach that encourages you. If you mess up he doesn’t care. Just try again. He believes in me.”

Coach Henry Reyes, who was also mentored by Coach Dee, works on his Micah’s mental game and strategy. Together, they are refining a player who Coach Keith describes as having “incredible fundamentals” and a rare ability to shift seamlessly from defense to offense.

“Micah is powerful and has good control over his shots,” Coach Henry said. “Recently we have been working to stay positive. I’ve tried to instill in him that you may be down, you still have a chance.”

The Mental Edge

For Micah, changing his grip that produced a “pancake serve” to a professional-style serve with spin and kick has been a game-changer. But the biggest hurdles aren’t physical.

“The mental game is a huge part because it’s easy to get down on yourself,” Micah said. Under Coach Henry’s guidance, Micah has learned to use the precious minutes during side changes as a reset button. He has learned to take a breath, eat a bite of food, and focus on how to win the next game.

“Tennis is not about the win vs. the loss, it’s about how you handle it,” said Coach Henry. “It’s about learning to recover and not let the loss put you in a hole.”

A Family Transformed

While Micah’s 3-year-old sister, Abigail, cheers from the sidelines, Jonathan and his wife, Megan, have embraced the unique path their family has taken.

“Micah’s disability altered our lives, but in a positive way,” Jonathan said. “We have learned and grown together.” That growth is visible on the court, where Jonathan often hits with Micah. “I used to be able to beat him,” Jonathan said. “Now I’m lucky to get two or three games.”

Breaking Barriers: From Middle School to High School and Beyond

Micah currently trains a minimum of 10 hours a week in an Independent Study Physical Education program outside of school to hone his tennis skills because his middle school’s dirt fields are not wheelchair-friendly. He also plays tournaments on the weekends. This dedication is fueled by massive goals:

• High School: Competing on his school’s ambulatory team (where the only difference is he gets two bounces to a stand-up player’s one).
• College: Playing wheelchair tennis at the university level, a goal he is already researching at age 13 to understand his options.
• The Dream: Representing the U.S. in the Paralympics.

While Micah loves tennis, he also has a passion for music. He joined the middle school band and plays the euphonium, akin to a small tuba. He plans to pursue music and band in high school in addition to tennis. “Micah is discovering he has many different talents,” said his father, Jonathan. “But I think his success in tennis has given him the confidence to try new things. Little did he know music would be another kind of passion.”

A Community Effort

Micah’s tennis success has truly been a community effort. One of biggest challenges was getting a tennis-specific wheelchair. Thanks to a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation and a connection through San Diego State University  Wheelchair Coach Greg Hasterok, Micah had a heavy basketball wheelchair and will soon be receiving a lightweight model made by Vesco.

He’s also gaining “big league” experience through Team IMPACT, which has “signed” him to the Azusa Pacific University men’s tennis team. Attending their matches gives Micah a taste of the high-energy atmosphere of college sports. “College tennis is like going to a party,” Jonathan says. “This way, he can begin to connect the dots on where he wants to go in life.”

For Micah, every practice and every tournament is a step toward a larger purpose. As he puts it: “I’ve learned to identify what I need to do to reach my goals. I am thankful for my family and coaches, and all of the people who have helped me along the way.”

About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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For Ivan Thamma, tennis started off as a fun way to socialize with other kids at the City Heights Recreation Center in San Diego. Over a decade later, his life has come full circle and tennis has given him a foundation for a bright future… on and off the tennis court.

Thamma, 27, is an only child born to Russian and Laotian immigrants. At age 5, he attended a free after-school tennis program sponsored by Youth Tennis San Diego. He quickly excelled in the sport and won local tournaments. By age 12, he was training at Barnes Tennis Center, four hours a day, five days a week. For Thamma, tennis turned from a hobby into a passionate pursuit of excellence.

“It taught me to be dedicated, and it was definitely a daily grind,” he said. “I learned the importance of discipline and hard work, not just for tennis but in everything I pursued.”

The Turning Point

The financial barriers that often keep immigrant families off the court were lowered by the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation. Through help from SCTA Foundation’s scholarships and grants, Ivan was able to train, travel and compete in Southern California and across the country.

“The SCTA Foundation’s mission is to help kids like Ivan, who have talent, passion and drive. He just needed help and we were thrilled to give it to him,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “He is remarkable and we are so proud of his success.”

Said Thamma: “I’m so grateful for the scholarships from the SCTA Foundation. It helped me achieve things I could have never dreamed possible. Without their support, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

By age 16, Ivan was no longer a kid from City Heights, he was 2015 USTA Boys 16s National Doubles Champion at the legendary Kalamazoo and the Orange Bowl Tournaments with partner Bryce Pereira, a UCLA standout ranked No. 53 in ITA singles. Thamma also won the CIF San Diego Section Doubles Title with teammate Keegan Smith at Point Loma High, the latter now No. 301 in singles on the ATP Tour.

A Scholar-Athlete

Ivan’s journey beyond the baseline led him to become the first in his family to attend college. He was a five-star recruit and received a full scholarship to play for UC Davis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in economics. In NCAA Division I tennis, Thamma earned All-Big West First-Team Singles and Doubles honors and two ITA All-Academic Team Awards. He was also a team captain, ITA Scholar Athlete, and the 2018 Big West Freshman of the Year.

Because of the Covid Pandemic, Thamma earned a fifth year of eligibility at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He helped the Mustangs win their first ever Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title under the watchful eye of SMU Men’s Coach Grant Chen.

“Ivan’s impact was immediate,” said Chen, the former UCLA Associate Men’s Tennis Coach. “His success on the singles and doubles court was felt as well as his leadership. He helped us win the ACC championship and it was a huge milestone for the team and the university.”

(Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)A Door Closes, A Court Opens

After graduation, Thamma stood at a crossroads. He was interviewing for data analyst jobs in San Diego, preparing to put his economics minor to use in an office setting Then, the phone rang. It was the coach of Jenson Brooksby, who was the No. 33 ranked player in the world at the time. Thamma was invited to become Brooksby’s hitting partner for the 2022 ATP Summer Tour.

For twelve weeks, Ivan lived the pro dream. He traveled from the heat of Washington D.C. to the lights of New York City for the US Open. He saw the “pro world” at its fullest—the glamour, the grind, and the intensity. But as he stood on those world-class courts, Ivan realized something profound: his true calling wasn’t to be the one under the lights, but to shine the light for others to follow his athletic and academic path.

The Mentor

Thamma returned home after touring with Brooksby and became a paid hitting partner at Barnes Tennis Center. Seeing his former student’s passion for helping others, Coach Steve Adamson asked Thamma to consider becoming a tennis pro in his Academy, the one that helped launch Thamma’s tennis career a decade earlier. Thamma accepted the challenge. “Steve is teaching me the tactical side of tennis,” Thamma said. “He has guided me to be a better coach because he has a veteran eye to see things.”

Full Circle

Now at age 27, Ivan is happy to impact the next generation of players as a coach and mentor. “Ivan is a true student of the game and he has been such an integral part of the San Diego tennis community,” Chen said. “I am beyond proud of him. The game of tennis has meant so much to him.”

Thamma said he doesn’t just teach kids how to hit tennis balls, he teaches them about resilience, hard work and discipline, which are the attributes he learned during those daily training sessions. He also shows young juniors the empathy required to handle the pressures of the game.

“I’ve seen the pro world,” Ivan said, looking back on a journey that took him from a free after-school tennis program to a master’s degree and a position as a teaching pro. “Now I want to spread my wisdom. I want to help people feel the love of the game and see where tennis can take them—just like it did for me.”

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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Each afternoon, 12-year-old Denise Campbell faced the same challenge—finding a coach and a place to play tennis. Growing up in Riverside, Denise practiced wherever she could, hitting with family and friends on local courts. Her talent was undeniable. But when the 5 foot 9-inch left-hander needed the next level of training, opportunity felt just out of reach.

That’s when the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation stepped in. Through scholarships and grants, the SCTA Foundation connected Denise to the high-performance pathway—providing coaching, tournament entry fees, equipment, and training opportunities. For Denise and her single-parent family, it was exactly the support they needed to help her pursue both her athletic and academic dreams.

“Denise displayed potential and determination right from the start,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “Her game improved quickly and she reached the top ranks of high school tennis. She continued on that same path in college. We are so proud of her success and wish her the best.”

Denise made the most of her tennis opportunity. She became the No. 1 player at John W. North High School and earned three-time Team MVP honors. During her senior year, she went undefeated in league play and captured the singles championship.

She continued her success at Riverside City College (RCC) and led the women’s team to its No. 3 ITA Collegiate Tennis Ranking in 2023. Along the way she earned All-Conference Doubles Honors, Doubles Team of the Year, and was named an Academic All-American.

Denise’s story is powerful—but it is not unique and it doesn’t end with tennis. Today, she is finishing her degree at RCC and has enlisted in the Naval Reserves. She is pursuing a certificate in automotive repair, she is headed to the Navy for an assignment in underwater mine management.

‘I chose this position,” Campbell said. “They gave me a few different options but this sounded like something I’d be interested in doing. My job will be to figure out how to locate mines and then disassemble them to keep us safe.”

Campbell said boot camp was very difficult with mandatory early mornings and a lot of hard work. It taught her discipline, responsibility and the importance of following rules, but she was ready for the challenge.

“Tennis discipline is your choice and you can challenge yourself to learn tennis skills,” she said. “Military discipline is a lot harder and rougher. There are more things you have to do that are not your choice. It is mentally and physically more demanding.”

This life path would not have been possible without previous success on the tennis court.

“I am so grateful to the SCTA Foundation for all of the scholarships they gave me through the years,” Campbell said. “Because I got the help when I needed it, tennis taught me to work hard and stay in shape. It has given me an education and prepared me for the military. I would not have been able to do as well without it.”  

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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Each year, many high school tennis programs struggle to provide proper equipment and updated training for their girls’ and boys’ teams. Coaches also are in need practice balls, rackets and coaching education. The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation recently stepped up to help this tennis community by sponsoring the RSPA San Diego Team Coaching Training Workshop at Barnes Tennis Center.

This amazing educational event was enjoyed by about fifty participants including RSPA members and non-members, teaching pros, community coaches, parents, teachers and teen leaders. There was also food, drink, product giveaways and a raffle with incredible items donated by sponsors, vendors, local businesses and RSPA pros. In addition, local clubs donated about 1,200 gently-used tennis balls, and the San Diego District Tennis Association donated tennis rackets in good condition.

The workshop was sponsored by RSPA San Diego, CH Court Tech and Barnes Tennis Center. It was also made possible by product sponsorships from USTA Southern California, Dunlop, Wilson, Yonex, Babolat, Steve Riggs, Roberto Ancira, the Orange County Community Tennis Association and the Racquet Stringing Workshop of La Jolla.

“We know that high school coaches need more support than they are getting and we are happy to help,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “They are an important part of the tennis community because they impact so many kids. This pathway is the link to creating recreational, junior and lifelong tennis players.”

The workshop opened with tips on Team Communication and How to Conduct Tryouts  from RSPA Vice President Karen Ronney, a three-time National High School Coach of the Year by RSPA, the Professional Tennis Registry and the Racquet Sports Industry. She has been the head girls’ coach at Patrick Henry High for 18 years. Ronney, the event organizer, suggested a Parent Orientation Program, which includes a comprehensive letter of introduction, methods of providing rosters, schedules and a communication pathway such as shared Google docs, WhatsApp or team-related apps. She also shared best team practices for group warm-ups, how to create a positive team culture, and she led an inciteful teen player Q&A discussion.

Neil Johnson, Founder of Serve-Stroke-Volley (SSV) shared his international level-based rating system and competitive program as well as its application in the high school tryout process. Johnson said SSV defines eight levels of play from beginner to expert, and it can quickly help coaches rate players to determine varsity and junior varsity squads. SSV also hosts year round competitive events.

RSPA Pro Julianna Gates is a multi-faceted fitness coach, who is certified in the Pat Etcheberry system, TRX, and she is a yoga teacher. She led a group of volunteer high school players through a well-rounded Warm Up. Then RSPA veteran Coach Ed Collins taught the students to “Volley Like a Pro” and he led the group through various stages of perfecting the volley. Coach Ed, the former men’s coach at USD, is a four-time RSPA Coach of the Year. He taught the volunteer high school players to keep the racquet head up as they execute the shot from various locations on the court.

Babolat So Cal Territory Rep and RSPA Pro Allan Iverson did an incredible job of teaching Dynamic Doubles. “It’s important to develop basic tracking skills to see the ball and time your split-step, which gets you ready in doubles,” Iverson said. “You have to start from the very first ball that is hit and move forward with strategic understanding and vision.”

RSPA Pro Tom Shea, the former Director of Tennis for the Bay Club of Carmel Valley, demonstrated the “Greatest Game Ever” for teaching doubles. Shea, a past RSPA and SDDTA Pro of the Year, used the Champs and Challengers game in a 2v2 format to teach how to incorporate a combination of volleys, groundstrokes and serves into a live-ball structure.

“When you do a drill make sure you explain its purpose and notice if the players are managing or struggling with it,” Shea said. “After a point, ask how well players understand the objectives, shot selection and court positioning.”

Steve Riggs, the USTA SoCal Junior Team Tennis Area Coordinator for Orange County, shared options for high school players to compete on JTT teams in their off season. Riggs also outlined ways to use JTT to financially help support a high school program.

“If you are coaching kids and you’re not giving them a reason to keep playing, then you are not doing your job,” Riggs said. “JTT is a great gap filler between high school seasons. It can give players a reason to practice, take lessons and compete.”

Fundraising tips were highlighted by Robert Dixon, the Assistant Treasurer from Patrick Henry High. Dixon provided a wealth of information and creative ideas to attendees. He has raised over $200,000 for sports teams at the school.

“If you are coaching, you need to have one or two parents to lead the fundraising team,” Dixon said. “The key is to focus on raising small amounts at a time. A great opportunity is with restaurants that will give you twenty percent of the proceeds. It all adds up.”

Coaching advice for college-bound athletes came from two local experts in Grossmont College Women’s Coach Megan Haber, and San Diego City Women’s Coach Jami Jones.  They provided information on how to help players earn a debt-free education for the first two years by considering community college tennis. There are additional perks such as priority registration, athletic counseling, and support on and off the court.

“Things have changed and now community college is a great choice for the first two years because it’s free in California,” Haber said. “The opportunities are amazing. It’s perfect for girls who want to play tennis but are not quite top level players.”

Said SDCC Coach Jami Jones: “The cost of college is so crazy now. Community college is a place to get an education, be competitive and have a few years to mature. Some kids are not ready to go away right after high school and this is a great next step.”

When it comes to San Diego area high school coaching community, two leaders shared inciteful information. Coach Kevin Brown, the boys’ and girls’ coach at Canyon Crest Academy, has led his program to five CIF San Diego Section Team Championships. Brown has worked with beginners to champions and he offered tips on building community while meeting the athletes’ diverse needs.

“No matter the level of the players, they are there for the same reasons,” Brown said. “They just want to have fun. Sometimes the van rides are where the best memories are made. Kids have a chance to bond, talk, sing and build friendships. No one remembers if they won or lost matches but they remember the fun in the van. If I’m doing that, I’ve done my job well.”

Helix High boys’ and girls’ teams are led by Coach Dan Potter, who is a no-cut coach. He runs a tight schedule that includes practices and matches for varsity, junior varsity and novice players.

“The kids want the courts to be their place, and their space,” Potter said. “I have 60 plus kids per season, and they take ownership of the courts. Sometimes they just want to hang out, sit and do homework. Or they come to decompress and have fun.”

RSPA San Diego thanks all of our sponsors, vendors and community members who made event this happen. Also special thanks to the wonderful volunteer teen players that included Natalie Stein, Ruby Roe and Kim Nguyen from Patrick Henry High, Mikayla Riggs, Julie and Cate Riggs from Woodbridge High, Bradley Middlekamp from Canyon Hills High and Ian Hanrahan from Tierrasanta.

“We were very pleased to be able to offer a workshop specifically for those who lead teams of all types,” said Steve Kappes, the RSPA San Diego Executive Director. “We greatly appreciated the experts who offered help, advice and teaching tips. We are also grateful to the SCTA Foundation and all of our sponsors who made this possible. I think this made a big difference in supporting a unique group of team coaches and high school players who are often overlooked. It was a fantastic community event.”

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

The post SCTA Foundation Supports Team Coaching Workshop in San Diego appeared first on Southern California Tennis Association Foundation.

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In 2025, the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation awarded over $55,000 in scholarships and grants to nine organizations for tennis, education and life enriching programs. We have also given approximately $55,000 to individuals for tennis lessons, training, travel, equipment, entry fees and summer camps.

“We are passionate about making an impact to improve the lives of under-resourced children in Southern California by sharing our love of tennis,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “Our recipients’ success has been incredible, and we are changing lives on and off the court.”

Here’s a look at their journeys:

KAMDEN HARDEN

College tennis dreams were a good idea but something out of reach for Kamden Harden. Three years ago, he was an entry-level competitive junior player who had potential but needed resources for training and equipment. Now at age 14, and the Long Beach youth is ranked No. 4 in USTA Southern California and No. 21 nationally, due to hard work and a little help from the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation scholarships.

Kamden is coached by his older brother Brendan, a teaching pro, and together duo have made huge strides. Kamden recently won the 123^rd Annual Jim Hillman So Cal Junior Sectional Boys 14s doubles consolation draw and was a finalist in the 14s Mixed Doubles division.

“We work for small improvements and stick with the same goals until he achieves them,” Coach Brendan said. “We have learned it’s important to go step-by-step and not to push too fast to higher levels. He is mentally strong and very serious about playing college tennis. He always focuses on doing his best because he knows he doesn’t have time to waste.”

SOPHIE ELGIN

Sophie Elgin, 14, is another So Cal junior player on the rise who has won two USTA Level 5 singles tournaments this year. She is a SCTA Foundation scholarship recipient, now ranked No. 73 in USTA SoCal in the Girls’ 14s division. Her goal is to play in national tournaments like the Orange Bowl. Sophie is coached by her mom, Anna Yenyk, a former ITF Tour player from Ukraine. Sophie’s dream is to play college tennis and she shares that passion as a volunteer ambassador for LoveSetMatch, a non-profit organization that offers free and low-cost tennis lessons to underserved areas in Los Angeles.

“Sophie plays with heart, grit and maturity far beyond her years,” said Phillip Kim, the Executive Director of LoveSetMatch. “She encourages younger players, shows up with gratitude, and embodies everything we hope a young athlete can become. She has a bright future filled with purpose, discipline, and joy. Our motto at LoveSetMatch is ‘Great players are born from great character,’ and Sophie lives that every day.”

DANIELA BORRUEL

Realizing dreams is something Daniela Borruel knows all about thanks to her dedication, training and SCTA Foundation scholarships received throughout her junior career. As an SCTA Foundation’s Achiever’s Team star, she received a college scholarship to attend USC this fall. Daniella, a freshman, recently reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Doubles Championships earning ITA All-America Honors. She was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week in October. What a year for Daniela and it has only just begun. We can’t wait to see her the second half of her freshman season at USE this spring.

“The Sol Cal Tennis Association Foundation is proud that our junior players like Kamden, Sophie and Daniela are well on their way,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director of the SCTA Foundation. “There are so many more kids that need our help.”

Your gift will help prepare other youth like Kamden, Sophie and Daniela to shine on and off the tennis court in sports, education and life. We are passionate about placing a racket in each child’s hands… and then connecting them to lessons in their So Cal neighborhood schools, parks and clubs. Our hope is they have opportunities to experience the joy of playing tennis, building friendships and feeling accomplished.

This Giving Tuesday, we are grateful for your tax-deductible donation, so we can continue to make an impact and build brighter futures for amazing and deserving kids. There are several ways to give via our website at sctafoundation.org/donate/, Text to Give 501-55 to Love Tennis and Venmo @SoCalTennisFoundation. Thank you for making tennis dreams come true for tomorrow’s leaders.

With appreciation,

Linda Milan,

Executive Director, SCTA Foundation

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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California.  The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org.  To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.

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