Learn More About Us!
Community Impact
YTSD is dedicated to making tennis accessible to all San Diego youth, regardless of background or skill level. Through free and low-cost programs, financial aid, and community partnerships, we foster a love for the game while promoting values like teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
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Mission Statement
Youth Tennis San Diego, a nonprofit (501)(c)(3) organization, contributes to the development pathway of all youth by providing physical, mental, emotional, educational, and social platforms through tennis for children to thrive.
500+
Hours of tutoring and academic support provided annually to local youth.
500,000+
Awarded in annual scholarships for tennis and education.
15,000+
Annual youth served through tennis and education in the San Diego Community.
45+
Community programs at parks, recreation centers, schools, and at Barnes Tennis Center!
Founded in 1952, the San Diego Tennis Patrons (now Youth Tennis San Diego, or YTSD) was created to serve San Diego’s youth through tennis. Key milestones include the 1989 launch of the Kathy Chabot Willette After School Tennis (AST) program, the 1995 opening of the Barnes Tennis Center, and the establishment of the "Pathway of Opportunity". By 1997, AST expanded to 96 locations, and in 2015, YTSD became an NJTL chapter, focusing on character, academics, and leadership. Recognized as USTA Organization of the Year in 2017, YTSD made history in 2021 by hosting an ATP event in San Diego, the San Diego Open. The event evolved into a WTA 500 tournament in 2023-2024, while 2024 also saw the addition of 19 pickleball courts to Barnes Tennis Center. In 2025, the San Diego Open became an ATP Challenger 100 event, continuing YTSD’s legacy of growing tennis and opportunity in San Diego.
Looking ahead, we reflect on over 70 years of serving San Diego’s youth through tennis. Our mission remains steadfast: to grow and enhance these programs, ensuring they inspire and empower future generations. With the rise of pickleball and the growing popularity of racquet sports, we are excited to expand our reach, embracing new opportunities to engage even more young athletes. Additionally, we are committed to broadening our educational programs and providing resources and opportunities that support academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth. By diversifying our offerings and strengthening our educational initiatives, we aim to create a lasting impact, fostering a love for racquet sports and building a stronger, healthier, and more empowered community for all.