Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Barnes Tennis Center
Diego Rivera has participated in our South Bay AST programs since 2019, with instructors Greg Hasterok and Santiago Jaquez. He is a 17-year-old senior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High and does not have a tennis team at his school. But that doesn’t stop him from playing! Diego LOVES tennis and attends the advanced AST class in San Ysidro, in addition to the AST programs in Chula Vista, and the high school program here at Barnes! In addition to taking lessons himself, Diego also volunteers as an AST community instructor, assisting Coach Santiago Jaquez in the South Bay programs. He trains the younger students and gives back to the program he started in so many years ago. Congrats Diego! We are proud of you.
Aby Ayon is a participant in the AST programs in the South Bay community, with instructor Santiago Jaquez. Here she enjoys tennis life with commitment, camaraderie, hard work, and cooperation. While few players’ performances in her group are effective, hers is efficient. Coach Santiago says, "When she serves, even the high school boys in the class have problems returning the ball." She reminds him of Roscoe Tanner (153 mph serve in 1978), with her low toss and fast serve. In a sense, Aby Ayon gets more with less with her technique. In addition to her dedication to tennis each week, she is also an amazing violin player and straight A student! Congrats Aby! We are proud of you.
Mattie Gosling, Hudson Marr and Milo Marr are all previous AST players – playing tennis since they were 4 years old. All 3 boys were recognized for their commitment to our community programs and the positive impact they make in the community each and every day. All boys are now high level tournament players and some of the BEST kids in San Diego, and yet, they still make time to volunteer with our AST programs.
We are proud to see them recognized for more than just their “tennis ranking” – all 3 boys were highlighted for their love of the game, their positive attitudes on and off the courts, and for the fact that they continue to inspire the kids in our AST programs – volunteer coaching on the courts at Urban Village Rec in City Heights each week. They enjoy growing a love for the game and giving back to the program that started them in their tennis journey when they were little. Congrats Mattie, Milo and Hudson! We are proud of you.