Beyond the Baseline: Ivan Thamma

Beyond the Baseline is our blog series dedicated to sharing the real stories of those impacted by Youth Tennis San Diego’s programs. Each feature includes a personal journey followed by a Q&A, giving deeper insight into how tennis and community support have shaped their experiences. From young players finding confidence on the court to volunteers and donors making a lasting difference, these stories highlight the power of accessible tennis to change lives.

Ivan's Story:

Ivan began his tennis journey at Urban Village at the age of 5. At 9, he earned a scholarship through YTSD to train at Barnes Tennis Center. This opportunity paved the way for him to receive tennis scholarships at UC Davis and SMU, where he played Division 1 tennis. After completing his master's, he returned to BTC, where he has been coaching for 2 years at the academy where he once trained.

What was your first tennis experience?

I first picked up a racket at age five, playing with my mom and dad. I think they saw I really liked it. Seeing my interest, they found a local after-school tennis program at the Urban Village Tennis Center. Little did I know that the program was run by YTSD, and it would go on to shape my entire tennis journey.

What’s your funniest or most unforgettable memory with YTSD?

The training felt like home, a place where I was pushed to be my best but also supported every step of the way. If it weren’t for the Barnes Tennis Center, I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today. What stands out the most is the intense training and the discipline they instilled in us. The coaches went above and beyond, not just in the way they trained us, but in the way they truly cared, invested their time, and committed themselves to our growth.

How has YTSD impacted you?

They gave me the opportunity to play tennis, provided me with a facility to train at, and even awarded me a scholarship that allowed me to keep improving. Thanks to YTSD, I had the chance to compete in tournaments and travel all over the country—experiences that shaped me both as a player and as a person.

More than just a training center, YTSD felt like home. It was a place where I could train, feel safe, and be surrounded by a staff that truly cared. Some of them have been part of my journey since I first started at the Barnes Tennis Center when I was nine years old. I’m incredibly grateful for everything YTSD has done for me. Without their support and belief in my tennis, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They opened so many doors for me, and I’ll always appreciate that.

How has YTSD helped you develop skills (like discipline, teamwork, or resilience) that go beyond tennis?

I used to train every single day after school from 2 PM to 7:00 PM, which required a

level of dedication and work ethic that has stuck with me ever since. That daily grind

taught me the importance of discipline and hard work, not just to be good at tennis, but

to excel in anything I pursue.

Resilience was another huge lesson. The training was tough, and there were days when

it pushed me to my limits. But YTSD never let us settle—they kept pushing us to be

better, teaching us how to compete, train with intensity, and handle challenges head-on.

These lessons go beyond tennis; they shape the way you approach life. When you go to

college or step into any new challenge, having that foundation of discipline, resilience,

and respect makes all the difference. YTSD didn’t just develop me as a tennis

player—they helped shape me into a hardworking and respectful person.

What’s one accomplishment you’re most proud of, and how did YTSD contribute

to it?

One of my proudest accomplishments was becoming the USTA National Doubles

Champion in the Boys’ 16s division. It was an incredible title run with my doubles

partner, Bryce Pereira. Winning a national championship at such a prestigious

tournament was a huge milestone in my junior tennis career and a moment I’ll never

forget.

Beyond that, I’m also extremely proud of earning a full-ride scholarship to UC Davis and

later receiving a scholarship to pursue my master’s degree at Southern Methodist University. YTSD played a massive role in making all of this possible. The training,

support, and opportunities they provided helped me develop into the player and person I

am today. Without their belief in me and the foundation they gave me, I wouldn’t have

been able to achieve these milestones.

How have the coaches and/or mentors at YTSD influenced you?

The coaches and mentors at YTSD have had a lasting impact on me. I still remember all the coaches who helped me at the Barnes Tennis Center, and some of them I stay in touch with to this day. We often talk about tennis and reminisce about the good times we shared.

As a coach now myself, I love picking their brains and learning from their experiences. It’s inspiring to see how they shaped me as a young player and how I can now use those lessons to inspire the next generation of tennis players. The influence they had on me is huge—they pushed me to work harder, to exceed my limits, and to become the best version of myself on and off the court.