Beyond the Baseline – Parker Huang

6 hours ago

5 min read

Beyond the Baseline is our blog series dedicated to sharing the real stories of those who Youth Tennis San Diego's programs have impacted. 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.

At Youth Tennis San Diego, we believe a first tennis lesson can be the beginning of something much bigger. Parker Huang is a wonderful example of how access, opportunity, and a love for the game can create a lasting tennis journey. After moving to San Diego with his family five years ago, Parker’s mom heard about our affordable tennis lessons offered at their local recreation center. With her encouragement, Parker decided to give tennis a try through our After School Tennis programs in the South Bay community.

What began as an opportunity to simply learn the game quickly grew into a passion! With the support of Youth Tennis San Diego and Coach Santiago Jaquez, Parker has continued to grow both on and off the court — building his skills, confidence, and love for the game along the way.

And he hasn’t looked back since!

Through Youth Tennis San Diego, Parker has had the opportunity to grow step-by-step: from community outreach programs and learning the fundamentals, to Junior Team Tennis, competitive programs at Barnes Tennis Center, and now our Serving the Future Scholars Cohort. Each opportunity has given Parker another place to learn, compete, build friendships, and challenge himself. Along the way, he has developed skills that extend far beyond the court — including teamwork, confidence, discipline, perseverance, and integrity.

“Tennis is not easy, but with consistent practice, I saw my teammates and myself improve,” Parker shared. “I became more confident on and off the court, and tennis became an important part of my daily life that I cannot imagine being without.” One of Parker’s proudest moments came last year when his JTT team traveled to Long Beach and won the championship. It was his first year competing, and after a long day of matches, the team returned home with trophies — and a memory Parker says he will never forget.

We are incredibly proud of Parker and grateful to be part of his journey! His story represents what we hope to provide through Youth Tennis San Diego: a welcoming starting point, meaningful opportunities to grow, and a pathway for young players to discover just how far tennis can take them.

From his first community lesson to the competitive court, Parker continues to grow, learn, and love the game. And for Parker, the journey is just beginning.

What was your first experience with tennis? When and where did you get started?

I was 8 when we moved to San Diego. My mom asked me to pick a sport for my homeschool PE class, so I chose tennis. I started my first tennis lesson at our local recreation center. When I had almost finished my first season at the recreation center, my mom saw a post in a homeschool Facebook group that said Barnes Tennis Center was offering super-affordable after-school tennis classes for homeschoolers at Sunbow Park. She signed my sister and me up right away. I remember Coach Santiago putting dots on our hands and racquets during our first class to make sure we knew how to hold the racquets correctly. He is very knowledgeable, and his lessons are so fun. I fell in love with tennis and have been going to his classes ever since.

What is your funniest or most unforgettable memory with YTSD?

Tennis has always been fun for me, especially when friends are around. I remember one day after our tennis lesson, a few friends from the same class and I decided to stay at the court and try to learn how to make trick shots. Our moves looked so silly. We kept laughing and missing the balls. Even Coach Santiago, who was sitting on a bench near the court, laughed too.

How has YTSD helped you develop skills—such as discipline, teamwork, confidence, or resilience—that go beyond tennis?

Thanks to YTSD, I got to try things like JTT, and I learned how to work with my teammates. I learned to come up with strategies with my partners and encourage each other whether we were winning or losing. Playing tennis also taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Tennis is not easy, but with consistent practice, I saw my teammates and myself improve. I became more confident on and off the court, and tennis became an important part of my daily life that I cannot imagine being without.

What is one accomplishment you are most proud of, and how did YTSD contribute to it?

YTSD has helped me so much! But the one thing I am most proud of is winning JTT last year. We traveled to Long Beach and competed till way past our bedtime! We were tired, but when we received the trophies, I was beside myself. It was the first year I had started competing, and winning JTT meant so much to me! I will never forget that feeling!

How have the coaches and/or mentors at YTSD influenced you? Coach Santiago is an amazing coach! He is very knowledgeable about tennis. He always knows exactly what I should work on and how to encourage me. He not only taught me how to play tennis and understand tournament rules but also taught me integrity on the court. He holds high standards but also helps me patiently when I struggle.

Coach Santiago Jaquez describes Parker as “a great competitor” — not only on the tennis court, but in academics, sports, piano, and his church. With his father, Jun, serving as a Navy Chief aboard the USS Fitzgerald, and with times spending months at sea, Parker’s mother, Thelma, has continued to support Parker and his two siblings. Through it all, Parker has developed a strong sense of commitment, passion, and perseverance through his faith, music, and Youth Tennis San Diego’s After School Tennis program.

Santiago remembers those qualities shining through at the 2025 JTT Sectionals in Long Beach. During Parker’s final singles match, Parker was falling behind when Santiago encouraged him, saying, “Parker, play well because I want to send Jun a picture of you with the trophy.” Parker turned the match around and helped the Barnes Ball Breakers capture the JTT Sectionals Championship. It was a moment that reflected not only Parker’s competitive spirit, but his determination to keep pushing forward.

Parker’s journey reminds us that with opportunity, encouragement, and people who believe in you, a love for tennis can become so much more than a game — it can help shape the person you become.

💛 We Can’t Do This Without You

Every day, YTSD brings tennis, mentorship, and educational support to children who need it most, at no cost to their families. These programs aren’t just about sport. They’re about building confidence, character, and opportunity. But none of it is possible without the generosity of supporters like you.

🌟 Ways to Give and Make an Immediate Impact

Site Sponsor – $10,000
- Fully fund a YTSD program site for an entire year, impacting dozens of youth with consistent instruction, equipment, and academic support.
Session Sponsor – $5,000
- Sponsor a 10–12 week season of tennis and life skills training for 20 children in an under-resourced community.
Scholarship Sponsor – $1,000
- Give one child a full year of tennis coaching, tutoring, and equipment, opening doors to lasting transformation.
General Sponsor – $1–$999
- Every gift counts. Your donation helps provide the gear, books, and resources that make our mission real for every student.

🎾 Your Support Changes Lives

When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re investing in healthier kids, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

👉 Donate Now and help us continue serving the youth who need us most. Your support will be proudly recognized at our facility and on our website!