Celebrating a Legacy of Love: Honoring Kathy Chabot Willette and After School Tennis

Youth Tennis San Diego had the joy of celebrating another successful year of After School Tennis (AST) at our annual Gala, Saturday October 11th, at the Barnes Tennis Center. At the heart of the evening was Kathy Chabot Willette, founder of AST and a true champion for youth in our community since the program started, back in 1989. Kathy was presented with the Lifetime Dedication Award, recognizing her decades of leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to making tennis accessible to every child. The evening was a beautiful celebration highlighting our tennis community, the positive impact our program provides, and the love of the game.

Over 200 guests gathered for a Wimbledon-themed evening filled with laughter, stories, and inspiration. Special guest speakers included tennis legend Lindsay Davenport, Shelia Belinsky with Molly’s Angels, Steve Adamson Academy player, Nicholas Lilvov and South Bay After School Tennis students, Aby and Aly Ayon.

These young sisters shared their personal journeys, showcasing how AST has opened doors for them and helped them build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships on and off the courts. For many youth, AST is the first step in their tennis journey. Some pick up a racquet for the first time, while others grow to compete in tournaments, high school teams, and even collegiate tennis.

In addition to the celebration of AST, the evening also marked a moment of incredible generosity! Kathy and her family have contributed $100,000 to ensure that the After School Tennis program continues to thrive and make a positive impact—on the court and beyond—for years to come! As Kathy always reminds us, “Tennis Begins with LOVE.” And that love has truly been at the heart of AST since 1989 - shining through in every lesson, every match, and every student inspired by the program. From humble beginnings to a thriving community initiative, Kathy’s legacy is not just in the game itself, but in the joy, confidence, and opportunities it brings to youth across San Diego.

Through her vision and generosity, Kathy Chabot Willette and her family have shown that tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a way to build community, nurture talent, and inspire hope. We are endlessly grateful for her dedication and for the countless lives she continues to touch through After School Tennis.

From the bottom of our hearts, we THANK YOU, Kathy Chabot Willette and family, for your passion and the positive impact you bring to our local youth every single day.

With gratitude, Lindsey Vosburgh, -After School Tennis Program Director, and all of us at Youth Tennis San Diego! We LOVE you!