Celebrating Another Wonderful Year of After School Tennis!
- May 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
We are proud to celebrate another wonderful year of After School Tennis (AST) across our San Diego community. Since its founding in 1989 by our original program founder, Kathy Chabot Willette, Youth Tennis San Diego (YTSD) has introduced the sport of tennis to thousands of children each program year!
With programs offered at local schools, parks, recreation centers, and at our home base—the Barnes Tennis Center—we are committed to sharing a love of the game while making a meaningful impact in the lives of San Diego youth. The Kathy Chabot Willette After School Tennis (AST) program remains our signature outreach initiative, providing free or low-cost tennis opportunities to underserved communities. Youth Tennis San Diego proudly supplies instructors, equipment, and all necessary resources to ensure every child has the chance to step onto the court. From its earliest days, the AST program has been rooted in success—growing not only participation, but a lasting love for the game. We invite you to explore the history of the program and its ongoing impact, made possible by the dedication of our supporters and instructors year after year.
Link to website -https://www.ytsd.org/history
For some participants, AST is all about fun, fitness, and social connection. For others, it becomes the starting point of a tennis journey—leading to tournament play, high school teams, and even collegiate opportunities. Through lessons rooted in patience, endurance, physical development, and mental focus, our program supports growth at every stage—from first swings of a racket to college-level aspirations.
AST continues to inspire players, build confidence, and create lasting success!
On Saturday, May 2nd, we gathered to celebrate that success—and the incredible kids, coaches, and families who make it all possible. Thanks to the continued generous support of Kathy Willette and her family, we welcomed over 120 elementary and middle school participants for an afternoon of tennis, laughter, and community. Players rotated from court to court, participating in engaging games and drills designed for all ages and skill levels. Younger players had a blast with favorites like “Alligator” and “Wild Monkeys,” while older participants brought the competition in games like “Burn” and “Kings and Queens.” The afternoon wrapped up with a pizza lunch for everyone, followed by time for open rally play. With the support of our dedicated AST instructors and enthusiastic community volunteers, the courts were buzzing with energy, encouragement, and plenty of high-fives all around!
More than just a tennis program, AST is a powerful connector within our community. Whether playing at a school, park, or at Barnes, our goal is for every participant to feel a sense of belonging and part of a larger tennis family. As Kathy often says, “Tennis begins with love,” and that message continues to guide everything we do. Our coaches bring that love to the courts each and every day, shaping not only players, but confident, resilient young individuals. We are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication and commitment to our youth. As Kathy beautifully shares in her letter below, each coach delivers this message through their passion, care, and connection with every child they teach.
Dear After School Tennis Coaches,
"Tennis Begins with Love"💛
And each of you have, with your hearts and talents, deliver this message to the children in your AST program.
Since I was a kid learning the basic production strokes of the game from Wilbur Folsom (1954 coach at Morley Field) .... I was soon taught principals of the game that had nothing to do with "contact point", "positioning" or "stroke production". Wilbur sent me to the backboard to hit balls .... I was to hit 100 balls in a row before I was ready to enter a junior tournament.
During those hours trying to reach my goal, I learned a ton of lessons, lessons not taught by the ball against my wooden racquet, but lessons that tested my patience, endurance, physical development, mental concentration...and the list goes on. When I finally had the confidence to prove to Wilbur that I was ready to compete he dismissed me from having to prove that I could hit 100 balls in a row without missing and just told me, "you are ready, you proved to yourself that you are ready."
Each of you teach this lesson every time you step on the court with the kids in your program. You nurture their confidence, you make the game a fun and challenging experience, you teach the tools to play the game, and you reward them with your smile and maybe "good job" along the way. They are developing physical, social and life lessons under your "wing".... lessons that the game teaches, but also always including, "love”.
Our family, Larry, my husband, Nikki and Sean, our children ... join me in thanking you for sharing your expertise, your caring, your talent, and most importantly, your "love of the game" with the children in your AST programs. Thank you for all that you do and for another wonderful program, year of After School Tennis.
Best Wishes,
Kathy Willette and The entire Willette Family
This program would not be possible without the incredible network of people who support it year after year. To our coaches, volunteers, families, and community partners—thank you for your passion, your energy, and your commitment to our youth. And to our players: you are the heart of this program. Your enthusiasm, growth, and love for the game are what make AST so special.
Here’s to another amazing year of After School Tennis—and many more to come!
💛 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!
