DREAM BIG at the San Diego Open!
- lvosburgh
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Lots of fun was had on the tennis courts this week at the San Diego Open Pro Tournament, and our Rise Up Leadership Academy students were right in the middle of the action!
Our students were invited on a special field trip to the Barnes Tennis Center to experience a professional tournament firsthand, and what a day it was! Youth Tennis San Diego proudly sponsored the entire experience, including bus transportation, swag bags, and a pizza lunch for every student. From start to finish, it was a day filled with excitement, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. Thanks to this incredible opportunity, 15 students and their teachers sat courtside to watch the pros compete, cheering on Sebastian Korda as he earned a win and advanced to the next round. Korda is currently ranked #1 at the San Diego Open and #53 in the world on the ATP Tour—seeing that level of play up close was truly awe-inspiring for our young athletes.
In addition to the court-side matches, students were provided a mini tennis lesson and a once-in-a-lifetime "meet and greet" with rising professional players William Kleege, Noah Zamora, and Denis Maijorov. The players took time to answer questions, sign autographs, and best of all, teach the kids their favorite trick shot, the “tweener!” Smiles, laughter, and jaw-dropping shots filled the courts, and lasting memories were made.
Our Rise Up Leadership Academy students play tennis weekly at the Urban Village Recreation Center in City Heights with Coach and Program Director, Lindsey Vosburgh. These weekly lessons are designed to be fun, while teaching the basic fundamentals of tennis and building player confidence both on and off the court. Our goal is to inspire students to continue growing their skills and take full advantage of the opportunities provided—hopefully leading them to play on their high school teams in the future.
Visiting the San Diego Open was the perfect chance for students to see what’s possible. It was a powerful reminder to DREAM BIG, work hard, and believe in yourself. Because for so many players, tennis is a journey. And if you’re lucky, that journey starts young—with the gift of time to learn, grow, and improve. We couldn’t be more proud of our Rise Up kids and the confidence they showed throughout the day. Many left inspired to improve their serves, sharpen their skills, and dream of competing in a tournament of their own in the future.
As one student said while heading back to the bus, “This was the best day ever!”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this day an unforgettable memory, one that will continue to inspire our students along their tennis journey for years to come!
For more details regarding the SD Open, please visit website online at: https://barnessdopen.com/
For more information regarding the Rise UP Leadership Academy, please visit website online at: https://riseupindustries.org/rula/
💛 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!
