Junior Team Tennis Spotlight - "Ball Breakers"

Youth Tennis San Diego is proud to showcase the talented and hardworking “Ball Breakers” – our South Bay AST Junior Team Tennis (JTT) team for players 14 and under. Under the expert guidance of AST instructor, Coach Santiago Jaquez, this team is made up of some of the best and brightest young tennis players in our South Bay community. They’re not just playing for fun – they’re here to compete, improve, and represent the values of dedication, hard work, and teamwork.

The “Ball Breakers” are a carefully selected group of athletes who train consistently throughout the week to sharpen their skills. From the moment they step onto the court, they are fully committed to becoming better players. Coach Jaquez's training philosophy emphasizes the importance of not only individual talent but also the power of working together as a team. Their most recent competition against the Loma Santa Fe Country Club was a true test of their abilities. Every match played helps them grow as athletes, sharpening their skills in a competitive setting that builds confidence and resilience.

The Junior Team Tennis program offers these young players a unique opportunity to engage in real competition with other tennis facilities in the San Diego area. For many, it’s the first chance to experience what it feels like to play under pressure, and to face off against opponents who push them to be their best.

Coach Jaquez explains the impact of JTT on his players: "I believe that to play good tennis, children need to train and compete. The JTT allows the Ball Breakers to engage in competition, giving them a goal to work toward. They come to practice not just to be with their friends, but to improve and excel in their tennis game." The program also prepares them for their future ambitions, whether that’s making the varsity tennis team in high school or even playing at the collegiate level. JTT is more than just a series of matches; it’s a stepping stone for young athletes to develop a strong competitive mindset and a lifelong love for the sport.

Coach Santiago Jaquez is deeply invested in the success of each player, and his coaching approach goes beyond teaching tennis techniques. He focuses on building the mental and physical resilience required to succeed in a competitive environment. For Coach Jaquez, watching his players grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. He enjoys seeing how they perform under pressure, tracking their progress over time, and identifying areas for improvement.

Santiago Jaquez says, "As a coach, my goal is to see the players improving. I take notes on what they need to work on, such as footwork, refining techniques, consistency, placement, shot selection, and even keeping track of the score. It’s all part of the process of preparing them for their next challenge."

With this comprehensive approach, Coach Jaquez has designed a six-month lesson plan to guide the Ball Breakers through their training, ensuring they are fully prepared for the next season of JTT competition.

One of the things that make Youth Tennis San Diego's programs so special is the commitment to accessibility. This year, the Ball Breakers and other players from the City Heights AST programs are included in the JTT 2025, on full scholarship opportunities - bringing joy not only to the players but also to their parents and communities. It's an incredible opportunity for these youngsters to feel a part of something bigger and experience the thrill of tennis competition at a high level.

As the Ball Breakers continue to practice, compete, and grow, we can't help but be excited for what the future holds for them. Their dedication, along with the guidance of Coach Jaquez, is setting them up for success both on and off the court.

We are incredibly proud of our South Bay JTT team and look forward to seeing them excel in the upcoming season and beyond. The journey is just beginning, and we know they’ll continue to make Youth Tennis San Diego proud.

Keep up the great work, Ball Breakers – the future is bright!