Summer High School Tennis Takeover – A Huge Success!

What better place for teenagers to spend their Friday nights, than at the Barnes Tennis Center!

This summer, Youth Tennis San Diego proudly launched one of our most impactful and engaging initiatives to date: the High School Tennis Takeover. Designed to give teens a healthy, active, and inclusive way to spend their Friday nights, the program transformed the Barnes Tennis Center into a vibrant hub of athleticism, connection, and joy — all centered around the sport we love.

From June through July, our courts were packed every Friday night with high school students from across San Diego, all coming together to play tennis, meet new people, and enjoy a fun, welcoming space built just for them.

Each week, more than 65 teens participated in a carefully designed evening full of energy and engagement:

•  4:00–6:00 PM – Fast-paced drills, exciting games, and fitness training led by our community instructors.

•  6:00 PM – Pizza for all players and coaches!

•  6:00–8:00 PM – Open court rally play and social time — an opportunity for players to match up, practice freely, and build friendships.

  
  

And the best part? The entire program was completely FREE to all participants, made possible by the generous support of our community partners and donors. No fees. No pressure. No barriers. Just a safe, structured, and spirited environment where every teen could show up, play, and belong.

While tennis is at the heart of every program we offer, the real magic is in the community we create. Players from across San Diego — from San Ysidro to City Heights, Point Loma to La Jolla — came together, representing all backgrounds and all levels of play. What united them? A shared love for the game. Whether training for their school team or just enjoying an energetic, fun-filled night, players kept coming back week after week. The excitement was contagious — and the feedback was heartwarming:

Devin, Scripps Ranch HS: “Thank you for the free clinic each week. I hope to use this experience to join my high school team this school year. I can’t wait to do this again next summer!”

Colin: Francis Parker HS: “This camp was super fun and a welcome break from summer monotony. All the kids here really appreciate the efforts from the coaches, and we sincerely hope this camp continues next year. Thank you so much!”

Our final Friday of the summer was one for the books! We wrapped up the season in style with an optional Doubles Tournament, live music from the amazing DJ Cornbred, and — of course — tacos for everyone! The energy was electric, the matches were competitive yet friendly, and the entire evening was filled with laughter, music, and community. Players and coaches alike expressed their joy and gratitude for what the program brought to their summer. It was a celebration of everything this program represented: fun, connection, and a shared love for the game.

To every player, parent, coach, and supporter who made this program possible —THANK YOU!

Your energy, passion, and generosity brought this vision to life. Because when we invest in our young people, when we open the gates and hand them a racquet, we do more than teach a sport - we build a future. Best of luck to all our high school players this school year, and we hope to see you back on our courts next summer!

💛 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!