Serving Up Success: Teens Rise Foundation Recognized as 2024 Organization of the Year by USTA Southern California
At Teens Rise Foundation, our love for tennis goes beyond the court; it's about fostering a sense of community, building character, providing a safe space after school, and inspiring youth. We are honored to be recognized as the Organization of the Year by USTA Southern California, an acknowledgment that reflects our commitment to empowering youth through tennis, education, and mentorship.
Our work is driven by the belief that tennis is more than a game; it's a catalyst for personal growth, discipline, and life-long learning. Through our innovative programs, we've had the privilege of introducing tennis to elementary and middle school students and building pathways to high school tennis programs and beyond.
We proudly serve the communities of National City, Chula Vista, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach, and San Diego, where many, if not most, of our students picked up their first tennis racquet through our after school program. Our programs would not be possible without our close partnerships with San Ysidro School District, Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sweetwater Union School District, and SBCS, a nonprofit partner serving the South Bay. Their trust in us and in our programs has enabled us to not only introduce their students to a new sport but also provide them with a supportive network of peers and mentors.
This recognition from USTA Southern California wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our incredible coaches. Coach Tim and Coach Charles have been the heart and soul of our tennis initiatives. Their commitment to sharing their love for sport, mentoring our students, and fostering a love for the game has been nothing short of inspiring. They lead with passion, patience, and purpose, creating a positive impact on our students’ lives.
Teens Rise Executive Director Gaby Millan, along with Coach Charles and Coach Tim, accepting the 2024 Organization of the Year Award
We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude to those who helped us turn our vision for a truly impactful South Bay tennis program into a reality. The USTA Foundation is the founding sponsor of our South Bay Serves program. Without their support, this program would not have even begun. A special shout-out to Robert Howland, Dave Higaki, and Sandra Bainter from the USTA Foundation for their unwavering support to bring in-school and after-school tennis programs into schools in the South Bay. Another big shout-out to Esther Hendershott and Linda Milan and the extended team from USTA Southern California and Southern California Tennis Association Foundation both for their generous program support and for this incredible recognition. Additionally, we extend our sincere thanks to Angel Lopez for his generous donations of equipment, nets, and shirts for students participating in our tennis programs. All of their mentorship, leadership, and funding support have been instrumental in guiding our mission and expanding our reach.
Linda Milan, Executive Director, SCTA Foundation and Gaby Millan, Executive Director, Teens Rise Foundation
While we celebrate this recognition, we also know that our work is far from over. We are committed to reaching even more students through our continued school partnerships and strategic community collaborations to expand access to the sport across the region. Additionally, we are working with community groups to restore and improve South Bay tennis courts, creating equitable spaces that students in San Diego South County can proudly call their tennis community hub. They deserve quality facilities to learn the game of tennis, and we are determined to make that vision a reality.
From the entire Teen Rise Foundation Team and Board, THANK YOU to the USTA Southern California and SCTA Foundation for supporting and believing in our vision!
Please feel free to learn more about our South Bay Serves program, and if you’d like to support our efforts, donations can be made through the Teens Rise Foundation website.