Leylah Fernandez Joins USTA SoCal for Youth Tennis Clinic
February 26, 2025 (Los Angeles, CA) - Tennis star Leylah Fernandez, in collaboration with the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation, and USTA Southern California (USTA SoCal) recently hosted a memorable youth tennis clinic at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) - Challengers Club in South Los Angeles. The event brought together 40 local youth ages 8-16 for a day of hands-on tennis training, mentorship, and inspiration.
This clinic, designed to give young athletes a chance to connect with one of the sport’s rising stars, featured a special warm-up session with Leylah Fernandez. The clinic was held on four newly renovated tennis courts, thanks to a grant from the USTA Foundation, which helps to support BGCMLA and more than 250 similar organizations nationwide that use tennis as a vehicle to prepare young people for life both on and off the court. Leylah, alongside a team of expert coaches, worked directly with the kids to teach essential tennis skills and techniques.
"I had an amazing time today working with these kids," said Leylah Fernandez. "Tennis has taught me so much about perseverance, teamwork, and discipline, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that with these young athletes. I hope they leave here feeling inspired to chase their dreams, on and off the court."
The clinic included a comprehensive coaching session, with all the kids receiving personalized attention across the four courts. Each participant was gifted with a new tennis racquet and other special surprises, ensuring they left with the tools and encouragement to continue their tennis journey.
"We’re thrilled to have been part of such an inspiring event," said Esther Hendershott, Director of Community and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion of USTA Southern California. "Events like this help grow the game of tennis and show kids the power of sport, and we are proud to partner with the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation and Boys & Girls Club to make a difference in these young athletes’ lives."
Patrick Mahoney, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles added "We are so grateful for Leylah’s generous time and commitment to our youth. Her presence today was not only an incredible experience for these young players, but also a powerful reminder that they too can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination. This clinic exemplifies the core values we strive to instill in the children we serve—hope, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence."
The clinic was made possible through the dedication of the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation, which is committed to expanding access to sports and higher education for youth, and the support of USTA Southern California and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, both of which provide vital community programs for young people throughout the region.
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ABOUT Leylah Annie & Family Foundation:
Founded in 2021 by professional tennis player Leylah Fernandez and her family, the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to broaden access and support for children who aspire to pursue sports and higher education. The foundation offers scholarships, sports grants and free events that empower children, remove barriers and create opportunities for success. By partnering with other organizations, community leaders, schools, and sports clubs, the foundation aims to create a network of support that will enable children to thrive both on and off the field. For more information, visit leylahanniefoundation.org and follow: @leylahanniefoundation on Instagram and @LeylahYFamilia on X (formerly Twitter).
ABOUT USTA Southern California: USTA Southern California is one of 17 sections of the United States Tennis Association, the sport's national governing body. From grassroots to adult leagues and junior tournaments to the pro tour, USTA SoCal is proud to live the mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere with its core values of community, inclusion, and wellness. From the Central Coast to San Diego and the Inland Empire to the Pacific Ocean, over 2.5 million people played tennis in Southern California in 2024. USTA Southern California, a 501(c)(3), supports them every step of the way. To learn more, visit ustasocal.com and follow @ustasocal on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, and Threads.
ABOUT Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) stands as a united collective of Clubs with roots dating back to the 1960s, dedicated to serving youth across Los Angeles. Formed in 2015, BGCMLA brought together longstanding Clubs with deep histories of impact, and in 2023, further strengthened its reach by merging with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice. Today, BGCMLA operates eight locations, continuing the legacy of community empowerment in areas such as Challengers in South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Watts-Willowbrook, Inglewood, and Venice, along with multiple school sites. Staffed by caring and committed professional mentors, the Clubs provide proven programs that promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit our website at bgcmla.org, and follow BGCMLA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
ABOUT USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTAF or USTA Foundation):
USTA Foundation, the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), utilizes the powerful combination of tennis and education to enhance the lives of under-resourced youth through its support of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more than 50 years, NJTL has impacted thousands of youth nationwide, and today, the network features over 250 chapters. The USTAF supports these chapters by providing financial grants, scholarship opportunities, curricula, technical assistance, and training. USTAF raises money and public awareness through donations, corporate support, foundations, and fundraisers, including the US Open Opening Night Gala and various Pro-Ams, to name just a few. To date, the USTA Foundation has awarded approximately $64 million in grants and scholarships. For more information on the USTA Foundation, visit www.ustafoundation.com or stay connected through Facebook and Instagram at @USTAFOUNDATION.
ABOUT LEYLAH FERNANDEZ:
Leylah Annie Fernandez is a rising tennis star and two-time Olympian known for her resilience and determination on the court. In 2021, she became the first Latina in 33 years to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open. She has since captured multiple WTA titles and has achieved significant wins, including eight victories over top 10 players, solidifying her place among the world’s elite. She continues to inspire others with her remarkable performances. For more information, follow Leylah on Instagram @leylahannietennis, Twitter @leylahlahfernandez, and Facebook @leylahannietennis.
