By Karen Ronney
Come out and see about four hundred of the country’s top junior girl players at the Level 1 USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 16s and 18s National Championships from Saturday, August 8, through Sunday, August 16 at Barnes Tennis Center. Admission is FREE. This is a fantastic opportunity for all juniors to get inspired by watching youth incredible tennis.
The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of this prestigious event, which gives the champions an entre into the 2026 U.S. Open main and junior draws.
“The SCTA Foundation is thrilled to suppport this fantastic tournament,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the Southern California Tennis Association. “Our mission is to support youth tennis at all levels, and this includes an opportunity for our So Cal kids to see what they can aspire to become. What better way to do it than to have a free courtside experience for eight days this summer. We encourage the So Cal tennis community of all ages to come out and watch.”
This fiercely competitive tournament has been the launching ground for tomorrow’s college and professional stars. Alyssa Ahn, the 2025 Girls’ 18s singles champion, converted a wildcard entry into an amazing national victory. Ahn was also the 2022 Girls’ 16s champion. At the 2025 U.S. Open, she faced WTA No. 24 ranked Elise Mertens of Belgium in the first round for a wonderful experience. Afterward, Ahn stepped into the Cardinal women’s tennis line up as a freshman where she earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference Third-Team Singles Honors. She played No. 2 singles for the Cardinal and logged an impressive 12-5 record. This fall, Ahn will begin her sophomore college tennis journey, and the SCTA Foundation wishes her a great year.
Other past champions include 18-year-old Iva Jovic (2024) from Torrance, now ranked WTA No. 16 in singles. She won the 2025 Guadalajara Open Akron presented by Santander and was a finalist at the 2026 Hobart International in Australia. Santa Barbara’s Kayla Day won the 2016 Girls’ 18s singles title, and is now ranked WTA No. 126 in singles. Amber Liu was the 2001 Girls’ 18s singles champion, and Wimbledon champion Karen (Hantze) Sussman, won the title in 1960. Additional past singles champions were Clervie Ngounoue (2023), Ashlyn Krueger (2021), Katie Volynets and Shelby Rogers (2010).
“Being put in this elite group means so much to me,” said Ahn, in a USTA SoCal article. “It really motivates me to continue working hard and follow in the footsteps of the legends who have won these titles previously.”
If you are interested in watching outstanding singles and doubles matches, additional sites will be Sunday through Tuesday, August 8 to 4, at the University of San Diego. Matches can also be seen Sunday through Wednesday, August 5 to 8, at Balboa Tennis Club. The singles and doubles finals will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, at Barnes Tennis Center but be sure to check for times. Admission is FREE. For tournament information, go to the official website CLICK HERE.
“We believe tennis can change lives in so many outstanding ways,” Milan said. “It promotes good health and well-being for people of all ages and stages of life on and off the tennis court.”
The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation is able to support great events like the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 16s and 18s National Championships thanks to donor generosity and support. Please consider your financial gift to help us with our mission. CLICK HERE To learn more about the SCTA Foundation, CLICK HERE.
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About the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation:
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of USTA Southern California. The Foundation’s mission is to “Change lives and build communities through tennis.” Since 2020, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving over $1million in tennis grants and tennis scholarships to deserving youth, adults, tennis organizations, tennis facilities and tennis programs to make tennis an equal opportunity sport, accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, or economic background. Visit us on Social Media on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation go to: www.sctafoundation.org. To donate go to: sctafoundation.org/donate/.
