What a year of transformation for SCTA Foundation scholarship and grant recipients. We are happy to share good news of their tennis growth, education and overall development. This Giving Tuesday, your support can keep our momentum going strong so we can continue to impact lives and communities through the sport of tennis.

In 2025, the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation awarded over $55,000 in scholarships and grants to nine organizations for tennis, education and life enriching programs. We have also given approximately $55,000 to individuals for tennis lessons, training, travel, equipment, entry fees and summer camps.

“We are passionate about making an impact to improve the lives of under-resourced children in Southern California by sharing our love of tennis,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director for the SCTA Foundation. “Our recipients’ success has been incredible, and we are changing lives on and off the court.”

Here’s a look at their journeys:

KAMDEN HARDEN

College tennis dreams were a good idea but something out of reach for Kamden Harden. Three years ago, he was an entry-level competitive junior player who had potential but needed resources for training and equipment. Now at age 14, and the Long Beach youth is ranked No. 4 in USTA Southern California and No. 21 nationally, due to hard work and a little help from the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation scholarships.

Kamden is coached by his older brother Brendan, a teaching pro, and together duo have made huge strides. Kamden recently won the 123rd Annual Jim Hillman So Cal Junior Sectional Boys 14s doubles consolation draw and was a finalist in the 14s Mixed Doubles division.

“We work for small improvements and stick with the same goals until he achieves them,” Coach Brendan said. “We have learned it’s important to go step-by-step and not to push too fast to higher levels. He is mentally strong and very serious about playing college tennis. He always focuses on doing his best because he knows he doesn’t have time to waste.”

 

SOPHIE ELGIN

Sophie Elgin, 14, is another So Cal junior player on the rise who has won two USTA Level 5 singles tournaments this year. She is a SCTA Foundation scholarship recipient, now ranked No. 73 in USTA SoCal in the Girls’ 14s division. Her goal is to play in national tournaments like the Orange Bowl. Sophie is coached by her mom, Anna Yenyk, a former ITF Tour player from Ukraine. Sophie’s dream is to play college tennis and she shares that passion as a volunteer ambassador for LoveSetMatch, a non-profit organization that offers free and low-cost tennis lessons to underserved areas in Los Angeles.

“Sophie plays with heart, grit and maturity far beyond her years,” said Phillip Kim, the Executive Director of LoveSetMatch. “She encourages younger players, shows up with gratitude, and embodies everything we hope a young athlete can become. She has a bright future filled with purpose, discipline, and joy. Our motto at LoveSetMatch is ‘Great players are born from great character,’ and Sophie lives that every day.”

DANIELA BORRUEL

Realizing dreams is something Daniela Borruel knows all about thanks to her dedication, training and SCTA Foundation scholarships received throughout her junior career. As an SCTA Foundation’s Achiever’s Team star, she received a college scholarship to attend USC this fall. Daniella, a freshman, recently reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Doubles Championships earning ITA All-America Honors. She was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week in October. What a year for Daniela and it has only just begun. We can’t wait to see her the second half of her freshman season at USE this spring.

“The Sol Cal Tennis Association Foundation is proud that our junior players like Kamden, Sophie and Daniela are well on their way,” said Linda Milan, the Executive Director of the SCTA Foundation. “There are so many more kids that need our help.”

Your gift will help prepare other youth like Kamden, Sophie and Daniela to shine on and off the tennis court in sports, education and life. We are passionate about placing a racket in each child’s hands… and then connecting them to lessons in their So Cal neighborhood schools, parks and clubs. Our hope is they have opportunities to experience the joy of playing tennis, building friendships and feeling accomplished.

This Giving Tuesday, we are grateful for your tax-deductible donation, so we can continue to make an impact and build brighter futures for amazing and deserving kids. There are several ways to give via our website at sctafoundation.org/donate/, Text to Give 501-55 to Love Tennis and Venmo @SoCalTennisFoundation. Thank you for making tennis dreams come true for tomorrow’s leaders.

With appreciation,

Linda Milan,

Executive Director, SCTA Foundation

 

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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/.