Barnes Tennis Center

Thanks to the dedication, time and efforts of our wonderful After School Tennis instructors and volunteers, Youth Tennis San Diego is proudly celebrating our 20th year of the After School Tennis Program.

Over 115,000 children have participated in the AST Program since it began in 1989. Today we offer this program at over 100 schools and park and recreation sites throughout San Diego County. More than 90 percent of the children involved in the program are on a scholarship provided by YTSD; equipment and even clothing are furnished free of charge.

Through the past 20 years the AST Program has encouraged youth participation, personal integrity, leadership and competitive spirit in a friendly environment helping to build responsible citizens. YTSD is proud of our success and thankful for everyone who has helped create such a wonderful program.

History in the Making: First-hand news on previous AST Players and where they are today: Jason Voss and Chris Proctor participated in AST at Oak Grove in Jamul, then volunteered at Hillsdale High School and assisted AST Coach Judy Inskeep. Read this story to see where they are now.

"Star AST Schools"

"Star Schools" are nominated based on students display of participation, personal integrity, leadership and a competitive spirit in a friendly environment.

July 2010

Pacific Beach Elementary

Instructor: Kim Thompson

AST Instructor since 2008

Current Location: Pacific Beach Elementary (previously taught at Urban Village)

"I enjoy teaching for AST because it gives me a chance to expose many children to the game of tennis for the first time. I love to see their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game. I also enjoy watching their sense of accomplishment as they gain mastery over new skills.

I have always really enjoyed kids and that is why I pursued my Masters in social work and specialized in children's mental health. I feel that YTSD provides children from all different backgrounds an avenue to increase their self esteem, develop their ability to work as a team and to teach sportsmanship. I feel that these skills are transferable to other areas of their lives and that they will increase the student's likelihood of success in a variety of arenas." Kim Thompson

Quotes from the students:

"I love tennis because I love Mrs. Kim."

-Daniela, age 7

"I like playing tennis because of the extra practice and awesome exercise!"

-Ashley

"I like hitting the balls because they go fast."

-Arry, age 8

June 2010

Nye Elementary

Instructor: James N. Irby

AST Instructor since July 2000

Current Location: Nye Elementary

"I've been teaching AST at Nye Elementary for about 9 years. Nye was recently named Distinguished School for the 2010-2011 school year, a great honor. I took over the AST program from Frank Lucero when he moved to another site to teach." - James N. Irby

What makes you smile on and off the court?

"Watching the students grow up into caring teenagers makes me smile. And occasionally seeing them on local high school tennis teams in the area is a real kick. I try to make some matches if my schedule permits." - James N. Irby

Quotes from the students:

"I started tennis because I admire Mr. Irby and my Dad. Also, it is fun!"

-Charyna, age 9

"I love tennis because it is so cool and it is good for your health. It involves sportsmanship that you need to be nice and good-hearted. It's fun to hit the tennis ball back to the other person and maybe you lose or win, but it's all about the sportsmanship."

-Kyle, age 10

Locations: Rosa Parks Elementary, Urban Village Recreation Center (City Heights)

"The AST Program has given me the opportunity to tell the children from UVRC my goal. I have said to them, I am going to work for edification, pleasure and differentiation because I don't want to be one of the people Voltaire talks about in his book, The Princess of Babylon. Here he says, 'Decadence was brought about by doing work too easily and being too lazy to do it well.'."

"This usually happens when I see that some players are not making any effort to get to the tennis ball. At this moment I say 'this is not a walking game, this is a running game! If I see somebody not moving his feet, everybody will run two hundred laps!' After that is said, everybody not only gets to the ball, but everybody begins to put the ball over the net as well. And that makes me laugh."

"I love to be with Coach Santiago because he is so nice and he wants to learn more with us. Coach Santiago is also respectful with us. Santiago is so nice."

"I love tennis because Coach Santiago helps you get better in tennis. Thank you Coach Santiago."