In early 2023, we co-founded Smashing Barriers, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to giving underserved youth both access to tennis and tools to support their mental well-being. Because we’ve seen how the sport benefits mental health, we set out to bring those benefits to communities that often lack access to opportunities. What began in Portland has evolved into an international mission. Today, we run programs across the U.S. (in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Washington, and Massachusetts) and abroad with chapters in the U.K. and India.
So far, we’ve connected with over 1000 students, gathered more than 500 pieces of equipment, and hosted free clinics and community tournaments. We have also received grants to continue our efforts and have contributed to scholarships that enable our students to pursue further education.
