Learn About the Founders

I am Rohan Shah, a 16 year old high school sophomore who loves to play tennis.  I am very excited to be a co-founder of non-profit organization Smashing Barriers and make the sport of tennis available to ALL young athletes of various abilities. My love for tennis started at a young age and only grew as I got older. I have personally known how tennis can provide valuable life lessons and a pathway to success on and off the court. I plan to use my experience as a tournament tennis player and now a Varsity High School tennis player to introduce the sport of tennis and bring health and physical fitness to all participants. Through Smashing Barriers our commitment to the local community is to bring the game of tennis and create a love of the sport. Smashing Barriers will build a platform for participants to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities and lives.

I’m Jiya, and I’m so excited to introduce myself as the co-founder of Smashing Barriers, a tennis non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down obstacles and promoting inclusivity through my favorite sport, tennis. I’m going to be a sophomore at Catlin Gabel School and I am on the girls’ varsity tennis team. Tennis has always been a passion of mine, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Alongside my commitment to tennis, I’ve discovered my deep love for working with kids and my desire to make a positive impact in their lives. Through Smashing Barriers, we aim to provide accessible tennis programs for children of all backgrounds, creating an inclusive community where everyone can experience the joys of tennis. Together, let’s break down barriers and create a world where tennis knows no boundaries, empowering individuals to pursue their passions and have fun doing what they love.