More than 50 years ago, Jerry and Helene Beaver, Harvey Bottlesen and others gathered around a rock near the new Santa Barbara Tennis Club. Contemplating this promising prospect, they envisioned the future. The topic of discussion: a nascent concept for a junior tennis program. Little did they know that this modest idea would turn into something beyond their wildest expectations.
For the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons (SBTP), a love of the game was all that was needed to create a non-profit organization fueled by this shared passion and dedication to spreading the sport.
On Saturday, October 14, the organization marked an impressive milestone: its 50th anniversary. Remarkably, their journey spans more than half a century since their inception in 1971. The evening was a joyful gathering, dedicated to appreciating a shared love for the game and recognizing the achievements of some exceptional people. Under the setting sun in Montecito, at the home of Julianna and Tom Dain, the community gathered around bright green tables adorned with intricate bouquets and vintage tennis rackets. Perhaps one of the most notable items on each place setting were the tennis-themed playing cards, each adorned with a word of encouragement. I exchanged my King card with Honored Queen Marty Davis. My card said: “Attitude: Good body language: win or lose with grace and dignity. » A testimony to the rigor of the game.
Among the event’s honorees were the nonprofit’s key driving forces, the late Jerry Beaver and Harvey Bottlesen. Bottlesen has been playing the sport for over 70 years and is proud of the growth of SBTP since its inception. “I love watching kids grow and seeing how passionate they become about the sport,” Bottlesen told me. During two sets of speeches – one was not enough – he thanked his late friend Beaver and others for their continued dedication to the SBTP.
Two of Beaver’s three sons, John and David, spoke on his behalf and honored his memory by reading some of their father’s preserved wisdom. Beaver described the difficulty of tennis far better than I ever could. “Hit a moving object with a moving object while moving.” And to do it with precision, speed and power. It’s tennis.
In 2023, SBTP has hosted 11 tournaments for people of all ages and skill levels, with two more planned before the end of the year. With over 1,000 registered players, SBTP has certainly expanded its mission: to promote and grow the sport of tennis, this is Santa Barbara.
Relaunched in March, the after-school program solidifies this message by offering free tennis clinics at local elementary schools, with a special focus on underserved students.
The organization operates with a small team and relies heavily on dedicated volunteers who step forward to contribute. For the relaunch of the school’s program (in partnership with the Santa Barbara Unified School District and led by Adam Webster), they were fortunate to have over 50 volunteers.
Another SBTP staff member, Lisa Aviani, told me the goal is to inspire kids who may never play tennis to try the sport. When I asked her what it was like teaching first graders, she laughed and said, “It’s absolute chaos, I mean, it’s hard to get them to throw a tennis ball.” » Adding: “It can be messy at first, but the result is rewarding. »
For younger children, lessons start with the basics: passing drills, throwing the ball up and down and throwing it. “They will work with a tennis ball for 15 minutes before we give them a racket,” Aviani explained.
In this community, there is no pressure to surpass yourself or your limits. What sets SBTP apart is its absolute commitment to sharing this beloved sport, providing a space free from the stress of performance. “Everyone does it for the love of the game,” Aviani said.
While this may be true for most sports, it’s especially beneficial for kids to start young, Aviani said. They usually train children from first grade at the earliest and form groups based on their age and skill level. Junior team tennis in the spring and fall features over 300 children ages 8-17. Regularly, each clinic is managed by a manager, generally from tennis, such as a professional or a coach. Additional support comes from five to six volunteers.
The positive outcome of pursuing a difficult feat is the feeling of accomplishment. And what’s most impressive is how sports teach kids — and people of all ages, for that matter — real-world skills. “Tennis is a sport that provides many useful skills in everyday life,” said Neil Levinson, Chairman of the SBTP Board of Directors. “Skills like being self-reliant, learning equity, resilience and learning to problem solve. These are essential skills that everyone should have. Tennis is one of those sports that teaches that,” Levinson said.
Seeing kids who stick with the sport improve and develop a love for the game is what SBTP is all about. “It’s really fun to see the older kids start rallying because it’s so rewarding,” Aviani tells me, smiling. “When you play tennis, you have a long rally, it’s so much fun.”
Because SBTP aims to spread the game of tennis, it is essential to ensure that people have the tools necessary to play it. If someone can’t afford classes beyond the program, the nonprofit will step in and offer sponsorships if necessary. In this way they open the doors to anyone who wants to continue this sport. Tennis is for everyone. Santa Barbara tennis patrons embody this mantra.
“Tennis is a lifelong activity,” Bottlesen said. And half a century later, it’s certainly proven. For more information, see sbtennispatrons.com.
