08/29/2026
From Southern California to Flushing Meadows, we’ve got a pretty great crew. 🎾🗽
Top 20 stars, teenage sensations, first time main draws, comebacks, breakthroughs and plenty of momentum. The Team SoCal contingent is one to watch at this year’s US Open.
Who are you most excited to cheer on?
Read the full preview: https://ustasocal.com/news/2026-us-open-main-draw-preview/
08/28/2026
What happens when the player who inspired you becomes your coach?
Michael Chang and Learner Tien are living that story, continuing a Southern California tennis legacy built by generations of champions.
Now, Taylor Fritz, Brandon Nakashima, Tien, and Iva Jovic are writing the next chapter. As the US Open takes center stage, we’re celebrating the players and communities that keep SoCal tennis thriving.
One Generation to the Next: Southern California’s US Open Legacy
Explore Southern California’s lasting tennis legacy, from Billie Jean King and Tracy Austin to today’s stars, and its impact on the US Open and next generation.
08/28/2026
For Richard Gallien, coaching was never just about tennis. It was about people.
After 40 years coaching at Pepperdine, USC, the Los Angeles Tennis Club, and Cal State LA, Richard has retired. Those who played for him remember the same qualities again and again: empathy, kindness, consistency, and a fierce belief in his players.
His impact reaches far beyond the court. Now, Richard looks back on a lifetime in tennis, the lessons he learned and the people who made the journey so meaningful.
Longstanding SoCal Coach Richard Gallien Retires & Reflects
Longtime SoCal coach Richard Gallien reflects on 40 years of coaching at Pepperdine, USC, Cal State LA and beyond as he begins retirement.
08/28/2026
Team SoCal made a statement at the 2026 USTA L1 Hard Court National Championships! 🎾
🥇 Thea Frodin, Girls’ 18s Singles
🥇 London Slaton & Sebastian Cheaney, Boys’ 14s Doubles
🥇 Kareena Cross & Gabrielle Alexa Villegas, Girls’ 14s Doubles
🥇 William Zhou & Thomas Gamble, Boys’ 12s Doubles
🥇 Abigail Haile & Olivia De Los Reyes, Girls’ 16s Doubles
Plus, 20+ additional podium finishes across the 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18s divisions! Congrats to all our juniors on an incredible showing.
Read the full recap: https://ustasocal.com/news/2026-l1-hard-court-nationals-recap
08/28/2026
SoCal showed up BIG on the national stage!
Our Southern California juniors brought home national titles, podium finishes, Sportsmanship Awards, and US Open opportunities at the 2026 USTA L1 National Championships.
From Thea Frodin’s historic Girls’ 18s championship in San Diego to standout performances across the country, these players are showing just how much talent, hard work, and heart exist right here in SoCal. We couldn’t be prouder of !
Read the full recap below.
SoCal Girls’ Three-Peat in San Diego Highlights USTA L1 Hard Court Nationals
SoCal juniors capture national titles, podium finishes and US Open opportunities at USTA L1 Hard Court Nationals across the country.
08/26/2026
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Riley Shear!
Creative, vibrant, and uplifting, Riley brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does as USTA Southern California’s Brand Marketing & Engagement Manager.
From creating engaging event activations that introduce new players to tennis to telling the stories of the people and communities that make SoCal tennis special, Riley is always looking for new ways to grow and celebrate the sport.
After nearly a decade away from tennis, Riley found her way back to the game in 2025, reigniting a passion that now shines through in both her work and her life on the court.
🎾 Fun fact: Riley grew up watching “Breakfast at Wimbledon” with her family every year, complete with strawberries and scones!
Read more about Riley’s journey and impact at USTA SoCal: https://ustasocal.com/news/beyond-the-baseline-riley-shear/
08/26/2026
What an incredible time at the girls high school camp! We brought together 147 girls from 12 local high schools for two days packed with focused drills and fun competition.
A massive thank you to our dedicated coaching staff and partners for making both days such a success: Chuck Kingman, Hank Lloyd, Barry Friedman, Trevor Kronemann, Debbie Graham, Dave Hagler, Rylan Rizza, Peter Smith, Eduardo Reyes, Morisa Yang, Chris Ketcham, Eliot Telscher, Alex Menchini, Mason Tran, Josh Baar, and Bob Hochstadter.
A special shoutout to Allan Iverson for hosting the Babolat demo court!
Your time, expertise, and passion over these two days made a huge impact on these young athletes! 👏🏆
📸: rachel scalera
08/26/2026
On Women’s Equality Day, we’re celebrating a woman who changed tennis forever.
Serena Williams’ return to the US Open is a powerful reminder of the legacy she and so many women before and after her have built, from the courts of Southern California to the biggest stages in the world.
Read our latest feature on Serena’s return and the Southern California tennis legacy she represents.
Serena Williams’ US Open Return Shines a Spotlight on Southern California’s Tennis Legacy
Serena Williams’ US Open return highlights Southern California’s enduring tennis legacy, from legends to today’s rising stars.
08/26/2026
From a Top 3 junior to the ATP Top 20.
Brandon Nakashima’s journey has had it all: a hometown title, injury, setbacks, a climb back up the rankings and now a career high No. 17.
The San Diego native is officially one of the world’s Top 20 players for the first time in his career. And he’s not done yet.
We’re proud of you, B-Nak ⚔️
🔗Read the full story on his road to the Top 20: https://ustasocal.com/news/brandon-nakashimas-road-to-the-atp-top-20/