See what people have to say about TOP

Through my experience with TOP, I have seen that the organization is a first-class operation that truly changes the lives of its participants. TOP has introduced tennis to an underserved portion of the community, while providing the necessary support to make them champions on and off the court.

Billie Jean King

Former World No. 1 pro tennis player

I like TOP’s philosophy of emphasizing education, being well-rounded, being good kids, having good values, and good tennis. If you have that good triangle of all three of those (tennis, education, and values) and you want to be a pro someday, you’re going to need very good discipline.

Tracy Austin

Former World No. 1 pro tennis player

I had a direct sponsor on the TOP board who paid for me and my brother’s tennis lessons. As a little kid from the West side of Chicago, just knowing him gave me someone outside of my family to look up to. TOP really opened up a world for me... it changed the direction of my life.

Julius Dixon

Former TOP scholar

I played high-level tournaments throughout high school with the financial support from TOP and the guidance from my mentors. Thanks to this awesome program, I am proud to say that I will be pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in Finance at DePauw in line with TOP’s standing goal, “A Tennis Theme, a College Dream.”

Carlos Gutierrez

Former TOP scholar

I owe a big part of my success to TOP. I had access to great coaches and mentors that guided me in the right direction. I also felt an increased sense of accountability in the classroom and on the court, and that drove me to push myself even harder.

Hristo Bankov

Former TOP Scholar and current TOP Board Member

I was able to continue my dreams of playing tennis because of TOP. I will never forget TOP and the many great people I met along the way. I intend to give back to the program, so other kids like me, have the chance to keep reaching for their dreams.

Anastasia Goncharova

Former TOP scholar

TOP is one of the most successful community-based tennis programs in the Chicago area and an excellent model for similar organizations nationally. TOP’s holistic approach of serving its economically disadvantaged children’s educational needs while using tennis as a vehicle with the eventual goal of attaining a college education and becoming productive adults, serves the entire child.

Jose Higueras

Pro tennis coach

Wilson Sporting Goods is based in Chicago and we take great pride in supporting those doing exemplary work in our community. We continue to be amazed by the kids that come out of TOP and the success they achieve.

Cy Dofitas

Promotion Manager at Wilson Sporting Goods