A true community organization, Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons grew out of local parents’ desire to have a place close to home where their children could play tennis tournaments. Since its founding in 1971 by Jerry Beaver, the nonprofit has remained true to its mission to promote and grow the sport of tennis, sharing the game with thousands of community members for more than 50 years.
“It takes a village to raise a child and to do this,” says Executive Director Greg Tebbe, praising the organization’s dedicated volunteers and donors for making it all possible.
“We do whatever we can to execute the mission to support and promote the sport of tennis for all ages and abilities,” says Tebbe, a Tennis Patrons’ player as a kid.
Through tennis tournaments—there were nineteen in 2024—for some 1,500 juniors, seniors, novice, and advanced players; junior leagues serving about 250 players; and afterschool programs introducing approximately 1,200 kids to the game each year, the nonprofit ensures everyone can experience the sport’s lifelong benefits.
"Tennis’ perks extend beyond the obvious boost to mental and physical health," says Tebbe.
“Statistics show that kids who play tennis have good outcomes, end up going to college, and have very positive health benefits,” he says. “And tennis adds 9.7 years to your life expectancy!”
With the aim of making tennis more accessible to everybody, the Patrons invite kids and adults to get involved by playing and watching tournaments, joining a team league, or volunteering with the organization. Visit SBTennisPatrons.com for details and more information.