Tennis: King to help launch Serving Up Hope in San Rafael
Vania King is forever grateful for the opportunities that have come her way thanks to tennis, and she’s spreading the love through her nonprofit Serving Up Hope.
The daughter of immigrants from Taiwan, King grew up in what she describes as a “sketchy” neighborhood in Southern California. When her older brother experienced behavioral issues in school, King’s parents were encouraged to push him to sports or music to take the edge off.
He chose tennis and the rest of the King siblings followed suit, especially Vania, who went on to win two-time Grand Slam doubles titles and $4,556,888 in career earnings.
“Serving Up Hope does touch me in a personal place,” says King. “It is very personal for me to give back.”
Serving Up Hope is coming to San Rafael early next year. The first sessions will run Jan. 11-Feb 15 at Bahia Vista and Head Start Short elementary schools. The program expects to enroll 150 children ages 8-12.
King will play in a doubles exhibition on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Belvedere Tennis Club to help launch Serving Up Hope in San Rafael. Maegan Manasse, an All-American from Cal who is now a pro, and several Stanford players will join King on the court.
The event is open to the public, but reservations are required by calling the tennis club.
During King’s 15-year pro career, she won 15 doubles titles. Highlights include women’s doubles championships at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2010. She also made the finals in women’s doubles at the 2011 U.S. Open and mixed doubles at the 2009 French Open. Her Fed Cup record was 5-7.
“It gave me opportunities I would not have had without tennis,” said King. “I understand about not having resources.”
King’s brother, Phillip, also benefitted from playing tennis. He was a two-time All-American for Duke, turned pro in 2004, and later played and captained Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams for Hong Kong. The Kings’ father, David, was a top player in Taiwan before moving to California.
Serving Up Hope relies on community support and engagement to design tennis clinics based on local needs. Marin YMCA in San Rafael is the sponsor. Laura Rende of Belvedere is a local coordinator, and she’s recruited her daughter, Anna, and other high school players to volunteer.
“I am eager to share my love and passion for tennis with the community because it is a sport where you are always growing and learning and can play for your whole life,” said Branson junior Anna Rende. “Through tennis, I have become more confident and focused on and off the court and I have learned how to be a supportive teammate and friend. I want young children to have the same opportunities for growth while having fun.”
King uses her tour contacts to secure donations from Babolat, Tennis Warehouse, USTA grants and fundraising. The clinics feature transportable nets that can be used indoors and outdoors. Serving Up Hope also provides rackets, balls and occasionally shoes when needed.
The program is so popular that Serving Up Hope added 10 new sites last year for more than 20 and expects to add seven more next quarter. Most sites are sponsored by local YMCAs and are centered around the metro areas of Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale. The Marin programs will be the only ones in Northern California at this time.
There are two sites in Uganda, where tennis is the focus but expands to include STEM education, meal assistance, equipment support and mentorship of girls.
In Marin County, Serving Up Hope has the potential to develop new players for San Rafael high school teams that have traditionally struggled against their Southern Marin rivals. Kings said her goal is to identify and nurture future high school and college players.
“My high school team could have used some help,” said King. “I’m trying to fight inequality. I experienced that as a kid.”
Serving Up Hope
What: Nonprofit that provides sustainable tennis programs to underserved communities
When: Jan. 11-Feb 15, 2023
Where: Bahia Vista and Head Start Short elementary schools in San Rafael
Kickoff Exhibition: Sunday at 1 p.m. at Belvedere Tennis Club featuring Grand Slam champ Vania King and college All-Americans. This free event is open to the public but reservations are required by calling the club at 415-435-4792.