Matt Stevenson Junior Tennis Fund

Purpose of Fund

To promote the development of junior tennis in two respects:  (1) by making grants to junior tennis development programs that serve areas with a high percentage of low- to moderate-income families and minorities; (2) by providing financial assistance to promising junior tennis players from low- to moderate-income families.

Criteria for Funding

A.   Junior Development Programs

Tennis is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and different abilities.  It improves one’s physical skills, mental concentration, and emotional well-being.  It fosters great sportsmanship and teaches good etiquette.  It builds self-confidence and self-esteem.  Most importantly, it is a game that can be enjoyed for life and allows friendships to blossom both on and off the tennis court.  For these and countless other reasons, ProtoStar believes that tennis should be accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background or financial circumstances.  Accordingly, ProtoStar will help build the capacity of junior tennis programs that meet certain qualifications.

In order to qualify for financial assistance, a junior tennis development program must:

1.   Be part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization that has been in existence for at least two years. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

2.   Have a tennis director.  While not a requirement, having a tennis director who is certified with USPTA or USPTR is a plus.

3.   Enforce stringent policies and procedures regarding the handling of money (i.e., receipt and disbursement of funds). There is no exception to this requirement.

4.   Demonstrate a need for financial aid.  ProtoStar will treat all discussions and documents with utmost confidentiality.

5.   Include a program that provides free tennis racquets, balls, and lessons to children needing financial aid. ProtoStar will review the program’s criteria for providing financial aid.

6.   Have an established non-discrimination policy.  There is no exception to this requirement.

7.   Demonstrate a commitment to outreach and diversity.  ProtoStar will review the program’s commitment in such areas as hiring staff, recruiting junior tennis players, and servicing its community.

8.   Promote excellent sportsmanship, good etiquette, and appreciation for the game.

If selected for consideration, the Junior Development Program will be asked to provide additional documentation.  Please go to How to Apply for a Grant.

B.   Promising Junior Tennis Players

It takes more than just innate talent and hard work to become a great tennis player.  It costs money to buy the proper equipment, train with the right tennis coaches, and travel to tournaments.  ProtoStar will underwrite some of the costs for a qualified, promising junior tennis player who aspires to obtain a tennis scholarship at a Division I school and/or become a touring professional.  In order to be eligible for financial assistance, a promising junior tennis player must:

1.   Be between the ages of 14 and 18. In exceptional cases, the Fund may consider an applicant as young as age 12 or 13.

2.   Have a top USTA sectional or national ranking in the appropriate age group.  Exceptions may be granted in extenuating circumstances, such as time off due to injury, family issues, etc.

3.   Achieve a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of 11.0 or higher.  A lower UTR may be considered for younger players who show great potential.

4.   Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher starting as a high school freshman.  Exceptions are rarely granted.

5.   Demonstrate a need for financial aid.  Separate or joint tax returns from the junior player’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for the past two years are required.  ProtoStar will treat all discussions and documents with utmost confidentiality.

6.   Show good sportsmanship, etiquette, and courteous behavior on and off the tennis court.  ProtoStar may seek the opinions of tournament officials, coaches, teachers, and other persons familiar with the applicant.

7.   Provide two recommendations.  One recommendation must be from a certified tennis professional, and the other from a school teacher.

8.   Be under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.  The application must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

If selected for consideration, a junior tennis player may be evaluated by a certified tennis professional at ProtoStar’s expense.

To apply, please fill out our Application Form and include all requested documents.

Please email a copy of the Application Form and requested documents to info@protostargroup.com and send a hard copy of the Application Form and requested documents to: ProtoStar Group, 9984 Scripps Ranch Boulevard #232, San Diego, CA  92131.

Advisory Committee

Judith Stevenson (Co-chair)

Gary P. Poon (Co-chair)

Tony Perez (USTA official)

Casey McClure (Tennis professional)

Denny Fafek (Tennis professional)

About Matt Stevenson

The late Matt Stevenson was a young tennis professional who ran very successful junior tennis programs in the Washington, D.C. area.  He was loved and admired by his students, their parents, and the tennis community not only for his teaching skills and good sportsmanship, but more importantly for his kindness and generosity in helping others both on and off the tennis court.

Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Anti-Discrimination Policy

ProtoStar is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusiveness.  ProtoStar will not tolerate disparagement, bullying, harassment, or discrimination against any individual based on race, color, religion, national origin, creed, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender identification, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, political views, physical appearance, manner of dress, or any other basis protected by law as may be appropriate.  Please refer to ProtoStar’s Code of Conduct.

Donations to the Fund

We are heartened by the many generous donations made to the Fund to help support junior tennis in Matt’s honor.  If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to the Fund, please click on the Donate button below and then send us an email specifying that you would like your donation to be allocated to the ProtoStar-Matt Stevenson Junior Tennis Fund.  Every dollar that is donated into the Fund will be used to benefit junior tennis.  ProtoStar Foundation bears all administrative costs, including bookkeeping fees, printing costs, and even the 3% fee that VISA, MasterCard, and American Express charge for credit card donations.  You can rest assured that your contributions will be put to good use.  We thank you in advance for your generosity.