TENNIS LEGEND STAN SMITH TO HEADLINE YOUTH TENNIS SAN DIEGO
ANNUAL GALA ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 AT BARNES TENNIS CENTER
Gala Proceeds to Support Youth Tennis San Diego Programs and Outreach Initiatives
SAN DIEGO – (June 24, 2026) – Tennis legend Stan Smith will be the guest of honor for the 2026 Youth Tennis San Diego Annual Gala chaired by Liz & Michael Copley. The Gala will take place from 6-10 p.m. (PDT) on Saturday, September 19 at Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107.
The theme of this year’s YTSD Gala is “An Evening Celebrating Tennis Heritage & Legends.” In addition to a special appearance by Smith, the evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions and a program highlighting YTSD’s community impact. The Gala will also honor individuals who shaped the sport while celebrating the next generation of young people YTSD is helping to grow.
The Gala, which is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, helps YTSD to continue serving more than 15,000 youth annually across more than 45 San Diego County community sites. YTSD also awards $500,000 in annual scholarships, and provides more than 500 hours of tutoring and academic support each year.
Smith, a tennis legend who is among the greatest players of all-time, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987. Smith won 37 career singles titles, including the 1971 US Open singles championship and the Wimbledon singles crown in 1972, the same year he achieved the No. 1 singles ranking in the world. Smith also won four US Open doubles titles (1968, 1974, 1978, 1980) and one Australian Open doubles championship (1970) with long-time doubles partner Bob Lutz.
A native of Pasadena, Calif., Smith played for the United States Davis Cup team for 12 years and helped the U.S. win seven Davis Cup Championships (1968-72, 1979, 1981). Today’s generation may recognize Smith’s name through his popular tennis shoe, the Adidas Stan Smith. The white leather shoe with green trim features Smith’s portrait and autograph on the tongue. While the shoe is no longer recommended for competitive tennis, it has become a fashion icon with a variety of versions of the shoe available.
For additional information on Stan Smith, click here.
“We are delighted to welcome such a distinguished tennis legend like Stan Smith to this year’s Gala. He is one of the most respected Tennis Ambassadors in the history of the sport,” said Barnes Tennis Center / Youth Tennis San Diego Chief Executive Officer Ryan Redondo.
“Supporting this Gala helps fund year-round tennis programming, academic support, scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development for under-served youth throughout San Diego County,” Redondo added. “This event is an excellent opportunity for contributors and sponsors to help support local youths who come to Barnes Tennis Center, and participate in our community programs.”
Tickets for the Gala are currently available for $250 per person. Early bird pricing, with tickets priced at $225, is available until Friday, July 3. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500. Contributions are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 95-6095644.
For additional YTSD Gala event and ticket information, click here.
