Rising Stars: Meet Phillip Kim of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Kim

phillip, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with LoveSetMatch.org started with a simple love for tennis and a desire to share it with others. I’ve always believed that tennis is more than just a sport — it’s a vehicle for growth, discipline, and opportunity. But as I spent more time on the court, I saw a bigger need. It wasn’t just about teaching kids how to play; it was about creating access, support, and a pathway to something greater.

That’s what inspired me to launch a tennis program in East Los Angeles. We operate at night to make it possible for kids to participate after school hours. For many of these students, it’s more than just tennis — it’s a safe space where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged. I wanted it to be a place where they could build confidence, find mentors, and believe in their potential.

But I realized something even more powerful: tennis could be a bridge to education. Families, especially parents, often didn’t know how to connect the dots between sports and college opportunities. That’s when I decided to expand our mission. I created the LoveSetMatch Educational College Workshops, which support not only high school students and their families but also parents of elementary-aged children who want to plan ahead. The goal is simple — to give families the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to use tennis as a springboard to higher education.

As part of this vision, I also introduced STEM-based tennis education into our programming. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and math concepts into tennis training, we’re helping students see the sport in a new way. They learn about physics through spin and trajectory, math through scoring and strategy, and even technology through sports analytics. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the game but also strengthens essential skills for academic success.

Today, LoveSetMatch.org is more than I ever imagined. It’s a community, a support system, and a movement that’s helping young people and their families see beyond the court. Every step of this journey has been fueled by a passion for service and a belief that tennis can change lives. And every time I see a student realize their potential — on the court, in school, or in life — I’m reminded why this work matters.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. The journey with LoveSetMatch.org has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped it into what it is today. One of the biggest hurdles was simply access. Operating a tennis program in East Los Angeles, especially at night, required creative problem-solving to ensure we had safe, well-lit spaces where kids could play and learn. Securing courts, managing schedules, and ensuring the safety of our students all required persistence and resourcefulness.

Another major challenge was education. It wasn’t enough to just get kids to show up and play tennis. I saw that families needed more support in understanding how tennis could be a pathway to college. Many parents had no idea how to navigate scholarships, college prep, or even the basics of how sports could be leveraged for higher education. Bridging that gap meant building relationships with families, hosting workshops, and developing tools that could make this process easier for them.

Introducing STEM-based tennis education was another challenge. It’s one thing to teach kids to play tennis; it’s another to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into the experience in a way that feels natural and engaging. But I believed in the idea, and with time, we found creative ways to link tennis concepts like ball spin, speed, and trajectory to physics and math. Now, kids aren’t just improving their game — they’re building academic skills that will serve them far beyond the court.

Of course, like any nonprofit, funding has always been a challenge. Finding resources to keep the program running, offer free or affordable access, and provide the right equipment has been an ongoing effort. But every grant, every donor, and every community partner who believes in our mission has made it possible for us to keep moving forward.

Looking back, I see that the struggles weren’t roadblocks — they were building blocks. They forced me to be more innovative, more patient, and more committed to the mission. And every time I see a student gain confidence, earn a scholarship, or simply fall in love with the sport, I know every challenge was worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I couldn’t be more proud of our team at LoveSetMatch. Every coach, mentor, volunteer, and supporter plays a vital role in bringing our mission to life. It’s one thing to have a vision, but it’s another to have a team that believes in it just as deeply.

Our Physical Education and After-School programs are co-led by Coach Cerena Cooper, an incredible mentor whose story is nothing short of inspiring. Once navigating her own challenges, Coach Cerena has turned her life around to become a beacon of hope and strength for our youth.

An avid tennis player, she completed her SafeSport training and Federal background check began her new teaching journey with us.

She pours her passion into teaching tennis and valuable life skills, instilling discipline, resilience, and confidence in every child she works with.

Coach Peter Kang is an integral part of the LoveSetMatch family, embodying the passion, patience, and dedication that defines our program. As a former college tennis player in the Chicago area and a product of the NJTL system, Coach Peter is a living example of how inner-city tennis programs can shape successful athletes and leaders. His journey from player to coach reflects the very mission of LoveSetMatch — to create opportunities that last a lifetime. He goes beyond teaching tennis techniques, fostering character, resilience, and confidence in every student he works with. His ability to connect with players on a personal level makes him a trusted mentor both on and off the court. Whether he’s guiding a beginner through their first rally or helping a more advanced player refine their strategy, Coach Peter’s thoughtful approach and steady encouragement leave a lasting impact. His presence is a constant reminder that great coaching isn’t just about skill development — it’s about inspiring belief in oneself. We’re incredibly grateful to have Coach Peter as a leader, role model, and cornerstone of the LoveSetMatch community.

These programs serve as a safe haven for children in Los Angeles County, providing them not only with a place to grow physically and mentally but also with guidance from someone who has walked in their shoes and risen above.

We are serving over 400 students weekly! However, none of this is possible without support. We need help ensure the sustainability of our Physical Education outreach by funding it through 2025. Our goal is to raise $6,000 to cover day to day operations of this program.

Our team shows up with passion, patience, and an unwavering commitment to our students and families. They don’t just teach tennis — they inspire confidence, spark curiosity, and open doors to opportunities beyond the court. From late nights on the court to hands-on support during our programs, our team gives their all, every single day. Seeing their dedication to our students’ growth — both as athletes and as young scholars — reminds me that LoveSetMatch is more than a program; it’s a family. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of them.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating opportunities for others to grow, succeed, and realize their full potential.

Whether it’s through tennis, education, or mentorship, I’m driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to reach beyond their current circumstances. Seeing a student light up when they master a new skill on the court or watching a family gain clarity on their child’s path to college — those moments fuel everything I do. It’s not just about wins or scholarships; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of possibility. I also love building community and bringing people together. There’s something powerful about uniting people around a shared purpose and watching them uplift one another. At LoveSetMatch, I see that sense of community every day — on the court, in workshops, through volunteers and in the way our families support each other. If I can be a small part of that journey, then I know I’m living with purpose.

Pricing:

• Free Tennis!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovesetmatch.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesetmatch_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovesetmatch.org
• Twitter: https://x.com/LoveSetMatch_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lovesetmatchtennis