Hidden Gems: Meet Phillip Kim of LoveSetMatch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Kim.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
LoveSetMatch began because of a journey I was lucky enough to be invited into. I was invited to play tennis as a child by my best friend who’s older brother happened to play on the tennis team in high school. We were court-side all day, soaking it all in. Long before there was a nonprofit or even a formal program, there were people who believed in me, guided me, and showed me what tennis could become in my life. I didn’t arrive here on my own. Every step was shaped by best friends, mentors, coaches, and community players who opened doors and gave encouragement when I didn’t yet know what was possible.

Tennis entered my life at a time when I needed structure, calm, and direction. It became a place where I could grow, reflect, and find balance. The lessons went far beyond the court. Tennis taught me patience, accountability, resilience, and how to stay grounded through both success and struggle. It quietly shaped my character long before I understood that it was preparing me to serve others. It was also so much fun!

Coaching started simply as a way to give back what had been given to me. I soon realized it was my nature to share. Over time, I began to see how powerful the game could be in the lives of young people and families. It wasn’t about creating elite athletes, although some became that. It was about creating confidence, belonging, and hope. I was continually inspired by the courage of the kids who showed up, the trust of the parents who placed their children in our care, and the generosity of the volunteers who believed in our vision.

In 2010, LoveSetMatch began as a small private tennis academy in Los Angeles. It was built with the intention of offering quality instruction and a positive environment. As the years passed, my perspective widened. I became more aware of how many children and families were excluded from tennis simply because of access. That awareness didn’t come from ambition, but from listening to the community and learning from the people around me.

By 2019, with the guidance and encouragement of mentors and partners, LoveSetMatch transitioned into a nonprofit organization. That shift wasn’t about growth or recognition; it was about responsibility. It was about honoring what tennis had given to me by making sure it could be shared more freely and more fairly with others.

In 2022, LoveSetMatch was recognized as a National Tennis and Learning Organization by the USTA Foundation. That moment felt less like an achievement and more like gratitude. It represented the work of so many people who believed in our mission and gave their time, trust, and energy to help build something meaningful.

Today, LoveSetMatch continues through strong partnerships with LA County Parks and Recreation as a Core Community Partner, along with schools, volunteers, and community organizations across Los Angeles County. We were recently recognized by LA County with a Commendation Award and by the USTA with the Curt Condon Spirit Award. Every program we run is a reflection of collective effort.

Personally, I continue to grow alongside the organization. I’m deeply grateful for the patience of the children who teach me every day, the dedication of our coaches and volunteers, the support of our families, and the encouragement of our partners. LoveSetMatch is not a reflection of any one person. It is a reflection of community, compassion, and the belief that small acts of care, repeated consistently, can change lives.

I’m simply thankful to be trusted with a role in that story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles has been learning patience and trust in the process. When you care deeply about a mission, it’s easy to want everything to move faster, to be bigger, to reach more people right away. But real impact takes time. I’ve had to learn that slow growth isn’t failure, it’s foundation.

Funding has always been a challenge. Running a nonprofit means believing in something before the resources fully exist. There are moments where you’re pouring your heart into programs, people, and planning while not knowing where the next support will come from. That uncertainty can be heavy. It teaches humility. It teaches faith. And it teaches gratitude for every single donor, volunteer, and partner who steps in to help carry the load.

Another struggle has been learning how to lead without losing compassion. Many of our team members are volunteers who give their time out of love, not obligation. Balancing accountability with grace is something I’m still learning every day. I’ve had to grow into being firm when needed, but always kind.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LoveSetMatch?
What I’m most proud of is that LoveSetMatch is truly a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization. Everything we do exists because people choose to give their time, their energy, and their hearts to this mission. That’s something I never take lightly. Our impact is not built by a building or a budget. It’s built by people who show up because they care.

I want our readers to know that LoveSetMatch runs on love and service. Our volunteers are the soul of our organization. They teach, organize, mentor, design, plan, translate, coach, track data, clean courts, carry equipment, and most importantly, they show our kids what kindness and commitment look like in action.

People like You Hyun Lee, who worked tirelessly on the STEM education aspects of our curriculum. Because of her, our programs don’t just teach tennis, they teach thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Her behind-the-scenes work impacts hundreds of kids who may never know her name, but will feel her influence.

People like Diana Kussainova, whose college tennis and coaching background brings professionalism, inspiration, and vision to our community. She shows our students what is possible when dedication meets opportunity.

People like Candi Valente, who helped launch and lead our East Los Angeles STEM-based tennis programs while working full-time for Universal. Her leadership helped shape one of our most important community initiatives.

People like May Lwinn, who supports us through data work, Monday.com organization, Google Classroom, and volunteer coordination, while also tutoring and studying. She represents the heart of service blended with excellence and responsibility.

And there are so many more: high school students, college students, parents, retirees, coaches, designers, code developers, and community members who step forward without being asked for recognition. They make the programs happen week after week.

I want people to understand that LoveSetMatch is not a top-down organization. It is a circle. Every volunteer matters. Every hour donated changes something. Our nonprofit organization exists because people believe in children, in access, and in the idea that community is built through action.

Our offerings—free and donation-based tennis programs, STEM-based education, Parks After Dark programming, after-school programs, coach training, and safe, nurturing environments—are all powered by volunteers who choose service over convenience.

What makes me most proud is that LoveSetMatch reflects the best of humanity:
people helping people, quietly, consistently, and with love.

That is who we are.

What were you like growing up?
I was actually very playful and joyful growing up. I loved games, movement, and anything that brought laughter and connection. Play was how I expressed myself and how I connected with others. Whether it was sports, simple games, or just being active, I found happiness in the feeling of freedom and fun.

That love for play is still at the heart of who I am and at the heart of what I do on the court today. Before tennis became structured or instructional, it was joyful. It was curiosity. It was exploration. That spirit shaped me more than I realized at the time.

I was playful, but also thoughtful. I liked making people smile. I liked creating spaces where others felt relaxed and included. Games gave me a way to bring people together without pressure or expectation. Everyone could belong.

Tennis became special because it combined play with purpose. It gave my joy direction and my energy meaning. I learned that growth doesn’t have to be serious to be powerful. Fun and discipline can live together.

Now, when I coach, that playful spirit comes with me. I want kids to feel joy first. Confidence grows from joy. Learning grows from joy. Belonging grows from joy. If a child leaves the court smiling, curious, and wanting to come back, then something meaningful has already happened.

In many ways, LoveSetMatch reflects that part of my childhood:
playful, welcoming, full of laughter, and rooted in the belief that games can change lives.

Pricing:

• Free and Donation based Classes
• Donation Based Private Lesson

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovesetmatch.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesetmatch_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovesetmatch.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lovesetmatch/
• Twitter: https://x.com/LoveSetMatch_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveSetMatchTennis
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lovesetmatch