Founded in 2019 by sisters Ayanna and Amani Shah, Second Serve began with a simple but powerful idea: tennis should be accessible to all. What started as an effort to donate extra tennis gear has grown into a global network of more than 260 youth leaders working together to expand access to tennis and uplift underserved communities around the world.
I recently had the chance to interview Second Serve co-founder and CEO, Ayanna Shah, to discuss the organization’s origins and vision for the future. She shared that Second Serve was inspired by a moment from her junior tennis journey.
“Our first coach, Eduardo Sanchez, had initiated a tennis program offering free clinics to children in Tecate, Mexico, but faced a significant challenge: a lack of equipment for the kids. After learning this, we donated our surplus gear to support his program. This experience opened our eyes to the broader issue of accessibility in tennis and motivated us to establish Second Serve,” she said.
Collection of gently used tennis equipment and gear ready for donation. Photo by Levi Jefferson
Since then, Second Serve has grown and expanded its reach with donations made to communities in over a dozen countries, including India, Uganda, Nigeria, Australia, and even China. – All coordinated and led by students aged 12 to 17.
“Our team is the heart of Second Serve,” Shah said. “They’re the ones organizing donation drives, connecting with partners, and making real change in their communities.”
But all of this is more than just about playing tennis and hitting a ball – it’s about creating safe spaces and new opportunities. “For kids in under-resourced communities, it also provides a sense of belonging, and even educational and professional opportunities,” she said.
Second Serve’s impact has already received national attention, having been featured on the Tennis Channel, ESPN, NBC Nightly News, the LA Times, and most recently on Good Day LA in May 2025.
Looking ahead, Shah hopes Second Serve becomes a symbol of inclusivity in tennis. “I want every kid who wants to play to have the chance,” she said. “And I want people to see how young leaders can make a real impact.”
As a Second Serve Regional President for my area since 2023, I’ve seen how strong community support can be. Thanks to donations from local coaches and clubs, we’ve been able to provide used tennis gear to Title 1 schools in the Southern California area. If you want to help or have tennis equipment to donate, visit secondserve.org.
