Youth from the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons’ junior programming participated in the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Be Legendary program on Saturday, hitting the court at Knowlwood Tennis Club with California natives, 16-time major doubles champions and Hall of Famers Bob and Mike Bryan.
Be Legendary, a global youth initiative, was created by the International Tennis Hall of Fame (based in Newport, Rhode Island) to inspire and empower players ages 10–18 by connecting them with tennis history, values, and legendary players.
The goal of the program is to teach kids all the incredible life lessons tennis has to offer through the lens of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, help them foster a deeper connection to the sport, and encourage them to find their personal greatness, both on and off the court.
Since its launch in 2025, Be Legendary reached youth across three countries through activations in Melbourne (Australia), Dallas, Indian Wells, Miami, London (U.K.) and Newport, Rhode Island.
Participating Hall of Famers include the Bryans, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters, Lleyton Hewitt, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Tracy Austin, Gigi Fernandez, Rosie Casals and more.
Leading into Saturday’s on-court activities, the kids participated in values-based lessons centered around teamwork and communication, two values that were key in the Bryan Brothers’ tennis success.
The lessons began with the Legends Locker unboxing activity, teaching the kids how the Hall of Fame preserves tennis history and the values of champions through special items.
As twins and the most successful doubles team in men’s tennis history, the Bryans exemplified what can be accomplished when talent is combined with working together.
During lessons, the kids reflected on how they can show good communication and teamwork, both in tennis and in their daily lives.
The week culminated with the Bryans traveling to Santa Barbara to meet the young players and lead on-court drills. Bob and Mike led drills emphasizing teamwork, demonstrated and taught their signature volleys and overhead shots, and energized the kids with their legendary chest bump celebration.
Before wrapping, the kids had the chance to ask Bob and Mike questions they developed as part of the earlier lessons. The Bryans shared their insight on teamwork, what it was like playing alongside each other as brothers, and highlights from their careers.
The full day’s programming concluded with the youth attending UCSB’s men’s tennis home match against San Diego. The afternoon at Knowlwood served as a powerful reminder that the true impact of tennis extends far beyond the final score.
By bridging the gap between young athletes and Hall of Famers like the Bryan Brothers, the program successfully translated decades of championship experience into relatable and impactful lessons on teamwork, communication, and resilience.