Leslie Banks
Award-winning tennis professional & nonprofit founder | Building partnerships to empower underserved youth through Serve the Future AZ | Scaling programs that blend tennis, life-skills & education
- Role
- Founder & Executive Director at Serve The Future Az
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Leslie Banks
As the Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future AZ, I lead a nonprofit…
Experience
Founder & Executive Director
Jan 2021 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US
I’m am the proud and dedicated Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future AZ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth in the Phoenix area through tennis and education. With over 25 years of coaching experience, I’ve made it my mission to create access, opportunity, and mentorship for the next generation—on and off the court.At Serve the Future AZ, I lead a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to provide high-quality tennis instruction and life-enriching programs for kids who need it most. My goal is to not only teach the game but to foster confidence, character, and connection through sport.When I created the Serve the Future foundation, I had no idea - the profound impact it would have on our community, particularly the most vulnerable and underserved children. My intention was simply to help a few kids develop determination, perseverance, and self-confidence. I am fortunate to share the sport of tennis with them, which has not only helped me cultivate the same determination, perseverance, and self-confidence but also allows me to compassionately mentor these children, inspiring them to believe in a brighter future for themselves. In 2022, I was honored to receive the USPTA (now RSPA) Star Award, recognizing my work in advancing diversity and inclusion in tennis and making a meaningful impact in multicultural communities.Beyond coaching, I serve as Media Director on the Southwest RSPA Board, using storytelling to uplift voices and grow the game. I also hold a Master’s Degree in History from Kent State University, which fuels my commitment to equity and understanding the deeper context of the work I do.I’m not just a coach—I’m an advocate, a mentor, and a believer in the power of sport to change lives.
Education
University of Idaho
Bachelor of Arts, History
2002 — 2004
Kent State University
Master of Arts, History
2004 — 2006
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