Meet Rob Gurden

We recently connected with Rob Gurden and have shared our conversation below.

Rob, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I was a shy kid—and honestly, that shyness never fully disappeared. But over time, I found that confidence doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room. For me, it came from stepping up even when I felt unsure, and doing things that mattered to me.

Coaching tennis played a huge role in that journey. Early on, I was nervous about being in front of a group, giving instruction, or managing different personalities on court. But the more I did it, the more I realized I had something valuable to offer. Seeing players grow—not just in skill, but in belief in themselves—mirrored my own growth. It gave me a purpose and a reason to push past my comfort zone.

Starting businesses brought another level of challenge. There’s nothing quite like putting your ideas out into the world and not knowing if they’ll work. But each time I took that leap—whether it was building a tennis program or launching a new initiative—I learned to trust my instincts a little more. I made mistakes, but I learned from them. I listened, adapted, and kept moving forward.

My self-esteem developed through those experiences—by seeing that I could create something from nothing, that I could lead, and that even as a shy person, I could have an impact. I still feel shy sometimes, but I no longer see that as a weakness. It’s just part of who I am—and it hasn’t stopped me from coaching, mentoring, and building things that make a difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Hot Shots Tennis and co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Youth Tennis Los Angeles, which I started with my wife. Together, we’re focused on using tennis as a powerful tool for youth development, especially in communities that may not traditionally have access to the sport.

What began as a small afterschool program has grown into a movement to make tennis more inclusive, accessible, and fun for elementary-aged children. Through our nonprofit and coaching businesses, we create opportunities for kids to get active, build confidence, and learn valuable life skills—all through the game of tennis.

Coaching has been my lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve worked with everyone from brand-new players to nationally ranked juniors. But what truly drives me now is seeing kids light up when they hit a ball for the first time, or when they start to believe in their own potential. That’s the magic of this work—it goes far beyond the court.

Professionally, I’m focused on growing both the nonprofit and our tennis-based enrichment programs. With the help of the USTA, we’re currently expanding our PE Tennis initiative, which brings tennis directly into public school physical education programs across Los Angeles. We’re also launching a new curriculum for afterschool enrichment that combines movement, play, and personal growth. And this summer, we’re excited to offer more sessions of Hot Shots Tennis Camp, designed to make tennis fun and engaging for kids of all backgrounds and ability levels.

At the core of everything I do—whether it’s coaching, building programs, or leading a nonprofit—is a commitment to empowerment. My mission is to use tennis as a platform to uplift young people, foster community, and inspire confidence that lasts long after they leave the court.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience
Things don’t always go as planned—especially when you’re building something from the ground up. There were times I doubted myself, faced rejection, or felt like progress was moving too slowly. But I learned to keep showing up. Resilience is what keeps you going when the excitement fades or when things get tough. For those just starting out: expect setbacks, but don’t let them define you. See each challenge as a chance to learn and come back stronger.

Relationship Building
Whether it’s with students, parents, schools, or community partners, the relationships I’ve built over time have been the true foundation of everything I do. People support people they trust. Invest in listening, being present, and showing up consistently. If you’re early in your journey, focus on creating real connections—not just contacts. Collaboration and community can take you much further than trying to go it alone.

Adaptability
The ability to adjust—whether to a new school policy, a shift in funding, or a kid who learns differently—has been crucial. No two days are exactly alike in this work. The more flexible you are, the more solutions you’ll find. I’ve had to adapt curriculum for different age groups, create programs from scratch, and adjust business strategies on the fly. If you’re starting out, stay curious, stay humble, and be willing to evolve.

Above all, give yourself grace. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Confidence and clarity come with time, experience, and a lot of trial and error. Just keep learning, stay true to your purpose, and surround yourself with people who uplift you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—we’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about youth development, community impact, and making tennis more accessible.

We’re especially interested in partnering with:

Schools and educators looking to bring tennis or physical literacy into their PE or afterschool programs.

Nonprofits and community groups focused on health, wellness, or youth empowerment.

Coaches and instructors who love working with kids and want to be part of something meaningful.

Sponsors and donors who want to invest in expanding access to tennis in underserved communities.

Creative collaborators—from curriculum developers to media professionals—who want to help us tell our story and grow our reach.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through our website at ytla.org or email me directly at [email protected]. Let’s explore how we can work together to make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ytla.org www.hotshotstennis.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youth.tennis.los.angeles/ https://www.instagram.com/hot_shots_tennis_california/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgurden/