One by One
LoveSetMatch, Recipient

LoveSetMatch

Monterey Park, California

Volunteer hats help build trust and visibility

In communities across greater Los Angeles, access to opportunity can vary dramatically—even within just a few miles. In some neighborhoods, high school graduation rates exceed 90%. In others, fewer than half of students finish. LoveSetMatch is working to help close that gap.

Founded as a tennis academy, LoveSetMatch has evolved into a nonprofit focused on youth development in underserved areas. The organization provides free, year-round programming that blends athletics with education, helping kids build confidence, life skills and a path toward academic success. Through a partnership with Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation, LoveSetMatch provides more than 200 hours of free classes each year.

Where sports and education team up

LoveSetMatch delivers STEM-based sports programs in local parks and schools, many of which no longer offer physical education. Through these programs, students don’t just learn to play tennis or be active—they learn how to think. “When we teach tennis, we’re not only showing them how to hit the ball,” said Phillip Kim, executive director. “We’re talking about gravity. We’re talking about homeostasis. We’re talking about centrifugal force as you’re creating rotation. We’re trying to give them the vocabulary and experiential learning, so when they walk back into the classroom, they understand these concepts.”

Beyond tennis, LoveSetMatch engages students in golf, volleyball, yoga and general fitness education. By combining hands-on learning with physical activity, the organization helps students—many of whom are second-language learners—grasp complex ideas more easily. The goal is to build skills that translate far beyond the court, from academic confidence to long-term success.

Promotional hats strengthen the brand

The LoveSetMatch mission is powered by more than 120 volunteers, including the coaches who lead the programs in Los Angeles County parks and schools. Others offer behind-the-scenes support. A one by one grant provided branded volunteer hats given to coaches and staff members who help directly on the court or on school campuses. Kim chose hats for their practicality, as the team spends many hours in the Southern California sun.

While the hats offer a uniform look, their impact goes beyond appearance. They help clearly identify coaches while reinforcing professionalism, safety and trust. For a fully volunteer-run organization, they also bring a sense of pride and unity to the team. “We wanted families to know who’s in charge on the court and that they can trust them,” Kim said. “All of our coaches are trained, background-checked and certified. When they wear that hat, it represents that standard.”

A note from Cheryl

LoveSetMatch is creating opportunities for youth through an innovative blend of sports and STEM education. We were thrilled to help its team and support the mission by providing branded volunteer hats. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.

For more information about LoveSetMatch, please visit https://lovesetmatch.org/

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