From Student to Mentor: Daniel Chang's SPUT Journey

Sometimes the best journeys start with a simple moment. For Daniel Chang, it was discovering tennis through the Warrior Leadership Academy during his sophomore year of high school. That opportunity opened the door to what would become an amazing adventure with Saint Paul Urban Tennis—one that reshaped his entire life trajectory.

"It's funny to think that before high school, I didn't even know tennis was a sport," Daniel reflects. "The thought of tennis becoming such a huge part of my life today was unimaginable." Now a freshman at Century College with plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota to pursue neuroscience, Daniel balances his pre-med studies with an unwavering passion for the sport. His ultimate goal? Becoming a neurosurgeon. Though he jokes, "It's not pro tennis, but it'll do. However, if I somehow get a second growth spurt, I'm going for a Grand Slam."

What makes SPUT special for Daniel? The mentorship. The WLA program gave underprivileged kids like him an opportunity to stay competitive during the winter, offering coaching from not just great coaches but also amazing people who serve as mentors to everyone. This experience was so transformative that after graduating high school, Daniel knew exactly what he wanted to give back.

"I became a coach with SPUT, trying to recreate the same experience that I so very much loved," Daniel shares. But it's about more than just teaching tennis skills. "Most importantly, I'm strengthening my bonds with everyone." He hopes the young players he coaches will see him not just as an instructor, but "as their friend and mentor, someone they can comfortably ask for help with anything."

Despite demanding coursework and study sessions, Daniel's dedication to the courts never wavers. "Somehow I always end up on the courts with my racket and shoes ready to play tennis," he admits with a smile.

The impact of SPUT extends far beyond the tennis court for Daniel. The program didn't just teach him a sport—it gave him a community, a purpose, and a way to pay forward the mentorship that changed his life.

His journey exemplifies how SPUT's combination of inclusive community, skilled coaching, and leadership opportunities can help young people grow both as athletes and leaders.