Andy Roddick was nine years old when he realized his passion for tennis. One of the greatest players in the game, he is now devoting his life to helping young kids realize and develop their own passion for tennis through his Austin, Texas-based Andy Roddick Foundation.
Roddick's nonprofit, which he launched when he was just 18 years old — a year after he was ranked the No. 1 junior tennis player in the world — focuses on taking the time children spend outside the classroom and turning it into real opportunities. Through an innovative and acclaimed six-week summer program, investments in collaborative out-of-school time activities and other joint initiatives with key groups throughout the city, the foundation is creating new chances for underserved kids to grow in literacy, STEM, art and sports — all during months and times of day when statistics show they're typically most at risk for falling behind.
The foundation extends and broadens learning possibilities and puts students face-to-face with a broad range of local professionals — from scientists, chefs and artists to politicians and financial advisors — during "Career Field Trips" to places such as Austin City Hall and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
In 2003, at just 20 years old, Roddick clinched two Masters titles and later won the U.S. Open. Over the next several years, Roddick's No. 1 rankings, top 10 consistency, Davis Cup team leadership and record-setting 155 mph serves stunned and thrilled the world.