WTA alumni bring Original Nine history to thousands of California pupils

Approximately 4,000 elementary pupils attended WTA Foundation and Harper for Kids assemblies during the BNP Paribas Open. The sessions introduced the Original Nine’s campaign for equal pay and opportunity, using professional tennis history to discuss leadership, resilience and confidence during Women’s History Month.

Former players Kathy Rinaldi and Trish Bostrom joined foundation executive director Ann Austin at schools including Van Buren, Julius Corsini and Landau. Rinaldi encouraged ambitious goals, Bostrom discussed her experience as a Title IX pioneer, and Austin explored self-belief through the founders’ story.

Peanut and Tim Harper’s education programme led the assemblies across the tournament’s two weeks. Founded in 2008, Harper for Kids had reached more than 100,000 students in 193 schools, connecting character development with practical examples from sport and everyday life.