Our Mission
The Rise Project supports promising rising ATP and WTA players of exceptional character who aspire to break into the Top 100 - and who we believe will be incredible role models and mentors for others as their careers progress.
In the challenging world of professional tennis, the reality is that many lack robust support systems and are struggling to make ends meet. The Rise Project was created by a passionate, supportive community of enthusiastic adult amateur tennis players and world-class coaches who want to help.
Our goal is to enhance the potential of a select group of rising players, enabling them to dream, aspire, excel, and "pay it forward" as their careers progress. We catalyze support and coaching resources to alleviate financial stress and distractions, allowing our fellows to focus on their training -- lifting the burdens while imposing no additional expectations. Above all, we work to make players feel deeply supported along their journey by a community that cares. We hope that the opportunity and experience afforded to Rise Project fellows will last a lifetime.
The Rise Project invests in people, not just players.
Ultimately, success to us isn't just about our fellowship winners rising in the rankings -- but above all, about how they demonstrate growth as great humans and give back as their careers evolve.
Meet our 2023-2024 Rise Project Fellowship Winners
In 2023, we invited several of the world’s top coaches to nominate players to apply for our inaugural Rise Project Fellowship program. After a highly competitive application and interview process, we were thrilled to name the very first winners: Alec Beckley and Fernanda Contreras.
ALEC BECKLEY
As far back as Alec can remember, tennis has been the source of his life’s greatest joys, as well as some hardships, which have made him into the disciplined, resilient person he is today. His tennis journey first began when Alec was just three years old. “My brother played tennis with private lessons once or twice a week, and I always came along to watch from the jungle gym next to the court. Finally, when I was five, my parents let me start playing, and I immediately fell in love with the sport.”
Now in his 17th year of playing tennis, Alec credits his career with impacting many aspects of his life, both on and off the court. “Tennis has taught me an endless amount of helpful lessons, from learning to overcome obstacles to teaching me mental toughness,” he said. Through all of the ups and downs of his career, Alec has navigated injuries, losses, and physical challenges with grace, which allowed him to bounce back time and time again and overcome these obstacles.
Alec is looking forward to partnering with Rise Project to meet new people, visit new places, and experience new cultures in the tennis world. “I know how it feels to face a difficult challenge and have someone reach out and offer their help. It can be truly life-changing, and I want to be able to do that for other athletes. Whether it’s by being a mentor, coach, or simply offering support, I am excited to build connections through this experience and be the best person I can be for myself and others.”
Follow Alec’s tennis journey on
Instagram!
FERNANDA CONTRERAS GOMEZ
From the courts of Vanderbilt University to the world’s most competitive tennis tournaments, Fernanda’s tennis career has taken her to all corners of the world. But at the end of the day, the ability to make a difference and a positive community impact is what she loves the most about her tennis experience.
Thanks to her father and grandfather both playing tennis professionally, Fernanda started playing at nine years old and has been a court regular her entire life. Through the years, her passion for the sport has evolved from simply wanting to improve and compete with her older family members to realizing how special it is to be outside exercising and playing her favorite sport as part of her job.
This passion led Fernanda from Mexico to Vanderbilt University as a student-athlete, where she could travel for the first time to South Africa and study abroad. There, she visited Morocco on a community service trip, which showed her the value of meeting unique people and how these one-of-a-kind interactions incite personal growth. After college, Fernanda went on to play in three major tournaments: the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros – unforgettable experiences that she shared with her sister, creating memories that will last them both a lifetime.
Now, Fernanda is thrilled to partner with Rise Project and share what she’s learned for the betterment of young and diverse tennis players. “My fondest memories have been when I have been challenged and have had to step out of my comfort zone to aid and assist others,” she said. “Understanding different cultures and languages and finding solutions together brings out the best in me.”
Follow Fernanda’s tennis journey on
Instagram!
To learn more about the Rise Project or to apply to become a Rise Project Athlete, contact Net Gains Foundation Director Gary Innes: gary [at] tenniscongress.org.
Ways to donate:
Online donation | Donate by Check | Stock donation | Employer match donation
©2023 Net Gains Foundation