About Us

Purpose of the Foundation

The purpose of the foundation is to perpetuate the vision of providing community access and opportunities for youth tennis in the Seattle Area. One of the most effective ways of introducing Seattle youth to the joys of tennis has been through the foundation's scholarship fund.

To ensure that this foundation flourishes and reaches even more children, it is important that corporations and individuals continue to contribute financially and to volunteer their time.

The foundation appreciates the support of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Associated Recreation Council, The Amy Yee Tennis Advisory Council and individual supporters in preserving the legacy of Amy Yee and her son Gordy.

Our History

Purpose of the Foundation

"Amy Yee has dedicated countless hours of instruction to local area youths who learned not only the game of tennis, but also the key elements of sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, and the importance of always striving to do one's best - qualities we would all like to see in our children."

Norman Rice, Former Mayor of Seattle

Our Goals

Purpose of the Foundation

Our Goals

The foundation endorses the following activities that promote tennis in the Seattle area that benefit school age children.

* free camps and clinics for school age children

* Quickstart and other low cost tennis programs for children

* Amy Yee adult and junior tournaments with proceeds benefiting junior tennis development

* scholarship opportunities to assist children with lessons, training and equipment

Amy Yee (1922-2000)

As a young girl on Vashon Island, Amy went against the prevailing attitude at the time that "it was not lady-like for girls to actively participate in sports." It was then when the late Roy Ostrom, a history teacher and tennis coach asked Amy if she would like to try this sport called, tennis. Briefly competing in her high school league, she quickly turned her sights on to other tournaments. From local, city and state titles, she went on to capture numerous National Senior Titles.

While this was taking place, she still managed to raise a family of four, be a student at Seattle University, and worked a full time job. Were it not for the ill effects of Lupus, there is no question that she would have been able to continue her competitive schedule and teaching.

Lupus claimed the life of one of Seattle's most recognized tennis legends on August 14, 2000. Truly, an ambassador to tennis for more than 50 years, Amy was a patient teacher and loving mentor introducing thousands of Seattle area kids and adults to the sport of tennis. When she retired from teaching due to lupus in 1988, the Seattle Parks Department started a scholarship fund to continue her tireless efforts to bring tennis to kids, especially those who otherwise might not get an opportunity.

In 2002, the Seattle Tennis Center located at 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98144 was renamed to the Amy Yee Tennis Center.