Member Spotlight July 2025

This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Alina Li, a bright, enthusiastic, and fast-rising junior player whose journey with Standpoint Tennis Center began nearly a decade ago—and continues to gain momentum. 

A Tennis Journey That Started Early 

Alina first picked up a racquet at just five years old, joining our Red Ball program. Her introduction to TCSP came through a friend, Jimmy—but,  whle Jimmy later shifted his focus to piano, Alina stayed with tennis and found her own rhythm here. 

She progressed steadily through our development pathway—Red Ball to Orange to Yellow—and found a turning point in summer 2024, when she began taking private lessons in addition to her weekly summer camps. “That’s when I started taking tennis more seriously,” she reflects. Since then, she’s stepped into the competitive world of junior tournaments, training harder and growing more confident with each match. 

Currently, Alina trains over three hours a week at TCSP and plans to increase her time with private lessons this summer in addition to our weekly Yellow Ball Camps. 

Tournament Highlights & Match Play 

Alina didn’t win her early matches, but that didn’t stop her. Her persistence paid off this June when she swept all three matches at a Gorin’s round-robin event, earning her first tournament win. She’s also a regular at our Friday Night Yellow Ball Match Play events, sharpening her competitive edge week by week. 

Tennis Friendships & Community 

From summer camps to regular sessions, Alina has made countless friends through tennis. Whether she’s practicing on court or connecting with friends outside the center, the social side of tennis has become a big part of why she loves the game. 

Coaches Who Made a Difference 

Alina credits much of her progress to our dedicated coaching staff. She holds fond memories of working with coaches like Janice and Saarang, and speaks especially warmly of Kyle and Chad, who’ve been part of her journey from the very beginning. Their mentorship has been key to both her growth and continued passion for the sport. 

Beyond the Baseline: Alina’s Life Outside Tennis 

Music, Art, and Language 

Alina’s talents extend far beyond the court. She has been playing the piano since the age of six and is currently preparing for her ABRSM music exams. This internationally recognized certification will support her high school applications. 

A creative at heart, Alina also enjoys painting landscapes and sunsets, although her art time has decreased due to her busy schedule. She once placed Top 10 in a nationwide U.S. art competition during the COVID lockdowns—a testament to her skill and focus. 

Alina also studies Chinese, working to improve her communication with her family, most of whom speak the language at home. 

She’s also a self-proclaimed animal lover, hoping one day to welcome a husky puppy or a chinchilla into the family. 

 Academics and Volunteerism 

Alina is headed into 8th grade at St. Luke, a Seattle-based International Baccalaureate (IB) school that emphasizes holistic growth and academic rigor. She enjoys tackling advanced coursework and is passionate about global issues. 

This past year, she researched ocean pollution—specifically oil spills—as part of a school project. She explored current solutions and proposed thoughtful ideas for more comprehensive environmental cleanup methods. 

Alina is also actively involved in community service, volunteering at food banks and assisting with school clothing drives. 

 A Supportive Family Foundation 

Alina’s family plays a big role in her well-rounded life. Her mother wears many hats—working as a health consultant and organizing summer academic programs for international students from China. Her father, a longtime poker dealer at Fortune Poker near SEA-TAC, has supported her tennis journey from the start. 

Family visits to China are an annual tradition, most recently in April 2025. These trips give Alina a chance to connect with extended family—including her great-grandfather—and experience a culture that she describes as high-energy and vibrant. 

 Looking Ahead 

This summer, Alina hopes to attend the US Open in New York City, if family schedules and tickets align. With more private lessons and tournaments on the horizon, she’s looking forward to a summer filled with growth, friendship, and fun. 

We’re proud to have Alina as part of the Standpoint Tennis Center community. Her commitment, curiosity, and kindness make her a standout—both on and off the court.