Tokki Catalyst Brings Youth Tennis Scholarships to Florida

Oct 05, 2026

For a young tennis player, the next step might mean another season of training, a tournament away from home, or replacing worn-out equipment. For families, those opportunities can come with difficult decisions about what they can afford. The Tokki Catalyst Youth Scholarship Program aims to help reduce those financial barriers while recognizing the dedication young athletes bring to school, tennis, and their communities.

This fall, Tokki Catalyst is bringing its scholarship program to Florida for the first time. Applications are also open in Southern California through the Paolo Caoile Memorial Scholarship. Each region will award a minimum of two $1,500 scholarships, with applications due October 10, 2026. Applicants who need additional time may contact Tokki Catalyst directly to request a one-week extension. Recipients will be announced and celebrated in November.

The program recognizes student-athletes ages 12–18 who demonstrate resilience, character, academic commitment, leadership, a passion for tennis, and financial need. More than recognizing the player, the scholarship celebrates the young person behind the athlete: the student committed to school, the teammate who encourages others, and the competitor who continues working through setbacks.

Above: Alex Chan (left) presents a scholarship check to Sylvana Jalbert, one of two inaugural recipients of the Tokki Catalyst Mid-Atlantic Scholarship Program. Rockville, MD (May 2026). Photo credit: Tokki Catalyst.

For young players, the application is an opportunity to share their own story. What does tennis mean to you? What challenges have you overcome? How would financial support help you take your next step? Parents can help their children reflect on these questions while gathering the information needed to apply.

Scholarship funds can be used toward coaching and training, tournament entry fees, travel and lodging, tennis equipment and apparel, and academic or enrichment expenses. For families balancing the costs of school and competitive sports, a $1,500 award can provide meaningful support for a young athlete’s continued development.

Florida’s launch builds on Tokki Catalyst’s growing scholarship efforts in Southern California, the New York City metro area, and the Mid-Atlantic. By working with local organizations and tennis communities, the foundation aims to create opportunities that support young people both on and off the court.

Above: The five inaugural recipients of the Tokki Catalyst Eastern (NYC Metro) Scholarship Program gather at Din Tai Fung in New York City (May 2026). From left: Eliana Assayag, Evelynn Kwak, Matthew Szalapski, Antanas Daugis, and Mariia Vainshtein. Photo credit: Tokki Catalyst.

In Southern California, the Paolo Caoile Memorial Scholarship honors Coach Paolo’s legacy of mentorship, character, and belief in the potential of young athletes. That same belief is at the heart of Tokki Catalyst’s expansion into Florida.

Players and parents can visit tokkicatalyst.org/scholarships to review the full regional eligibility guidelines, application requirements, and online application. Applications opened August 19 and are due October 10, 2026.

Coaches, schools, academies, and tennis organizations can also help by sharing this opportunity with families in their communities. If a young player is committed to tennis, takes pride in school, and could benefit from financial support, encourage them to learn more and share their story.

Website: tokkicatalyst.org/
Instagram: @tokkicatalyst