Teens continue “Smashing Barriers” to introduce tennis and support mental health – The Cedar Mill News

In 2023, we introduced you to Rohan Shah and Jiya Mehta who had founded a non-profit to redistribute new and gently used tennis equipment and host free tennis instruction in underserved areas. Now what began locally has evolved into an international mission. Today, Smashing Barriers runs programs across the U.S. —in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Washington, and Massachusetts — as well as abroad, with chapters in the U.K. and India. Jiya is currently a senior at Catlin Gabel, and Rohan is a freshman at USC Marshall School of Business.

Jiya says, “So far, we’ve connected with over 1,000 students, gathered more than 500 pieces of equipment, and hosted free clinics and community tournaments. We’ve also received grants to continue our efforts and contributed to scholarships that help our students pursue higher education.” They’ve been featured locally on KPTV and OPB.

Their mission includes free tennis clinics for students of all ages, providing not only training but also free meals, along with mental health resources. Students receive goal-setting workbooks that promote a growth mindset and self-reflection. They continue to collect and redistribute new and gently used tennis equipment to ensure all students have the tools they need to play.

They give presentations on how sports can improve mental health by increasing endorphins—highlighting why they are committed to closing the access gap in youth sports. Smashing Barriers raises money to fund scholarships that empower students to continue their education and pursue their ambitions.

They also started a podcast, The Career Compass, that introduces students to diverse career paths through conversations with world-renowned guests—including Olympians, CEOs, and industry leaders. It’s designed to spark curiosity, encourage perseverance, and help young listeners envision purposeful futures.

Jiya says, “Anyone interested in volunteering, inviting us for mental health presentations, making donations, helping to educate youth on physical and mental health, or joining our free tennis clinics is welcome to reach out. Visit our website for more information and to help.”