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Former UCLA star Mackenzie McDonald is giving back to those in need while helping grow college tennis.

Through the USTA Foundation, McDonald recently announced the launch of the USTA Foundation Mackie McDonald College Fund, a new initiative that will provide individual player grants to high school seniors who plan to continue their tennis careers at the collegiate level.

The fund will directly support student-athletes who participated in the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, a nationwide group of more than 250 sports-based community organizations that use tennis as a tool to prepare young people from under-served communities to be ready for their futures.

McDonald, who has reached a career-high world No. 37 in the ATP singles rankings and No. 49 in ATP doubles rankings, had a stellar college before turning professional. The Piedmont, California native competed for the Bruins from 2014-16, earning All-America honors all three years. He finished his final season ranked No. 1 in singles and doubles in the ITA collegiate rankings and swept the NCAA singles and doubles titles, making him the first men’s player in 15 years–and just the fifth since 1974–to accomplish the feat.

Through his fund, McDonald hopes to give young players a chance to improve their lives by attending college, obtaining a degree, and being a member of a team.

“Going to UCLA turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in my life, and for my life, and I’m happy to be playing a part in helping young people chase their college dreams, on and off the court,” McDonald said. “Working towards ensuring that all young people, no matter where they come from, are able to unlock all the benefits that higher education has to offer is a responsibility that means so much to me, and I can’t wait to see how this fund supports not just young people and their education, but their families and communities.”

To learn more about the Mackie McDonald College Fund and the USTA Foundation, visit ustafoundation.com.

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About Rhiannon Potkey

Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories. Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches. Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You can reach Rhiannon by email at rhiannon@tennisrecruiting.net.