For many years, top youth tennis players have opted out of playing for their high schools. But longtime tennis professional Dina McBride has a message for them about the importance of camaraderie, connectedness and the pure joy of playing the game.
“In today’s tennis world, it’s disheartening that many top-ranked Southern California juniors often opt out of high school tennis, claiming the ‘level’ isn’t high enough,” said McBride, who grew up playing at Mesa Verde Tennis Club in Costa Mesa and is entering her third season as girls tennis coach at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills.
“But I believe they’re missing something far more valuable,” McBride said. “All of my children played high school tennis, including my older daughter (Jordyn), who was ranked No. 1 in Southern California and among the top 26 in the nation, and she still chose to play for her school. Why? Because of the friendships, the fun and the memories that come with being part of a team.”
Before becoming a certified Elite United States Tennis Association teaching professional, McBride played for Estancia High in Costa Mesa, earned a tennis scholarship to the University of San Diego and was a touring pro on the Women’s Tennis Association.
She is proud that all three of her children, Parker, Jordyn and Chloe, played tennis growing up and advanced to the collegiate ranks. Jordyn is playing on the WTA Tour and Chloe at Chapman University.
“High school tennis plays an incredibly important role, especially for young women,” McBride said. “It teaches teamwork, leadership, commitment, and perseverance – skills that serve them far beyond the court. What makes it even more meaningful is how it gives young women a voice, helping them build confidence and find joy in competition.
“While the USTA circuit and weekends can become stressful, filled with rankings, UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) scores, college implications, and pressure, high school tennis brings back the pure joy of the game,” she added. “It’s about representing your school, playing with your friends and creating moments that will be remembered long after rankings fade. Those experiences are truly priceless and I always recommend it to all the parents.”
McBride (née Birch), also the teaching pro at Malibu Racquet Club, was scheduled to speak at the 15th annual Southern California National High School Tennis All-American Awards at the Newport Beach Yacht Club. But her Louisville All-American, Ania Zabost, a CIF-Southern Section singles semifinalist last season, was awarded a wild card in a prestigious tournament and could not attend the banquet.
We still caught up with McBride, who once gained Hollywood notoriety after her playing career.
She was cast in three commercials and two television movies, including “When Billie Beat Bobby,” a 2001 show that aired on ABC and starred Holly Hunter and Ron Silver, depicting the famous 1973 Battle of the Sexes match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome. McBride played Hunter’s tennis-playing body double. McBride performed similar roles in the movie “Costly Affair.”
McBride said she simply had the right look and tennis swing for the parts.
These days, McBride plays USTA Mother-Son national events and has captured more than 25 gold balls (national championships) in every adult age division. On May 9, McBride was honored to receive the bronze ball (third place) at the USTA 50s national championship in La Jolla.
What advice would she give to young players?
“I would offer advice to parents first,” McBride said. “I’d say this: Make sure your child is having fun. That comes first. Put them with a coach who creates a positive environment, someone who teaches strong fundamentals, but also keeps the love for the game alive. Start competing around age 9, and help your child understand that competition is just another part of learning. It’s not about the outcome, but it’s about gaining experience, building resilience and growing through every match, win or lose.
“And honestly, it’s the parents who often need the most coaching,” she added. “Step back from being the sideline coach. Instead, enjoy the car rides to tournaments, the lunches in between matches, and the excitement of watching your child’s competitive spirit grow. That’s the real gift.”
Richard Dunn, a longtime sportswriter, writes the Dunn Deal column regularly for The Orange County Register’s weekly, The Coastal Current North.