Top Gun Foundation

…in memory of Stephen Mather (1970-2005)

The Top Gun Academy Foundation, LLC is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation started in the memory of Stephen Mather.  In 2008, the Top Gun Academy Foundation, through the generous donations of individuals and corporations will sponsor the following:

• College Scholarship to deserving high school senior
• Tennis mission trip for tournament players
• Tennis training assistance for players who cannot afford it
• Charitable works by Academy players

One of the greatest tennis players in the history of Kentucky tennis, Stephen was one of the top 20 juniors in the nation in his age group - a group that included Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Michael Chang. Stephen entered Trinity High School in 1986 and proceeded to lead his team to the State Championship, capturing the individual title as well. Stephen also advanced to the state finals all four years of his career, a feat only accomplished two other times in the history of the State Tennis Tournament. He was a four time regional champion as well.

After graduating from Trinity, Stephen accepted a tennis scholarship at the University of Kentucky where he set a record for wins by a freshman and helped lead the Wildcats to what is still their only SEC team championship in 1992.

After briefly playing in professional satellite events, Stephen remained a fixture in the Kentucky tennis scene. He was a 5 time Kentucky Adult Closed Champion and won many other local and regional tournaments. Stephen was inducted into the Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame in 1997. He also taught tennis at The Tennis Club at Springhurst with the same enthusiasm and infectious charm that epitomized his personality.

On December 9, 2005, Stephen passed away, leaving a tennis legacy for the ages. Please click on the link below for a full detailed brochure on the Top Gun Academy Foundation and the way you or your company can support the Foundation.

Every year Top gun Academy Foundation holds a Stephen T. Mather Memorial Doubles Tournament for Boys and Girls 10s-18s Doubles & Mixed Doubles, with all proceeds benefit the Foundation.

In 2008, 2009, and 2010 the Top Gun Academy Foundation started a $1,000 College Scholarship program that is awarded to a high school senior who participates in the tournament.  To be considered for the scholarship, please complete the scholarship application.

Donations

Donations are generously accepted throughout the year. You may donate to the Foundation in one of two ways. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. Please download the donation form.

Individual Donations

Donations can be made in any amount at The Tennis Club at Springhurst or at The Top Gun Tennis Academy.

Corporate Donations

The Top Gun Academy hosts MANY prestigious tournaments throughout the year for junior players. Corporate Sponsorships help to maintain a high quality event. Your corporate sponsorship provides your company with highly visible and well attended events. Each corporate sponsor receives the following for their donation:

• Logo on all event T-shirts
• Logo on websites
• Logo on Tournament Banners
• Recognition as Corporate Sponsor on all tournament literature.