Women's History Month Highlight: Katie Delich

Meet Katie: A tennis entrepreneur and creator of a high-end tennis clinic brand. A recognized influencer in the tennis community and former Director of Tennis at the Silverado Resort and Spa.

Q: What does being a woman in the NorCal tennis community mean to you?

A: Being part of the NorCal community means carrying forward a rich legacy. So many incredible women have molded this region into what it is today; to be a part of it feels like holding a torch they lit. I see my role as both a steward of that history and an advocate for its future growth.

Q: What has tennis given you beyond the court - whether that’s confidence, friendship, community, or purpose?

A: Tennis has been my passport to the world but more importantly, it has provided a lifeline of support. The friendships I’ve made on the court have carried me through my most significant "off-court" life events. Beyond personal connection, the game has given me a platform for service, allowing me to lead fundraising efforts for global initiatives, including a girls' school and a food distribution project in one of the poorest regions of India. 

Q: Who are the women in the tennis community who have inspired or supported you along the way?

A: Trish Faulkner and Bunny Bruining were formative influencers early in my career. They pushed me to be visible, to speak at conferences, serve on boards, and launch my podcast, 2 Truths, 1 Dream. They taught me a vital lesson: when women see other women in leadership and "at the front of the room," they are far more likely to see a tennis professional career as a viable long-term path for themselves.

Q: What inspired you to give back through volunteering, leadership, or service in tennis?

A: My mentor, Peter Burwash, always told me that tennis is simply the platform for change. He modeled how meaningful this career can be when you use it to serve others. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation, fundraising for nonprofits, or serving with the USTA, I view service as the natural extension of my love for the game.

Q: How have you seen women help shape and strengthen the tennis community here inNorthern California?

A: I’ve coached women who rallied together to provide meals, childcare, and emotional scaffolding for teammates facing cancer, divorce, or the loss of a parent. USTA NorCal has also been instrumental in this by intentionally creating spaces where women are included and empowered to lift one another up.

Q: What’s one moment in your tennis journey that reminded you how powerful women supporting women can be?

A: I once coached a team that rallied around a player diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They renamed themselves "Team J" in her honor and provided a level of unwavering support for two years that was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was a profound reminder that a tennis team is often much more than a roster.

Q: Why is it so important for women and girls to feel welcomed, seen, and represented in spaces like tennis?

A: Representation is the key to retention! Tennis has historically been male-dominated, particularly in leadership. If we want women to choose this as a profession and stay in the industry, they need to see themselves reflected in every level of the sport. We have to "lean in" so the next generation knows there is a seat at the table for them.

Q: What do you hope the next generation of girls and women in the NorCal tennis community feels when they step onto the court or into this community?

A: I hope the next generation feels grateful for the "barbed wire" women before them ran over, so girls and women have access to playing sports. It's important to remember how historically women had little to no opportunities in sports and that we need to keep pressing forward! I feel really proud of the role tennis has played in women's advancement in sports, let's keep it going!