Charlie Cutler, founder and Executive Director of BYTE (Border Youth Tennis Exchange) joins us for this conversation to share the power of tennis to strengthen resiliency, community and cultural exchange at the US - Mexico border, and in other unexpected areas where borders exist to open conversation, understanding and create connection while combatting divisive stereotypes and making a positive difference.
Charlie Cutler began sharing the tennis program that would later become BYTE with youth at detention centers that hold refugee asylum applicants at the US-Mexico border in 2015 while he was earning his Master of International Studies and Human Rights at the University of San Francisco. Prior to pursuing a graduate degree, he competed on the professional tennis circuit achieving an ATP singles world ranking of #1420. Charlie has coached all levels professionally during his career and is dedicated to using his passions for sports and advocacy to provide opportunities to kids. Most recently Charlie taught as an associate tennis pro at the California Tennis Club, as assistant coach for the University of San Francisco Men’s Tennis program, and as a regional coach for the Northern California section. He is convinced of the healing power of sport and its role in public health.
BYTE has been recognized by the USTA Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for innovative work at the intersection of sports and public health.
Learn more about Border Youth Tennis Exchange (BYTE)
bytetennis.org
Across social media: @bytetennis