Live Like Braun Levi: The Bright Legacy of Loyola High School’s Tennis Star

Live Like Braun Levi: The Bright Legacy of
Loyola High School’s Tennis Star

MAY 8, 2025 – LEXIE WANNINGER
USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

MAY 8, 2025 – LEXIE WANNINGER
USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

There are some individuals whose lives stretch far beyond the years they’re given, who leave behind something more than memories. They bring a rare kind of energy that transforms communities and builds legacies that last. Their presence lingers in laughter, in stories, in the memories we hold—and in quiet spaces they once filled just by being there. Braun Levi was one of those rare, unforgettable souls.

He brought wisdom to every moment like sunlight that breaks through storm clouds or like waves crashing against the sand: soothing, calm, and revitalizing. Braun was as invigorating as a breath of fresh air. His unmistakable spirit and inner light made joy part of everything he did.

A passionate tennis player, a devoted teammate, and a loyal friend, Braun’s lasting impact wasn’t written only through wins or rankings. It was written through the happiness he gave others. He had a way of brightening every room he walked into; he was radiant. His sportsmanship never wavered. And his love—for tennis, people, and life—was always evident.

He wasn’t just a rising star, his smile lit up the court, making everyone feel better just by being near. His energy was captivating: bright, real, impossible to ignore. Whether at a match, early practice, or simply in passing, Braun always showed up, exactly when and where he was needed, fully present. Whether as a dominant player, loyal teammate, mentor, or simply a friendly face at tournaments, Braun made everyone feel seen and appreciated. He didn’t need the spotlight to shine, bringing warmth, joy, and humility to every court he stepped on.

He was the player who gave everything on the court without ever failing to lift others up. The teammate who made practices feel like home, the friend who celebrated your wins like his own. In a world that rushes by, Braun made real time for those around him, he didn’t just love tennis, he loved people, and they loved him right back.

“At any tournament we played together, Braun was a celebrity,” recalled Cooper Schwartz, Braun’s closest friend and doubles partner. “He somehow had a memory made with at least every single player in the draw. At The Ojai Invitational, I lost count of how many kids came up just to say hi to him. Braun was SoCal tennis royalty, everyone knew him, and everyone loved him.”

Braun Levi and Cooper Schwartz sharing a handshake while playing doubles.

To know Braun was to be inspired by him, not just because of how he played, but because of how he lived. With heart, gratitude, and compassion, he carried himself with a quiet confidence, led by example, and left behind a legacy far bigger than the game.

“From the moment I met Braun, I could tell there was something special about him,” said Lexi Wolf, his longtime friend and occasional tennis partner. “He brought this energy that lit up every court and made you feel seen, encouraged, and important—no matter who you were. That’s just the kind of person he was. He was able to make every ordinary experience become something unforgettable. His energy on the court was unmatched, full of fire, joy, and this contagious passion that made everyone around him better.”

In the early morning of May 4, just weeks before high school graduation, Braun was tragically struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while crossing the street in Manhattan Beach. He was just 18-years-old. A devoted brother, loving son, loyal friend, gracious teammate, and bright spirit with boundless potential, Braun’s loss is deeply felt. The Southern California tennis family joins his loved ones in mourning and honoring the remarkable young man he was.

The news hit with devastating weight. Cooper was at a loss for words when interviewed by the Los Angeles Times on Monday. “I thought yesterday [Sunday] couldn’t get any worse,” he shared, his voice heavy with sorrow. “I’ve been crying all morning.” He and Braun had been playing together since they were eight years old, frequently facing off in the finals of youth tennis tournaments. Their friendship grew even stronger when they teamed up as doubles partners at Loyola High School.

Cooper Schwartz and Braun Levi at Indian Wells Tennis Garden during BNP Paribas Open.

“Braun’s attitude was immensely impactful,” reflected Cooper. “He always had that signature smile on his face up 5-0 or down 0-5… Every time you were with him, you knew you were going to get some laughter, some smiles… He always made something out of nothing. He was just having a great time, every time… He was one of those leaders that didn’t know how much he changed peoples lives. I certainly didn’t fully grasp this idea until yesterday [Tuesday]. There’s truly no one that could have had that many mutually loving relationships unless they pursued that. Braun wanted you to love him. Now we live [like] him.”

Braun’s time was cut short, but his story is defined not by tragedy, but by a life of intensity, grace, warmth, and kindness. He brought light wherever he went, competed fiercely, and loved passionately, giving his all to the game, teammates, family, and everyone lucky enough to know him. Though his passing leaves a painful void, his legacy is one of hope, love, and purpose. In a short time, Braun made an unforgettable impact, inspiring others to play harder, live fuller, treat others with compassion, and lead with heart. His extraordinary influence will echo across the courts and in the lives he touched.

An Inspiring and Motivating Friend

“The world feels a little heavier without him,” Lexi said with agony. “But I know Braun would want us to keep showing up with love, passion, and joy—on and off the court. He lived every moment to the fullest and honoring him means living the same way.”

To Lexi and so many others, Braun was more than an elite tennis player, he was family. A trusted confidant, a steady presence in difficult times, and a radiant source of joy when life was good.

Braun Levi and Lexi Wolf at the 2022 Junior Doubles Sectionals in Fountain Valley, where they teamed up in Mixed Doubles.

“Braun was so much more than a tennis partner. He was a true friend. He was like the older brother I never had—someone I looked up to, leaned on, and shared so many meaningful moments with,” recalled Lexi. “Whether we were winning mixed doubles titles, grinding through training sessions, or he was destroying me in practice matches, he always made it fun. He pushed me, believed in me, and made the hard days feel lighter just by being himself.”

Some of Lexi’s most cherished memories go back to their early days training together. “I would always try to get on the same court as Braun and the older boys—not because I thought I could win, but because I wanted to be around him. Even when I was losing every point, Braun was there, encouraging me, making me laugh, and reminding me to never give up. He made me feel like I belonged on that court, and I genuinely believe those moments shaped the player, competitor, and person I am today.”

Braun had that effect on people. He made you believe in yourself. And when you couldn’t, he believed in you enough for the both of you.

Simon Catanzaro’s words for his best friend paint a vivid picture of a life well-lived and a friendship that can never be replaced. “I’m not good enough with words to explain what made Braun so special, but maybe that’s okay,” Simon shared, acknowledging that some things simply can’t be captured by language. Friendship, after all, isn’t defined by the perfect words but by the moments and connections that last forever.

But it was Braun who truly defined that core group of friends, a group that began forming when they were just seven years old. Together, they competed in Junior Team Tennis Sectionals from the 10 & Under division all the way through to the 18 & Under division, sharing the court for countless doubles matches along the way. Braun was at the heart of it all, he was at the core, Simon recalled. “His energy was infectious, his support constant, and his presence pulled everyone in,” Simon said. It didn’t matter what kind of day you were having, if Braun was on your court, everything would feel better. There was no pretense about him; he was simply Braun: kind, funny, and always there for others.

Jame MacDonald, Braun Levi, Sam Hodges, Sawyer Lai, Dean McCullom, and Simon Catanzaro playing at the 2017 Junior Team Tennis Spring Sectionals at age 12.

Braun’s impact stretched beyond tennis. Simon fondly remembers how Braun’s family treated him like one of their own, taking him to tournaments, sharing meals, and making the experience special. “His mom Jenn would bring bagels while we warmed up, pack snacks for the road, and have us totally set for the day,” Simon remembered. “Going to tournaments with his dad Dan was a different kind of adventure—leaving last minute, racing to make check-in, and ending the day with a guys’ night out, win or lose.” But the heart of it all wasn’t the big moments; it was Braun’s ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. “I can’t quite think of one memory that captures who he was because what made things memorable wasn’t some big moment—it was Braun. Whether it was the hours we spent playing in his backyard, miles driving to tournaments, burgers we had, or just the wackyness of his family, he had a way of making the ordinary feel special, just by being there—and knowing he was there for me.”

As Simon reflected on the pain of knowing they wouldn’t get to share the future they had envisioned together, his words were filled with both melancholy and gratitude. “It hurts knowing we won’t get to move forward together—college, tennis, everything that’s ahead. I am beyond grateful to have shared so many memories with him, and I want to carry the best parts of him with me.” Despite the loss, Simon carries with him a powerful lesson: to “Live Like Braun.” Braun’s infectious positivity made everything better, and Simon aims to honor that legacy by living with the same generosity, kindness, and joy that Braun brought into every moment.

“Braun was truly one of a kind,” Simon concluded. “And I’ll always love you, Braun.”

A Leader On and Off the Tennis Court

Braun’s accomplishments on the tennis court were just one chapter of a much larger story. A four-year varsity starter and three-year captain, he helped lead the team to four consecutive league championships, cementing his place among the most decorated athletes in the school’s tennis history. Loyola varsity tennis coach Brian Held described Braun as “probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school.”

That same drive and character that fueled his athletic success extended far beyond the tennis court. He had recently committed to attend the University of Virginia, where he planned to join the team as a walk-on, a testament to his years of relentless dedication, discipline, and heart.

At Loyola, he was a trusted student leader, serving on Student Council, mentoring peers on Kairos retreats, and even managing the volleyball team. As a Senior Big Brother, he embodied Loyola’s mission to be “a man for and with others,” leaving a lasting impression on the community.

Braun’s generosity and compassion were deeply rooted in his upbringing. Each year, the Levi family traveled on medical missions to communities around the world, led by their father, Dr. Dan Levi, a pediatric cardiologist. While their dad performed life-saving heart surgeries on children, Braun and his older sister Adelle brought sports equipment to orphanages—hundreds of racquets, tennis shoes, and other gear donated by friends and neighbors. Their mom, Jenn, was the quiet engine behind the effort, placing donation boxes outside their home in the Palisades and rallying the community with warmth and purpose. In the weeks leading up to each trip, their house overflowed with boxes—living proof of the family’s compassion and the community’s trust in their mission. The trips were part of Desita, a nonprofit organization founded by Adelle to support medical and humanitarian efforts around the globe. What began as her vision became a shared family purpose—one that Braun embraced wholeheartedly, with joy, humility, and heart.

Braun Levi with Desita on a mission trip in Africa.

Earlier this year, the Levi family lost their home in the devastating Palisades Fire. Yet even in the face of personal heartbreak, Braun’s focus remained on others, supporting his friends and neighbors. He helped organize the Loyola Strong Retreat for students affected by the fire, creating a space for healing and community. “Braun specifically wanted to help the younger students through the experience,” recalled his father, Dan. “We all just tried to make the most of losing our house, appreciating the love of our family.”

In the wake of the fire, Braun’s ability to put others before himself became even more evident. Despite his own grief and displacement, he continued to show up for his friends and community.

As Cooper shared, “It was the sheer number of calls from people out of state who immediately took the first flight home — that’s when it became clear just how many lives Braun had touched.” The response to the candlelight vigil was overwhelming, with more than 1,000 people in person and over 2,000 streaming it online. It was a testament to Braun’s profound impact. “Braun is the most loved 18-year-old in all of Los Angeles,” Schwartz said. “He touched people’s hearts in every aspect of his life and set the standard in everything he pursued.”

Braun’s influence extended far beyond his personal life, leaving a legacy of love and selflessness that will never be forgotten. Even when faced with loss, he poured his energy into helping others find strength. At the campus vigil on Sunday, Father John Quinn remembered Braun as a selfless leader with a powerful influence. Jamal Adams, Loyola’s Principal and incoming President, echoed this sentiment: “It was really just about giving people space—to process what they were going through, and to not feel alone. That’s just who he was. Even when life was hard for him, he poured himself into helping people.”

In the months after the fire, the Levi family relocated, carrying with them the memories of their home and the tight-knit community they had built in Pacific Palisades. Braun and his close friend Schwartz, who also lost his home, leaned on each other during that time. Schwartz stayed with the Levi family for over a week, strengthening their already deep friendship. Both in their final year of high school, Braun had recently moved to Hermosa Beach, while Schwartz settled in Century City. Just last week, they teamed up to win the Mission League doubles title, Braun’s fourth consecutive and second straight alongside Schwartz.

Braun Levi and Cooper Schwartz celebrate their Mission League doubles title with Loyola coaches and alumni Jackson Leipzig (far left) and Brian Held (far right). (Photo – Loyola High School Athletics)

A Home Lost, But Not Forgotten

That same fire also claimed the beloved Palisades Tennis Center, a place that was far more than just a facility. For Braun, it was a second home and the heart of the local tennis community. It was where his tennis journey began, where he trained and evolved alongside some of Southern California’s top talent, where he honed his game, and where lifelong friendships were formed. But more than anything, it was where his character was shaped. The Palisades Tennis Center wasn’t just a venue for practice, it was a place where the community felt like family.

It held countless memories, hours of training, and moments of camaraderie. The bonds formed on those courts ran deeper than sport, creating a tight-knit group of players, coaches, and families who stood by one another through every win and every loss.

The flames took more than buildings; they took a part of the heart and soul of the community. Yet, the spirit of the Palisades Tennis Center and the community it nurtured remains alive in the hearts of all who knew Braun. Though the courts may have burned, the connections made there—rooted in love, sport, and unity—are unbreakable. Those who spent time at Palisades, alongside Braun, will carry that legacy forward. The bonds forged in those moments will never be extinguished.

A Community That Loved Him

At the vigil held in Braun’s memory, Loyola Assistant Principal Paul Jordan captured the essence of who Braun was with a simple, powerful statement: “Braun was a friend to all. He made each of us better.”

He was the kind of person people gravitated to, not because he tried to stand out, but because he stood for something: kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. His presence was magnetic, not because he sought attention, but because of the way he made others feel valued and better about themselves.

His loss is immeasurable, but so is the love he left behind. In the days following his passing, tributes poured in from every corner of the community: former teammates, opponents, classmates, coaches, and friends all shared stories of how Braun touched their lives. Loyola High School created a memorial space on campus, with photos and handwritten notes that captured the essence of a young man who led by kindness and competed with grace. Social media flooded with posts honoring his remembrance, many using the phrase “Live Like Braun,” a rallying cry that perfectly reflects the way he lived: with heart, courage, and an unshakable belief in lifting others.

His coach, his friends, his family—everyone spoke the same truth: Braun Levi was one of one.

Southern California tennis players who knew Braun both on and off the court shared heartfelt reflections and tributes, underscoring the indelible impact he had on those around him.

Jackson Zinn was more than a childhood friend—he was part of the core group that grew up playing, competing, and laughing alongside Braun and Simon. The three of them were inseparable, bonded through JTT and a shared love for the game that evolved into a deep, lifelong friendship. Reflecting on Braun’s legacy, Jackson said: “Braun Levi was human sunshine—he lit up every court, every moment, every room. We started playing team tennis together at age 8 and quickly became close friends. He wasn’t just my teammate—he was my brother. Braun was hilarious—always ready with a joke or a perfectly timed one-liner that had everyone laughing. On and off the court, he was a leader and a champion of others. What I loved most about Braun was his kindness. He showed up for people in powerful ways—like bringing tennis equipment to kids during medical missions, spreading his love for the game around the world. He made us all better, and his spirit will live on within us.”

Jackson Zinn and Braun Levi. (Photo – Susan Zinn)

Cassius Chinlund developed a meaningful friendship with Braun over the years through shared tournaments and training sessions. A fellow junior player from Southern California who attended Campbell Hall, Cassius remembered Braun as “a young man that many knew as a trusted friend, a fierce competitor, a savvy leader, and most importantly: a genuine human being. He was a true leader and a great kid with a lust for life.”

He continued: “To know Braun was to love him. His infectious, positive attitude, and beaming smile bettered the days of the people around him. Personally, I got to know Braun through growing up together in Southern California and seeing each other at the same tournaments. He was a good friend of mine and a talented fellow tennis player. Braun and I trained together at a clinic in the Pacific Palisades my entire senior year of high school before attending UCLA.”

Cassius added that Braun had a way of pushing others to work harder, while also reminding them to enjoy the moment. “He understood the importance of having fun and enjoying oneself,” he said. “He was one of those guys that just gets it. He was an inspiration to us all, and a shoulder to lean on during the toughest of times. I could always count on Braun to brighten my day and strike some tennis balls with me.”

Others recalled the joy Braun brought to every match and moment.

Stella Simpson-Morgan, a Rolling Hills native, played mixed doubles with Braun at USTA Southern California’s Junior Doubles Sectionals last fall. “He was able to make every match feel lighter, more fun, and more enjoyable,” she said. “His humor was effortless and his kindness was so genuine. The tennis community has lost a good one.”

Even those who didn’t know him well felt his presence.

“He always had a smile on his face,” said Arsiya Fara, a high school senior from San Diego in the same graduating class as Braun. “He was someone special… it’s just heartbreaking what happened.”

Braun Levi with friends Neel Joshi and Darren Ignatius.

Tyler Lee, a high school sophomore from Tustin, added: “Both times I played him he was a fierce competitor and a great sport. Amazing guy.”

Fellow junior player Blake Bothmer recalled: “I met Braun at a Nike Tennis Camp at Stanford when we were around 12 years old. Since then, when I’ve played him and seen him at tournaments, he’s always been such a nice kid and so positive whether he was winning or losing and always had a smile on his face. I’ll be praying for his family and hope that he will be resting easy up in heaven.”

Aubrey Meis, another SoCal tennis player, summed it up simply: “He was the sweetest guy, lightening up the mood for everyone.”

Even professional players were deeply moved by Braun’s spirit.

Former ATP player Bradley Klahn, originally from Poway, shared a moving tribute to Braun, reflecting on the time he lived with the Levi family while recovering from surgery. During that season of healing, Klahn formed a deep bond with the entire family—becoming like an older brother to Braun and his sister Adelle. The Levis welcomed him with open arms, offering not just a place to stay but a sense of home. He and Braun had bedrooms side by side, separated only by a wall, where their nightly ‘good nights’ became a comforting ritual. He shared a moving to tribute: “I can still hear your voice from 10 years ago when I moved in with your family, yelling ‘good night’ to each other through the wall every night,” Klahn wrote on Instagram. “The ping pong games, backyard basketball, and family dinners. I felt like your big brother watching you grow up into the kindest, most positive, energetic and sweetest young man.”

Klahn went on to describe Braun’s remarkable ability to connect with people, saying, “Whether you met a person for a moment or a lifetime, you made everyone feel like you were their brother. You lit up any room you walked into with that radiant smile and left a truly memorable impression on everyone you met. You epitomized what it means to live with joy, love, and passion each day.”

Braun Levi, Bradley Klahn, and Lexxi Kiven at a tailgate for the USC vs. Stanford football game.

Pam Shriver also shared heartfelt words online about Braun. She described him as a “pillar and gem” in LA’s tennis world, someone who truly made a difference. Her post was emotional and genuine, showing just how much Braun touched the people around him. “Heaven gained an angel today but the Los Angeles tennis community lost a young pillar and gem. It’s hard to express our family’s sadness over the loss of Braun Levi,” Shriver wrote on X.

Braun was a strong, grounding presence and a treasured part of the community.

Debbie Mahdessian, mother of Simon and a close friend of Jenn, Braun’s mom, has been part of a bond that has shaped not only their families but also the broader tennis community. Both Debbie and Jenn served as captains of their sons’ respective JTT teams—sometimes rivals when their teams faced off—but always united by their sons’ deep friendship. The competition between the Riviera and Palisades teams was fierce but friendly, and while their sons played together on the same team as often as they did on separate ones, the families’ connection only grew stronger over time. Their shared love for the game became a lasting foundation, uniting the two families in ways that extended far beyond the courts.

What began as a simple tennis playdate quickly grew into something much more, a lifelong bond not only between Braun and Simon, but among an entire group of boys who trained, competed, and grew up together.

Whether playing on the same team or facing each other in weekend tournaments, they shared beach days, birthday parties, and countless memories that shaped their childhood. Through it all, Braun was the steady, unifying force, the glue that held everyone together. “He made people feel safe, seen, and valued,” Mahdessian shared on Instagram. “He was kind, funny, deeply loyal, and incredibly intelligent—someone who brought light into every space. So many of his peers called him their best friend, because he genuinely was.” Braun’s presence was one of sincerity, someone who gave his full self to everything and everyone. “Everyone is unique,” she added, “but Braun was incredibly special.” As she spoke of his extraordinary spirit and the unimaginable loss now faced by his family, she echoed a sentiment felt by so many: that Braun gave shape to the kind of love and friendship we all hope to experience, and that his memory will continue to bring people together.

Simon Catanzaro and Braun Levi at a Level 3 junior tournament in Tucson, Arizona at age 12.

From the local courts of Southern California to high-stakes national tournaments, Braun left his mark, not just as a top-ranked player, but as a constant source of encouragement and joy.

Takuto Goh, a high school freshman from Culver City, remembered him simply: “Every time I saw him, he was always so nice and was smiling, and that says everything.”

Konan Sahara, a freshman at Occidental, shared: “We grew up playing tennis together and were on the same JTT team. I had some great memories going to JTT Sectionals together. He was the best teammate and friend to have around.”

And Connor Hwang, a high school junior from Irvine, added: “He was a great competitor and had whole life ahead of him. It’s just so sad.”

We Live Like Braun Levi

In the end, what remains isn’t just sorrow—it’s the undeniable impact Braun left behind.

His life wasn’t measured by medals or rankings, but by the people he uplifted and the hearts he touched. Braun wasn’t just an athlete or a friend—he was a force. He made the world better just by being in it.

Though he’s no longer with us, his spirit lives on—in the way we lead with love, compete with grace, and show up for one another. To Live Like Braun is to carry his light forward.

Braun Levi’s time here was heartbreakingly short, but the way he lived will never fade. His story isn’t defined by the day we lost him, but by how he lived—with exuberance, quiet grit, and deep compassion. On the court, in the classroom, with family and friends, Braun showed up with heart.

Though his journey was just beginning, the legacy he leaves is lasting. He reminded us what sports reveal about life: to be present, to be grateful, and to be kind.

Braun is survived by his sister, mom, and dad—his greatest supporters, who continue to carry his memory forward.

So how do we honor someone like Braun? By living like he did—with passion, humility, and a commitment to others. He taught us to play fairly, laugh easily, and lift each other up, knowing the game is always bigger than the scoreboard. His joy was contagious. His love for people, unforgettable.

Next time you step onto a court, pause. Feel the sun. Compete with everything you’ve got. In that moment, remember Braun—the player, the friend, the light in our community. Let his legacy live on in how we serve, cheer, and love. Carry his name, his smile, his spirit—with you.

Rest in peace, Braun. The path you paved lives in all of us.

We live like Braun Levi.

Braun Levi as a child.

Honoring His Legacy

To honor Braun’s enduring spirit, a scholarship fund has been established in his name—Live Like Braun—to support a Loyola student each year. Contributions can be made as a one-time or recurring gift by designating Braun’s name. A memorial gift to Loyola is a meaningful and lasting tribute—one that not only celebrates Braun’s life but also creates transformative opportunities for future generations.

The Levi family has also create a Foundation in his honor, the Live Like Braun Foundation.

Loyola will also host a community memorial on Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. PDT, open to all who knew and loved Braun.

A beach memorial for Braun Levi at the Hermosa-Manhattan Beach border near the path stairs.