In a mere five years of operation, a dynamic youth-led nonprofit organization in San Diego has achieved a remarkable feat, estimating that it has generously donated over 20,000 tennis racquets worldwide. The sheer impact of this initiative is truly staggering, as it has allowed countless individuals to partake in the exhilarating sport of tennis, despite financial constraints that may have otherwise hindered their access to a fundamental piece of equipment – the tennis racquet.
Picture this: the joy of playing tennis, the thrill of hitting that perfect shot, the camaraderie shared with fellow players – all of this is enhanced by the possession of a tennis racquet. For those who could not afford this essential tool, the emergence of Second Serve has been nothing short of a game-changer. Since its inception slightly over five years ago, Second Serve’s founders have worked tirelessly to provide individuals around the globe with more than 20,000 racquets. But their efforts do not stop there – in addition to racquets, Second Serve has also distributed 10,000 other gently used tennis equipment items, including shoes, clothing, bags, and balls.
This year, the impactful Second Serve Impact Week commenced on September 15th, as a dedicated team from Second Serve embarked on 57 donations to communities across the United States. The generosity and commitment exhibited by Second Serve exemplify the power of grassroots initiatives to make a tangible difference in the lives of many.
The inspiring tale of Second Serve begins with Ayanna and Amani Shah, two sisters from San Diego’s North County. Ayanna, a high school senior, and Amani, a junior at Stanford, are passionate junior tennis players who drew inspiration from Eduardo Sanchez, the head pro at Rancho Valencia. Ayanna recounts, “He had a program for under-resourced kids that was just across the border in Mexico. So we went with him to distribute it, and that experience is basically what launched this whole thing. … We started collecting equipment from friends and family and just donating it to Eduardo and one other site in San Diego.” And from that pivotal moment, Second Serve was born.
Now with donation boxes scattered across various locations nationwide, including public facilities like Los Angeles’ Palisades Tennis Center and private clubs such as Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, N.J., Second Serve has truly become a widespread community effort. The heartwarming sight of hundreds of volunteers, predominantly teenagers, diligently collecting donated items from these boxes and distributing them throughout their communities underscores the collective impact of Second Serve.
The journey embarked upon by Second Serve is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and the resounding impact that can be achieved through the simple act of generosity. As Second Serve continues to inspire and uplift under-resourced communities through the universal language of tennis, its mission serves as a beacon of hope and inclusivity for all.