Senior Service Board President and varsity tennis co-captain, Lauren Motta, spoke with me about Buddy Up Tennis, a national organization that welcomes volunteers to coach tennis and fitness drills to Down Syndrome children and adults.

Lauren says that tennis works to not only improve physical activity but also teaches life skills for greater independence. She first began volunteering at Buddy Up Tennis at the end of her sophomore year at the Wicker Tree Club and has devoted many hours to the organization.

Prior to COVID-19, Lauren taught a tennis class on Saturdays and a fitness class on Wednesdays. Now she works within the the virus’s restrictions, teaching virtually because of the joy and fulfillment of her work. I asked Lauren to share some of her thoughts regarding her experiences as a volunteer and the importance of community service.

Q: Why Buddy Up Tennis?

I have played tennis my whole life, so when I learned that I had to do service hours during high school-it only made sense to teach what I love. 

I have always loved doing service, but I now have this new-found love: Buddy Up is my favorite part of the weekends!

Tell me about COVID-19’s effect?

When we had to shelter-in, we paired up with a buddy virtually to work on ball control, communication skills, fitness, and other fun activities. I was involved in building this program and have participated in it ever since it began. It is, however, more difficult to communicate and connect with the athletes virtually than it is in person. 

How can volunteers join BuddyUP? 

Visit  https://buddyupforlife.org/. Under “Get Involved,” just fill out an application to become a buddy!