On most Saturdays, members of the Nebraska men's tennis team worry about winning a match.
This week, however, the focus shifted from hitting winners to extending rallies with new friends.
For the second year, the NU men hit balls with Tennis Buddies, giving athletes with developmental and physical disabilities an opportunity to play with the Huskers.
Tennis Buddies provides training opportunities for these athletes, free of cost.
Phil Wolfe, who coached Nebraska's team during the Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln in 2010, started Tennis Buddies after seeing the importance of working with special-needs youth in Lincoln.
“You don’t need to be a good tennis player,” Wolfe said. “You just need to have a good heart.”
Currently, there are 20 athletes in the Tennis Buddies program, ranging from kids to young adults.
In any given month, about 27 volunteers are needed to help out, Wolfe said.
Volunteer Margot Small said learning the sport has helped some participants gain confidence.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and get these kids and young adults involved in sports,” Small said. “It is a big deal for them; they are all sports fans.”
Haley Waggoner, a 27-year-old Tennis Buddies player, said the program helped her find her passion. Waggoner started playing with the Tennis Buddies 10 years ago and now participates in national competitions.
“It feels good to represent my state,” she said. “I enjoy the competition, but I think I enjoy all the friends I have made and all the places I have the opportunity to travel to because of tennis the most.”
Waggoner said she enjoys the chance to face the Huskers.
“Seeing their support means a lot to me,” she said. “They are teaching me higher-level stuff.”
Throughout the event, the Tennis Buddies attacked the Huskers with forehands, backhands and infectious smiles.
Zach Kriz, a 23-year-old Tennis Buddies player, said learning the game has helped him become more independent in other areas.
Kriz said that he's more confident because he's met a lot of good friends playing tennis who have helped him out.
“It’s the most amazing place to be at,” he said Saturday, hitting balls at the Dillon Tennis Center.
Micah Klousia, a Husker sophomore from Springfield, Missouri, agreed.
“It’s all fun and games," he said. "The only challenge I see is making sure everyone gets the same amount of hits.”
