DEB KAPOPOLUS
Volunteer
HOW LONG HAVE YOU PLAYED TENNIS?
"I have played tennis for about 17 years. I started playing with some mom friends once our children were all in school. Learning about and playing tennis was a fun way to spend time outside with my friends. I still feel that way!"
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER?
"One day, 3 or 4 years ago, my friend Helen Leonard, happened to mention a wheelchair tennis program she was involved with as an organizer and volunteer. She was so enthusiastic talking about the players and the fun everyone had while they were on the courts. She didn't intend on 'recruiting' me, but I was hooked! I offered to come by and play, not really knowing what to expect. The players I met that day (and every day since) are truly inspirational. My new friends are avid tennis players who happen to be playing from a wheelchair. Some players are funny, others are more serious players. We all have had our good days and our challenging days, but even on our 'off' days, we hit tennis balls, laugh a bit and appreciate how lucky we are to be together, playing tennis."
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
"I started volunteering for Wheel Serve NC because I thought it was a great way to give back to my community and maybe help a friend. Now, Wednesday is not my 'volunteer' day; it is the day my friends and I play some tennis. Like all tennis teams and clubs, our group is full of a variety of people. We all have different skill levels, different reasons for coming out to play and different physical abilities. However, despite our differences, we all have a genuine appreciation for just being able to be there. We all want to be as good as we can as players, but recognize the victory isn't in winning the match; it's the experience of simply playing it. I love this group and I still love playing outside with my friends."