Reusing Gear Reviving Dreams

I first realized the problem back in middle school, during one of my regular tennis practices. I loved the game, but I couldn’t ignore what was happening around me—every can of tennis balls I opened, every match I played, eventually ended the same way: those balls would be tossed out and left to sit in landfills. The thought really bothered me. I didn’t want the sport I loved to contribute to so much waste, so I decided to do something about it.

I started by collecting used tennis balls from my practices, from teammates, and even from local clubs. At first it was just a small effort, but I quickly saw how much of a difference it could make. One bin turned into several, and before long, my simple recycling idea had grown into something much bigger.

Today, that initiative has expanded far beyond tennis balls. We now recycle shoes, rackets, and other sports gear—and just as importantly, we donate equipment to kids who otherwise might not be able to play. For me, it’s about more than just keeping things out of landfills. It’s about giving every child a chance to experience the joy of sports, while building a future that’s a little more sustainable.

What started as a middle school project has become a mission I carry with me every day: to play, to give back, and to protect the planet—one tennis ball, one piece of gear, and one opportunity at a time.