Junior Diya Gupta is helping lead the way in the Olathe and KC area through the student-run, non-profit, Second Serve. Gupta became involved with Second Serve when a graduating senior at her tennis club passed down their role to her.
Second Serve is a non-profit organization run by youth across the United States that donates tennis equipment to underserved low-income areas. The gathering of equipment may sound like a collection of insignificant objects. Still, through these donations access to the sport of tennis is significantly increased. These materials can change kids’ lives and positively impact them in many ways. Second Serve runs these impressive donations around the country and the world. Gupta described how her passion for the organization stems largely from her own experiences as a tennis player.
“I want to help more people play tennis and learn the sport because everyone deserves equal access no matter their financial situation,” said Gupta (11).
Gupta acts as a Regional President managing the operations for the state of Kansas and the KC area. She has organized donations for schools in North Kansas City and has an upcoming donation for Big Brother Big Sister of Kansas City during Second Serve’s Impact Week.
“We take all kinds of gently used tennis equipment. Our most common donations are shoes and rackets but we’re always looking for more racket bag donations so kids have a nice place to store their new equipment,” Gupta said.
The mission of Second Serve is to create more access, inclusion, and diversity within the sport of tennis. Gupta, who has played since she was 7 years old, hopes to continue this mission. She loves how the organization allows her to work with other driven, hard-working teens toward a common goal.
“I’m hosting a tennis clinic in a few weeks and I am excited to get to meet and connect with people face to face,” said Gupta.
Her favorite part of playing tennis has been all the memories she’s made and the friendships she’s built. The sport of tennis has given her opportunities to travel with teammates and grow as both a player and a person. With Second Serve Diya is using the sport of tennis to impact lives around the world and in our local Olathe community.
“Tennis can teach so many life lessons in a fun and approachable environment,” said Gupta.
