Second Serve is a youth-run nonprofit organization founded by sisters, Ayanna and Amani Shah in 2019.  What began as a simple desire by the sisters to help others gain access to tennis has grown into a dynamic network of young leaders dedicated to expanding the sport and uplift underserved youth and communities through the sport of tennis. Having served as a Second Serve Regional President in my area for over a year, I have witnessed how this organization not only creates opportunities for aspiring players but also empowers its young leaders to make a meaningful impact.  I recently had the opportunity to do a Q&A with Ayanna Shah, Second Serve CEO, to discuss Second Serve, its mission, current programs and plans for the future.

Levi: Second Serve was founded by you and your sister, Amani. Can you tell us the inspiration behind Second Serve and how it got started?

Ayanna: Second Serve was inspired by our experiences as competitive junior tennis players and a pivotal encounter with Eduardo Sanchez, our first coach. Eduardo had initiated a tennis program offering free clinics to children in Tecate, Mexico, but faced a significant challenge: a lack of equipment for the kids. After learning this, we donated our surplus gear to support his program. This experience opened our eyes to the broader issue of accessibility in tennis and motivated us to establish Second Serve in 2019. 

Levi: How does Second Serve Club aim to make tennis more accessible, and what specific programs or initiatives do you have that support this goal?

Ayanna: Second Serve redistributes new and gently used tennis equipment to children in underserved communities to facilitate their involvement in tennis.  We donate to a multitude of low income communities throughout the United States and around the world at large. We support children who have a passion for tennis within Mexico, Uganda, India, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Haiti, Australia, Zimbabwe, Spain, China, and more. Our vision is to foster greater access, inclusion, and diversity within the sport of tennis by giving everyone a chance to play. In order to create maximum impact, we have created a growing team of over 260 young leaders between the ages of 12 and 17. Each of us collects and distributes donations both locally and internationally. Second Serve empowers these youngsters to grow into leaders by creating service opportunities.

Levi: Second Serve currently has over 220 young leaders dedicated to helping its mission, which is amazing. What role do youth volunteers play in the organization, and how does Second Serve Club empower their young leaders?

Ayanna: Our team is the heart of Second Serve. They’re the ones organizing donation drives, connecting with partners, and building connections with their communities. We empower them by providing guidance, resources, and a platform to take the lead. Watching everyone grow and make a real difference is one of the most rewarding parts of Second Serve.

Levi: In what ways do you think access to tennis can positively impact the lives of young people beyond the sport itself?

Ayanna: Tennis teaches so much more than how to hit a ball. It’s about discipline, resilience, and handling both wins and losses with grace. For kids in under-resourced communities, it also provides a sense of belonging, a safe environment, and even educational and professional opportunities.

Levi: Second Serve recently launched its first-ever Impact Week (which I was honored to be a part of!). Could you share some success stories or memorable moments that highlight the impact Second Serve Club had on its participants?

Ayanna: Impact Week was such an amazing experience! I think one of the best parts of the week was seeing how our team really came together to pull it off. Everyone (especially you!) did a great job of collecting equipment and organizing everything with partners. Here’s a link to some of the donations that were made: https://www.secondserve.org/team-4

Levi: How do you envision Second Serve’s role in the tennis community in the next few years?  What do you want Second Serve’s legacy to be?

Ayanna: I want Second Serve to be known as a symbol of inclusivity and opportunity within the tennis community. In the next few years, I hope we can expand our reach even further to make sure that no piece of equipment goes unused and that every child who wants to play tennis has the chance to do so. Beyond just tennis, I want our legacy to show how young people can lead meaningful change and inspire others to take action.

Levi: What advice would you give to young people who are passionate about giving back through sports or other community-based activities?

Ayanna: Start with something you care deeply about and take that first step, no matter how small. Look for gaps or needs in your community and think about how you can help. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or to make mistakes along the way – those are part of the process. Most importantly, stay true to your mission and let your passion guide you. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing, others will too.

Levi: Finally, how can others in the community support or get involved with Second Serve Club’s mission?

Ayanna: There are so many ways to get involved! You can donate gently used tennis equipment, start a Second Serve chapter in your community, or volunteer at one of our events. Even just spreading the word about what we do makes a huge difference.