Tennis has been a part of my life for more than a decade, shaping the way I think, the way I work, and the way I see community. The sport has given me discipline, resilience, and opportunities that I’ll always value. However, it has unfortunately also made me realize how wasteful the game can be. At my academy, new cans of balls were opened constantly, and after only a short time the used ones were pushed aside. Out of curiosity I asked my coach what happened to all of them, and the answer was simple: most were thrown away. That realization stayed with me and eventually became the spark for BounceBackBalls.

What began with me collecting extra balls after practice has grown into a project that brings players, coaches, and organizations together across Miami. Instead of ending up in the trash, used tennis and padel balls are gathered and given a second life where they can still provide value. Schools use them in PE classes, nursing homes place them on walkers, and animal shelters use them as toys. A ball that can no longer be used for competition can still bring comfort, joy, or support to someone else.

Running BounceBackBalls on my own has shown me that small actions are never as small as they seem. Every pickup, every donation, and every partnership adds up to something greater, and it proves that one simple idea can ripple outward into real change. This is about more than saving old balls. It is about responsibility, creativity, and building a culture where community and sustainability go hand in hand.

Miami is where it started, and Miami is where it grows. With the continued support of players, families, and organizations, BounceBackBalls is working to keep waste out of landfills and put resources back into the hands of people who need them, one ball at a time.