By Asia Adkins

O

n January 9, Angel Lopez, a United States Professional Tennis Association Professionals Master and a top tour coach, came to Lincoln High School and helped out Boys and Girls Tennis. He personally donated 15 new Wilson tennis racquets and six new cases of Wilson US Open tennis balls. Coaches Michael Desjardin and Carl Davis, along with Athletic Director Ron Hamamoto and Executive Principal Mel Collins, welcomed him on campus and accepted his donation.

 “With this donation we will be able to equip more students with racquets who don’t have one and can not afford one. Most students who participate on boys and girls tennis team don’t own a racquet of their own or it's the wrong size,” stated Mr. Davis, a Center for the Arts Math teacher and Boys and Girls Tennis Coach for Lincoln.

 Lopez decided to make the donation to Lincoln High School after hearing about equipment needs from Lyndsey Vosberg who runs the after school program in San Diego. “When I was younger, I grew up in the Lincoln High School area, and I know it has a diverse student body. I grew up the same way and I wanted to make an impact on the lives of young people,” said Lopez.

 “I was very surprised because I didn’t know who Angel Lopez was and the tennis team doesn’t get donations very often. I was overwhelmed with excitement, budgets for sports programs are being cut, so this was great news,” stated Davis.

“I think the donation is nice, but I am a senior this year and I will not be able to use it,” stated Dehojeni Cousins, a senior in Science and Engineering and Girls Varsity tennis player.

 “I became a successful athlete and coach, I wanted to give back and be a role model for the young people in the tennis program,” said Lopez.

We thank Angel Lopez for his generosity in giving. Lincoln greatly appreciates the wonderful donation and plans to use it well to help the tennis teams.

“Most of the players on the team display commitment towards the sport and have a love for it. This will benefit us greatly and continue the love for the sport,” said Dany Chittamany, a junior in Science and Engineering and a member of the Boys Varisty Tennis team.