Celebrating Laura & the Lob-Stars at Laura’s Love

Written by Bob Carroll, Senior Tennis Director, Emilson YMCA

Twelve years ago, a small group of tennis players gathered in the front lobby of the Emilson YMCA to celebrate a life that ended far too soon, their beloved coach Laura Emilson-Reikert. Hugs were shared. Tears were shed. Stories were told. It was a fitting farewell, both somber and celebratory.

Last weekend, many of those same Lob-Stars Adaptive Tennis team athletes once again came together to remember and honor the legacy of coach Laura at the twelfth annual Laura’s Love Memorial Event. But now, instead of a quaint gathering the athletes were joined at our performance art center by more than 60 friends, family members and strangers. Together they raised over $50,000 for the adaptive sports programs at the South Shore YMCA, including the Lob-Stars. Since beginning in 2011, the Laura’s Love event has raised over $400,000.“I never knew how far reaching and deep the Lob-Stars adaptive tennis program at the Y went,” said Y member Steve Gack, who attended his first “Laura’s Love” event this year. “I was blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment made by players, coaches and the YMCA staff to support such an amazing program. I’m proud to be a supporter.”

Added fellow first-time player and attendee Lou Valanzola, “The entire event was eye-opening. I realized just how impressive these athletes are and what the Y does to honor them. I found from one parent of a Lob-Star player that her son didn’t even talk until he started playing tennis here and becoming part of the Y. That is a great story.”

A theme to this year’s event was looking at life from the perspective of these people with special needs. So often, the concern is what they can be taught. “I liked how we were asked to think about what we can learn from these special athletes,” said Valanzola. “It made you think about how they simplify life and how they appreciate everything. What is most profound is how precious every life is.”