Family.
That’s the first word that comes to mind when we think about our relationship with Rackets and Runners. For the past two seasons, Rackets and Runners has supported the UBC Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams on our continued journey to be the premiere University Tennis team in the nation. Although Rackets and Runners provides us with the equipment and resources necessary to allow us to compete at the highest level of university tennis in Canada, our relationship goes far deeper than that.
We have always felt like Rackets and Runners have gone above and beyond in their support for our teams. Their store feels like home. We are always welcomed with warmth and big smiles, but our favourite smile has to be Zuzu’s, whose smile and wagging tail gives us just another reason to stop by the store. We are always greeted by employees who are willing to go out of their way to make our experience at the store the best it could be.
This is highlighted by an experience that Club Lead of the UBC Men’s Tennis Team Gregory Kuntjoro had at the store a few months ago:
“I went to Rackets and Runners and was at the end of their long line this last summer. I only needed to get a box of balls, so I wasn’t keen on the line ahead of me. One of their managers saw me at the back, asked what I was looking for, and before I knew it, the box of balls was in my hands. I really appreciated her efficiency, and although it was a small gesture, the time it saved me meant a lot. Despite Covid causing some difficulties, it was clear she/Rackets and Runners still provided the best possible service that they could.”
Our Partnership Through COVID-19
As for many, this year has brought plenty of change and new challenges for our teams. With no competition, fewer fundraising opportunities, and restricted practices due to COVID-19, we are all the more grateful to Rackets and Runners for staying by our side with unwavering support. Although circumstances have made it more difficult to keep motivated, many players have taken this downtime as an opportunity to strengthen technical aspects of their game and try out new equipment. Throughout the summer and fall, many players were in and out of RnR, purchasing new equipment and demoing rackets.
Among these athletes was UBC Women’s Tennis team member Lily Eisler:
“Rackets and Runners supported me throughout the summer demoing new rackets. Over the course of the summer, I purchased two pairs of running shoes for off-court training, new court shoes, and demoed over 5 rackets. In addition, I always go to rackets and runners when I need my racket re-strung. I have always had positive experiences there, always being treated kindly. With covid, rackets and runners made me feel safe throughout.”
Rackets and Runners’ reliability and great selection of premium equipment has helped our student-athletes find silver linings through this season, driving them to get out and develop their games in new ways. Our teams are currently working closely with RnR to hold a racket demo night so that all of our players can have the opportunity to test out new rackets in an affordable and accessible fashion. We are excited to partner with Rackets and Runners for demo night and a variety of other projects coming soon. Look out for more news to come!!