It’s that time of year again! Time to reflect on the many blessings we’ve enjoyed over the year, celebrate with our loved ones, share with those less fortunate, and remember those who have moved on. It is so easy to get caught up in the details of this thing called life – to do lists, emails, jobs, kids, spouses, parents, pets, errands – that we sometimes lose sight of what really matters. It’s at those times, if we’re lucky and paying attention, that the universe will give us a little nudge to help us slow down and remember how very fortunate we are.

My nudge came this past weekend at Lowe’s. While evaluating the aesthetics of “Espresso” vs. “All American” wood stain in the paint aisle, I met a lovely family – a Mom, a Dad, and their precocious 11-year old son. After some good-natured ribbing, the conversation turned serious. I learned that the little boy in front of me had undergone no less than 4 invasive surgeries to arrest the progression of stage 4 brain cancer. He carefully removed his hoodie to show me the evidence of his struggle. And after proudly pointing out each scar, he turned to give me a huge fist bump! Almost as if to say, “Despite all of this, I’m a fighter and I’m still here!” It was at that moment I “remembered” – how tomorrow is not guaranteed, how blessed I am, and how grateful I am to have friends, family, and love in my life.

It is with that spirit of gratitude that I need to say thank you to each and every one of you that helped to make 2019 a stellar year for Indiana racquetball. In addition to State Singles and State Doubles, INSRA also hosted the 2nd annual Rocky Carson Clinic, the first Lotts of Love Women’s clinic featuring LPRT member Sheryl Lotts, and the inaugural Great Pumpkin Shootout. We sanctioned, supported, and/or participated in at least 5 other local events this past year including the Indy Open, Purdue Shootout, Omni Open, Racquets for Rescues, and the Players Cup.

As many of you may or may not know, conducting a racquetball event is no easy feat and may require weeks or even months of planning and coordination prior to the actual event. While we always strive for excellence, life happens and not everything goes as planned. Thank you to everyone that has helped run the tournament desk, prioritize matches, find players, contribute or pick up food, validate scores, take pictures, or otherwise help us out. Thank you to our players and their families for traveling to and participating in our events – without you, we wouldn’t do what we do. And thank you to all of you that express your appreciation to the event directors, many of whom volunteer their time for no other reason than to provide us with an opportunity to play the sport we all love!

And last but not least, thank you to everyone on the INSRA Board that has worked to help us end the year strong and position us for growth in 2020. Our 2020 event schedule is currently under construction and will be published soon along with our new and improved By-Laws and 2020 Board Meeting schedule. We’re actively exploring opportunities to engage both recreational and competitive racquetball players across the state and provide more opportunities for our youth to pick up a racquet! If you’d like to help us grow Indiana racquetball by joining the INSRA Board or becoming a tournament director, please contact me or any member of the Executive Team. We’d be glad to have you join the team!

In the interim, I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and the occasional “nudge.”

See you on the courts!

Laura Pesek
INSRA President