Athleticism and competitiveness run in the Lunkoto family. Competitive swimmers for years, siblings Robert Jr. and Joy can now add squash to the list of sports they play. Not only do they enjoy a little friendly competition on the squash courts, but they also look forward to the day they can beat their father, Robbie.
Robbie can’t wait for that day. His journey has come full circle. He started playing squash at the Huntington YMCA in 1998. He considered it a great way to get some exercise. But when Greg Zaff started bringing SquashBusters’ students to practice at the same YMCA, it turned out to have a more significant impact than he ever could have imagined. Robbie began volunteering before his kids were born, and last year, he introduced Robert Jr. and Joy to SquashBusters. In just their first year as participants, they have seen their lives impacted for the better.
Robert Jr. a ninth grader, attributes his personal development to the various enrichment programs he has participated in, including debating. “We practiced debating. Until now, I was shy and didn’t want to talk to people I didn’t know. I got more comfortable talking to people because of it. It’s helped me grow.”
Additionally, he is learning more about different professions because people have been coming in to speak with the students. Meeting them and listening to them talk about their careers are helping him narrow down a career he would like to pursue. “I know I want to go into the medical field, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Then we had some people come to talk to us about anesthesiology, first aid, and CPR, and that’s what got me interested in those areas, so I started researching and exploring it more.”
He loves sharing SquashBusters with Joy, who is in tenth grade, and finds his rivalry with his sister pushes him to improve. “It’s good because it helps me out. I feel more motivated to go and practice.”
And Joy is just as competitive and uses that competitiveness as motivation to work towards her goals. “Last year, I really enjoyed going to tournaments because I saw how other kids were so devoted to squash, and it makes me want to practice more so I can beat those kids.”
The lessons Joy has learned on and off the court also extend to her personal life. “Squash has taught me patience because when you are practicing, I learned you don’t just get it on the first try; you need to keep practicing. It also helped me become who I am today because it taught me communication skills. For example, I learned that when I talk to people, even if we are arguing, I need to sometimes communicate in a better way, let the other person speak their mind, and listen to what the other person is saying.”
Incredibly proud of his children, Robbie has seen his kids grow and mature in the past year. “I really appreciate that they are doing exactly what they need to do at this age. They are really disciplined.”
Using that discipline, they are working hard on the courts, hoping to beat their dad. Robbie looks forward to the day that they can beat him, and although he still plays squash, now at the Maugus Club, he thinks that day will be coming sooner rather than later.