Two Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, tennis players have taken their community service requirements to the next level. 

Seniors Jose Pouso and Tim Stofa — four-year varsity tennis players for the Stanners — are members of Molloy’s chapter of the National Honor Society. All students are required to complete 30 service hours before the school year ends. 

Rather than take part in an already existing program, Pouso and Stofa have created their very own introductory youth tennis program for children in Astoria. 

Known as Cracked Courts, the program is open to boys and girls of all ages and is hosted at I.S. 010 Horace Greeley. Since officially kicking off in late September, the seniors have held two sessions with a number of interested kids who want to learn more about the basics of tennis. 

The lessons have lasted three hours, and they include a warm-up, hitting back-and-forth with Pouso, and hitting targets on a handball court with Stofa. No prior experience is necessary, and Pouso and Stofa provide all the needed equipment. 

“We thought the best way we could do something to impact our community was through tennis, which we’ve both played since we were 4,” said Pouso, a Whitestone resident and parishioner at St. Luke. “It was the best way that we could use our knowledge and our talents to help people.” 

Since private tennis lessons can be expensive, Pouso and Stofa set out to give local kids an opportunity to explore a sport that’s not as mainstream as basketball, baseball, soccer, or football. They posted fliers around the neighborhood and even set up social media accounts to drum up interest. 

Both were thrilled when kids who hadn’t even signed up wandered over to the tennis courts to participate. That’s what community involvement is all about. 

“It’s really nice to see kids try new things,” said Stofa, an Astoria native whose family attends a Slovak church in Manhattan, St. John Nepomucene. “Hand-eye coordination and balance are very important.” 

The name “Cracked Courts” originated since the elementary school play area, which had tennis courts painted onto it years ago, has cracked over time. This fitting name adds to the community feel of the program. Pouso and Stofa set up where they can without the bells and whistles of formalized tennis lessons, yet their passion for the sport shines through as they teach youngsters the basics. 

“It was fantastic when they approached me and said they wanted to create their own service project,” said Lauren Pizzo, a math teacher at Molloy for 15 years who is the chapter’s National Honor Society moderator. “This is the first time I have seen two students push their limits and say they wanted to create something that didn’t exist. 

“It was motivated by what they like to do. That’s really the dream of what any community service can be. You find something that fits what you like. You love it, you’re passionate about it, and you can make a connection to the community.” 

Students at Molloy are considered for the National Honor Society according to four pillars: academics, service, character, and leadership. Pouso and Stofa are a quadruple threat when it comes to displaying all of these traits. 

As these seniors look forward to college, they hope they can start up similar programs near their respective campuses. For now, they’re trying to grow as much as possible as they begin their final semester at Molloy. 

When all is said and done, Pouso and Stofa will obliterate the 30-hour community service requirement for National Honor Society. That’s what true leaders do — use their own talents to serve up some fun for others.