Kailua’s Benefit Tourney Serves Up Talent, Good Food, Fun
By Jack Danilewicz
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Lauren Shin’s gift for concentration on the tennis court has come in handy lately. As she finishes up work on a nursing degree, she’s more in tune with the “student” end of the term “student-athlete.”
“I have to make time for free time now because I do study a lot,” she said.
Shin completed her eligibility at Hawaii Pacific University last spring, and her tennis schedule has diminished dramatically, but one event still generates excitement within - her annual appearance at the Island Design Center Women’s Night Doubles Tennis Tournament at Kailua Racquet Club. Shin will make her sixth appearance in the tourney, which will run Nov.18-21 and benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer research organization.
“I’ll probably just play in this,” she said. “I’ve never been a fan of tournaments in general, but this is a unique one. When I tell my friends I am going to be in the tournament, they’re like, ‘I’ll be there to watch you play.’ It’s a fun thing that everyone gets excited about.”
The tournament follows the Kailua club’s Men’s Night Doubles, which is considered far and away as the most attended tennis event in the state each summer.
Shin will be paired with former HPU teammate Anastasia Agaychick. The two played together for their last year of college eligibility and have come to know each other’s movements, according to Shin.
“When we first started, we had to get used to each other and there were rough spots,” she admitted.“Our communication became better. We know what the other is capable of now, and we can rely on each other. She is more of a singles player, but she makes her doubles game work. Consistency is her strength. She can get a lot of balls back.”
As a prep standout for Kamehameha, Shin was on a pair of state champion doubles teams, winning the title alongside partners Kimberly Kaloi and Brooke Doane in 2003 and 2005, respectively.
“I really enjoy doubles,” she said. “I can play singles, but I really care about doubles.”
Shin began at a young age and made the most of her time on the court. “It didn’t come as natural as to some other people, but I’ve been playing competitively since I was 8 or 9 years old,” she said. “I tried other sports, but tennis was more fun. I still enjoy it. With school now, I have to really make time for it, but it was always a big thing, especially in high school.
“Playing in this tournament is something I really look forward to,” she added. “I like it. Family and friends can come out and watch, and that’s always a good feeling.”
The team of Melinda Wong and Anja-Vanessa Peter won last year’s event. Both are former University of Hawaii players.
The extras that make the men’s tournament at the Kailua Racquet Club a can’t-miss event also will be on display for the women’s tourney: Admission is free, and in addition to the strong field of 16 teams, dinners prepared by Master Chef Dave Kaminski will be available for purchase. Door prizes will be distributed and there will be a silent auction as well as free cookies for the crowds each night.
For more information, call 263-4444.
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