[wpbvideo id=’306148′]
The Springfield Lasers ball kids get their own special entrance.
“It’s really cool just being up close,” said Lasers ball kid Colton Potter.
Ball Kids Coordinator Lori Hunt and the ball kids make sure the matches run smoothly and efficiently.
She says the idea is to make that happen without anybody noticing.
“I’m just happy when we do it and we’re invisible, when we’re standing as monuments and people don’t notice us, then I know we’re doing a good job,” Hunt said.
The ball kids run the scoreboards, hand the players towels, and scoop the balls off the court to give to the players whenever necessary.
Some of the more experienced ball kids say they take it upon themselves to help the newer members of their team.
“You just have to make sure you’re doing everything right, and makes sure the other kids on the court know how to do their job correctly,” Potter said.
Even though it’s all business on the court, there are perks to the job, like hanging out with the Lasers players.
“It’s always nice to be with these players, and there are always new people coming in. You can get their autograph afterword, which I usually do, which is pretty dang cool if you’re a tennis fan,” said Lasers ball kid Caden Lingenfelser.
Especially when globally ranked players like Jack Sock come to town and hit the ball with the kids before matches.
“He’s always been one of my favorite Americans so being able to hit with him has always been a dream of mine,” Lingenfelser said.
While hitting with players like Sock is a dream come true, it’s also a great way to learn.
“Especially since I play tennis, just watching and learning how he plays just helps my game when I play,” Potter said.
About 25 kids are a part of the Lasers Ball Kids team.
