For Each Setback, a Stronger Comeback

He teaches in the local parks, at the Jewish Community Center in the Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill neighborhood, and in park and recreation centers around the city. He teaches summer camps and at the Boys and Girls’ Club as well.

Haffner’s coaching goes beyond tennis, too. He also coaches hockey and is involved with motivational speaking, including to families going through cancer.

For his impact on the community, he’ll be honored in May by the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Western Pennsylvania. The organization is awarding Haffner with the Ziggy Kahn Award, which is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the children of the community.

“It’s an honor to be recognized like that,” he said. “So many times you’re moving so fast, you don’t think anyone notices what you’re doing. I feel very fortunate to do what I do, and to be recognized for that is just a bonus.”

Now 12 years cancer-free, Haffner said he’s staying positive and appreciative, and looking forward to a great spring and summer on the courts.

“Coaching is my favorite thing to do,” he said. “I’m excited for hopefully some sort of normal to return this year and to get back to coaching the way we could do it in the past.”