Ukrainian Tennis Coach Perseveres While War Rages Back Home

“He is such a great mentor to the younger athletes helping them both on and off the court,” said Kevin Heim, executive director at Woods. “His students smile, have fun, respect each other and really take his instruction with technique and tactics to another level. It’s been great working with him, seeing him be a positive in the kids’ lives and seeing the kids thrive and grow their games on court.”

As he works on his PhD in computer science, Ivashchenko’s schoolwork is another way to keep his mind on something else besides the war back home. In addition to his research, he’s taking part in a couple of projects that could make a big impact on Ukrainian society. One of them is a promising healthcare-related project aiming to increase the level of automation in hospitals. 

“The plan is to finish my PhD. I started last fall. By then, I should be a part of a meaningful project that could help Ukraine improve the level of technology in a particular area (ideally, in the medical area). After that, I will return to Ukraine and attempt to implement the project there. Hopefully, the war will be long over.”

In the meantime, the 24-year old continues to call his mother every day, and his friends once a month. He wants people here to remember and respect the soldiers who are fighting in the trenches every day, in order to protect their freedom. 

“While we can stay in warm, welcoming houses, they hide in the trenches under constant bombardment. Keep spreading the word, keep remembering because this is what gives us hope.”

Ivashchenko hopes to start another fundraiser to help raise money for people back home, as it is the least he can do from almost 6,000 miles away. 

“Everyone should also know how grateful Ukraine and its people are for the support that the U.S. and its citizens have provided,” he said. “We would not find ourselves where we are without everything you have done for us. For that, we are always indebted.”