Ukrainian Michael Ivaschenko Finds A Community in Lincoln

“I have had more emotions than thoughts at this point,” he added. “Those include frustration, sadness, and confusion.”

Ivashchenko is currently working on his second master’s degree. His first one is in software engineering, this one is computer science. He wants to help Ukraine develop faster technological development. When he’s not studying, he’s helping out at Woods Tennis Center because he enjoys tennis and it’s a way for him to give back to the community.

“I have been in love with the game since I started. In addition, all the coaches and the staff at Woods have been extremely kind to me. Thus, I have been trying to provide any help necessary, being an assistant coach in the junior groups, where kids’ age ranges from seven to thirteen years old.”

“The kids and adults really enjoy getting to know him,” said Kevin Heim, Executive Director at Woods. “There are people from all walks of life, different socio-economic backgrounds, different physical and cognitive abilities and different cultures here at Woods and Michael blends in perfectly.”

Although soccer has always held a special place in his heart, Ivashchenko enjoys the challenges of tennis, which isn’t very popular in Ukraine, because of the expense.