When Karan moved to New York City from Dallas, Texas, she didn’t know anyone. Like many newcomers, she was searching for a sense of connection, purpose, and community in a city that can feel vast and impersonal. What she discovered through Apex for Youth was something deeper: a welcoming community, a chance to grow, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives.
“I joined Apex because I moved to NYC not knowing anybody,” Karan shares. “Apex was the community I was looking for. There’s so much support from the members and staff. I’ve met so many like-minded people, it’s just an amazing space to be part of.”
Now finishing her second year as a basketball coach with Apex Athletics at P.S. 002, Karan works with third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. Though she didn’t have a background in basketball when she applied, she embraced the role fully because she wanted to step out of her comfort zone and found it to be one of the most rewarding decisions she’s made.
Karan’s presence has not gone unnoticed by Apex staff and fellow volunteers. Athletics Program Manager, Haywood shares:
“Imagine a volunteer who greets every student by name, is the first to arrive and the last to leave, and brings consistency and contagious energy to every session. Having started with no experience in the sport, this individual learned basketball from scratch and steadily sharpened coaching skills so our youth receive the best guidance possible. Whenever a need arises at the last minute—from covering an extra shift at LMC to supporting a family night or speaker panel anywhere across Manhattan—this volunteer answers the call with empathy and leadership that stretches beyond the court. Their reliability and heart make them the model Apex volunteer any program would be fortunate to have.”
Building Confidence, One Drill at a Time
What keeps Karan showing up week after week isn’t just the sport — it’s the kids.
“You can really see the impact we’re having,” she says. “Some of the youth start out very shy or lacking confidence, but then they surprise themselves. They’ll crush a drill they thought they couldn’t do, and you can see how proud they are. Watching them come out of their shells like that, it’s just the best part of the week.”
Empathy and Teamwork
One moment Karan reflects on with pride is when her team showed true sportsmanship and care for one another.
“I try to be a softer coach,” she explains. “I emphasize teamwork and supporting your teammates. One day, a student tripped and fell during a drill. Even though it was a competition, the entire team stopped to check on them. They helped them up, made sure they were okay, it didn’t matter who was winning. That moment meant a lot to me. It showed me that they were really understanding what we’re trying to teach.”
Growing as a Volunteer and as a Person
Karan’s journey with Apex hasn’t just impacted the youth; it’s deeply shaped her own outlook on life.
“Volunteering has taught me so much from the youth’s perspective. I’ve learned to loosen up, have more fun, and not take everything so seriously,” she says. “Moving to NYC was a huge shift, and I was constantly questioning everything—my job, apartment, relationships. But spending time with the kids brought me back to that sense of playfulness and presence. It reminded me that life doesn’t always have to be so heavy.”
Through Apex, she’s also found a support system that’s made her feel at home in a new city.
“I’ve built so many connections, especially in Chinatown, which is my favorite neighborhood. I never imagined I’d find such a close-knit group here, but I did. I didn’t just come to New York to take from the city. Volunteering with Apex has made me feel like I’m giving back to a place that welcomed me with open arms.”
Mentorship That Matters
“It’s important for them to see someone who looks like them doing different things—pursuing passions, moving cities, making bold decisions. A lot of our youth ask, ‘What do you do for a living? Why did you move? How did you know you could do that?’ I love sharing those stories because I know what it feels like to feel stuck or unsure. I want them to know they can choose their own path.”
Advice for New Volunteers
To anyone considering volunteering with Apex, Karan’s message is simple: “Just try it.”
“Try something new, even if you’ve never done it before. I applied to the basketball program without any experience because I wanted to learn, and I did. There are so many programs within Apex that there’s truly something for everyone. And if the first thing you try doesn’t quite fit, that’s okay. There are other ways to get involved and grow.”
Want to learn more about how you can volunteer? Learn more here!
