From Tragedy into Triumph

I can remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. I can easily recall the devastation many students felt as the news rolled in. In an instant, three beautiful, spirit-filled girls lost their lives in a tragic car accident. Katy Watkins, Emily Perdue, and Molly Reed took their last breath on this earth in 2006. The families of these precious babies have a faced a mourning that no one should ever have to face. However, the story of Katy, Emily, and Molly does not end with tragedy and mourning. In fact, their story does not end at all.

Continuing in Spirit

This year marks ten years of the KatyBuild tennis tournament. The tournament is embedded with the spirit of Katy, Emily, and Molly. Every aspect of this tournament exudes the lives they lived. Each of the girls were unique, but together they were a powerhouse of love. They gave of their time and talents to love and serve others. Like them, this tournament does the same.

From the coordinator of the event to the tennis center and their pros to sponsors who give of their time and talents, the tournament exhibits the joy and beauty of these three lives. But it does not end there! Volunteers, players, and supporters all reflect and share in the laughter, joy, and excitement that the girls showed. Most importantly, this tournament shares in these three beautiful girls’ desire to love and provide hope to others in the name of Christ.

The Triumph

KatyBuild is a tournament that gives back to the community in the way that Katy, Molly, and Emily lived: with joy, hope, love, and faith. In partnership with the Fuller Center, the tournament raises money to build homes for veterans. At least five homes have been built in honor of the girls, and each family that has received a home has experienced what it means to be loved by Katy, Molly, and Emily. Each home has a touch of their spirit. Each home stands erect and solid just as the girls did in their faith. These homes are not simply a place for veterans to live; they are shelters from the storms of life built with a firm foundation of faith and housed in hope.

Although these three families experienced a nightmare, a shattering of the soul, their tears have turned into triumphs. They have taken the purpose the girls lived while on this earth and created a way for their purpose to continue. With each tournament played and house built, a life is touched by Katy, Emily, and Molly. God has done for these families what only he can do, “I will turn their mourning into joy, give them comfort, and bring happiness out of grief” (Jeremiah 31:13).