Tennis serves Henry Buxton well

Cushing’s Henry Buxton is thriving in his adult years as an athlete, coach, employee, housemate and all-around delightful person. 

Buxton, 34, started at Cushing as a student in his teens and is now in the adult residential program. He lives in Marshfield with four others. Eileen Keefe, residential support house manager, has been in the Marshfield house with Buxton since 2018, but has known him since 2014. 

“I’m so proud of his independence and advocacy for himself,” said Keefe. “He has a life of his own, and he’s definitely matured leaps and bounds.” 

Buxton, who grew up in New York City, started playing tennis when he was young. Keefe says he would join his father at his club in the Hamptons. It’s a sport he has never lost interest in. 

“In the 12 years that I’ve known him, he’s always played,” she said. 

“I like it,” said Buxton. “It’s a good game to play. I enjoy being part of a team and I enjoy my coaches.”

Buxton takes lessons at the South Shore YMCA Emilson in Hanover and is part of the Lob-Stars Tennis Team, an inclusive tennis program for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program, which has been running for more than 20 years, ensures all athletes are welcomed. Participants range in age from 14 to late 60s and in level from beginners to advanced. Buxton usually participates in two to three travel tournaments each year with the team.

“He’s been able to travel with the team on his own now, which is huge,” said Keefe. “It just shows his personal growth.”

He also participates in a number of other tennis tournaments at the Y, as well as Special Olympics with his team. 

For the past few years, Buxton has also started coaching the Junior Lob-Stars, a program for players ages 7-16. 

“I like showing them the ropes and helping them out,” said Buxton. “It’s really fun to help them learn.” 

Buxton’s enthusiasm for tennis also turned into a job at the Y. He works there two mornings a week, watering down the tennis courts, cleaning equipment, prepping the lobby and more. 

“He really enjoys it because he’s a social guy and loves to be around people,” said Keefe. “He loves to see many of his friends that he’s made at the Y.”

Buxton is glad his path to Cushing brought him to the South Shore, where he has developed such a strong sense of community. 

“There are a lot of things I love about Cushing,” he said. “I have a job and I get to hang out with my friends. I do a lot of activities, which is fun.”