How a speech language pathologist saw tennis change lives

When Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix brought together her two passions: tennis and speech language pathology, something magical happened. Students who were shy and reserved were over time able to communicate and enjoy the sport. Through a system she developed using on-court banners that have graphics representing feelings and actions, her adaptive tennis players were laughing and playing alongside new friends while developing language, social and motor skills. Taking her experience as a USPTA & PTR Elite Tennis Professional, she created Love Serving Autism, which is now a national nonprofit organization. To learn about Love Serving Autism's programming in the USTA Eastern section, visit https://loveservingautism.org/new-york-tennis-programs/