Lisa shares her inspiring journey from a promising tennis career to founding Love Serving Autism, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with autism through tennis.

The conversation explores her early experiences in tennis, the challenges she faced transitioning to a career in speech therapy, and the obstacles encountered while building her nonprofit.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in sports and the profound impact tennis can have on children with developmental disabilities.

She also discusses the significance of maintaining perspective during tough times and the rewarding nature of her work.

📝 Takeaways

• Lisa started playing tennis at the age of five in Memphis, Tennessee.
• She transitioned from a competitive tennis career to speech therapy after facing injuries.
• Founding Love Serving Autism was driven by a passion for helping children with autism.
• The nonprofit integrates tennis with speech and occupational therapy for children.
• Lisa emphasizes the importance of consistency in teaching children with autism.
• She faced significant challenges in managing her nonprofit while working full-time.
• The impact of tennis on children with autism is profound and rewarding.
• Inclusivity in sports is crucial for the development of children with disabilities.
• Perspective is key in overcoming challenges and maintaining motivation.
• Building a supportive community is essential for the success of nonprofit initiatives.

~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game.~

In this inspiring episode, Gira sits down with Allie to explore her tennis journey—from hitting balls with her father in Ohio to playing at the Naval Academy, and eventually transitioning into coaching and mentoring tennis players.

Along the way, Allie shares the profound influence of her early coach, Susan Cinciala, and the pivotal role tennis played in shaping her resilience.

Today, Allie uses her experience to help players embrace balance by integrating yoga, mindfulness, and academics alongside tennis.

Her advice to young athletes is clear: nurture relationships with your coaches, focus on your education, and find your value outside of wins and losses.

📝 Show Notes Outline (5 Key Points)

1. Allie’s Tennis Roots – From playing with her father in Ohio to her 1st coach, Susan Cinciala, her most influential coach.
2. Navigating Challenges – Stepping away from tennis during her parents’ divorce, then returning to the game in high school.
3. College Tennis Experience – Competing at the Naval Academy, facing coaching challenges, and lessons learned about communication and resilience.
4. Identity Beyond Tennis – Finding balance through academics, relationships, and incorporating yoga for both physical and mental benefits.
5. Advice for the Next Generation – Prioritizing education, building strong coach-player relationships, and embracing balance as a key to success. ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game.~

When Fernando left Guatemala for Florida at 13, he faced culture shock, a language barrier, and a brand-new world. Tennis became his safe space, taking him from high school to the professional tour, then to getting a full ride to the University of Southern California.

Fernando talks about the importance of personalized coaching, how to avoid overwhelming players, and why the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical.

In this episode, Fernando shares what it takes to coach junior tennis players in today’s complex tennis world, why patience and listening matter more than ever, and how his approach has helped 18 players earn college scholarships.

🎾 Tune in now to hear a story that blends personal grit with coaching wisdom.

Outline for Show Notes (5 Key Points)

1. From Guatemala to Florida – Fernando’s move at age 13, facing language and cultural barriers, and how tennis became his anchor.
2. College Tennis & Professional Play – Earning a full ride at University of South Carolina
3. Coaching Philosophy – Why personalized coaching matters, and how he’s placed 18 players into college tennis programs.
4. Evolution of Tennis Coaching – Shift from single-coach models to specialized teams, and the pros and cons of this change.
5. Advice for Coaches – The importance of patience, listening, and helping players translate practice into performance without overwhelming them.