Laura Herrera’s journey in tennis tannes for two decades, but her impact goes much further than the court. As a competitive player and leader of a growing community tennis group with more than 860 members, Laura helps shape the future of the sport in Florida. Her passion for tennis and her deep bond with Spanish culture make her a striking figure during the Spanish heritage month.
Laura, born in Huntsville, Alabama, moved to Florida at the age of six and quickly made contact with tennis again, a sport she tried for the first time when she was two. Her parents took her early lessons and caused a lifelong love for the game. That early start led to a successful tennis career in high school College, where she won a state championship in high school and played at Norte Dame College. Now she is committed to her mission to grow the sport at the basic level.
“I’ve always wanted to be the best tennis player I could be,” she said. “I recently noticed a huge need for a tennis community outside tennis clubs and that is the type of group that I lead with sessions and events.”
While she remains focused on building her tennis community called “Fort Lauderdale Tennis Partners” and arguing for tennis access, it is also passionate about keeping tennis courts available to tennis players, especially because pickleball continues to grow.
Laura also indicates that everyone has a positive impact on each other and puts her foot against hatred. “I have submitted a petition for people to sign this [we can work toward] Seeing positive change everywhere within the tennis community. “
Her cultural background has formed her approach to tennis, especially in how she carries herself up and next to the field. “My Spanish background has formed my tennis trip as a player by constantly concentrating on grinding my mindset, but reminding myself to maintaining a level of professionalism and respect on and outside the field, what a mix of how I grew up in my Spanish culture.”
Laura’s Spanish and Italian heritage also plays a major role in her personal identity. “My whole family bloodline consists of only Latin and Italian heritage. I speak Spanish, so I relate a lot to the Latino side of my family, but I also have many Italian characteristics,” she said. “It feels like a very nice mix of life, and I can understand a little more than a person who is not so expert because of my own personal experiences.”
Why the Spanish heritage month is important
For Laura, celebrating the Spanish heritage month is about visibility and understanding. “It is one of the least talking about heritage and I don’t think a majority of the population all over the world really understand how diverse Spanish are,” she said. “We are a mix of cultures with American behavior, which is quite rare and not very common compared to other heritage.”
Proudly showing her culture means honoring the journey of her family. “In the end I think to proudly show my culture to give God gratitude for how he mainly made me and established me in America as the first generation of my family -blood line that is born here,” she said. “My father was confronted with many extremely heavy challenges and obstacles to not only relocate legally to America, but became very successful here. It gives me hope that I can do everything that I can really do my mind and effort. I also have a lot of respect for an achievement in my family blood line, so I am a bit proud of it, because not many people can do that.”
Do you want to participate?
Laura is awarded to tennis in people, because it is really one of the best sports. Her best advice is to become a member of a tennis community and to find lessons to follow with others, because the social aspect of tennis is also great. “It is so much more fun with others, I encourage to watch Usta adult competitions and tournaments to participate.”
If you live in the Fort Lauderdale region and want to meet Laura and want to become a member of her community, visit them Facebook page (Fort Lauderdale Tennis Partners). You can also follow them Instagram @ftltennis partners For more information about how you can get started today!
The story of Laura Herrera is one of resilience, leadership and cultural pride. Her work on and next to the court continues to inspire others and strengthen the tennis community in Florida.
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