At just 15, Lucy Heald has already made a name for herself in the world of wheelchair tennis. Recently ranked No. 8 in the world among junior wheelchair tennis players, she earned a silver medal with the Team USA.
Heald’s international debut at the 2025 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey, proved to be a breakthrough.
Competing alongside teammates Max Wong (Flushing, N.Y.) and Sabina Czauz (Thornton, Colo.), the U.S. junior team went undefeated through round-robin play and the semifinals, ultimately earning a silver medal finish after falling to Great Britain in the final.
In her first appearance representing Team USA, Heald made an immediate impact with key wins in both singles and doubles. One of her standout moments came while partnering with Wong in a 6-0, 6-0 doubles victory over France. She also earned her first international singles win with a 6-0, 7-5 result.
“It wasn’t just like a normal win,” Heald said. “It was one for the USA, for the team.”
Click here to read more about Team USA’s run to the silver medal.
This is just one of many accomplishments in Heald's growing career, which has been supported by USTA Southern and the Southern Tennis Foundation (STF). Heald, of Lookout Mountain, Tenn., is the reigning Wheelchair Tennis Co-ed 18s singles finalist.
Heald's journey into wheelchair tennis began when her mom learned about the sport at the US Open in 2018. Encouraged by the possibility of Heald competing, they attended a clinic in Atlanta, which sparked her passion for the game.
“It was actually my mom who first found out about wheelchair tennis. She was at the US Open in 2018 and overheard a conversation about it. I was already playing sports in my community, but I was the only one in a chair. My mom thought it would be great for me to try, so we went to a clinic in Atlanta. I had a blast and that’s how it all started.”
USTA Southern and STF provide support
Since then, Heald has benefited from Southern Section’s commitment to making tennis an inclusive sport for all players. The camps and programs offered by USTA Southern, in collaboration with STF, have played a crucial role in Heald’s growth, providing her the opportunity to train alongside athletes of all abilities. This exposure has broadened her perspective on the sport and deepened her understanding of the game.
“It has really helped me and encouraged me to just keep going,” says Heald. “I’ve met a lot of people through it who’ve really encouraged me just to keep going.”
A key part of Heald's success has been the coaching and mentorship she's received from Jason Tipton, Head Tennis Professional at Chattanooga Christian School. Their relationship has been built on mutual growth, with Tipton pushing Heald to refine her skills and focus on her mental toughness.
“Heald’s officially my first wheelchair tennis student,” Tipton explains. “Once I got to know Heald and her heart, I knew I had to elevate my knowledge of wheelchair tennis.”
Growth in the mental game
Tipton has worked closely with Heald to strengthen both her physical skills and mental approach. He’s made it his mission to help her succeed, offering the tools, structure, and support she needs to compete at the highest level.
Looking back on the moment she was selected to represent the U.S. at the World Team Cup, Heald recalled the pride she felt.
“It just felt like all the hard work had paid off, and I was honored to be good enough to be on the USA team.”
Her mindset was a key part of her performance in Turkey. Over the past year, Heald has focused heavily on developing her mental game—something she says helped her stay grounded and confident during matches.
“For me personally, it’s just to have fun and enjoy being with people playing in a different country,” she said. “I’ve really gotten better on my mentality game. It’s helped me get through a lot of matches with a positive mindset.”
With this international experience under her belt, Heald is more motivated than ever to keep building on her progress. Her journey is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with the right support, a dedicated mindset, and a passion for the sport.
