Tennis player Ingrid Neel serves on and off court
Born in Oyster Bay, New York, professional tennis player Ingrid Neel is as passionate about serving on the court as she is about serving her community.
She remembers falling in love with the game of tennis at age 6 thanks to her first coach who made the experience fun. Through group competition with friends, it was the early years that would later solidify Neel as N0. 39 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) doubles rankings in October 2023.
As she grew older, finding ways to use her platform for a greater cause came with ease for Neel thanks to her role models.
“I always noticed how so many of the players I looked up to started their own charities and I knew that whenever I had the chance, I would want to give back as well.”
While she has won three doubles titles on the WTA Tour, three doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour with two singles and twelve doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit, Neel says that she feels lucky to be in her current position.
“I am lucky to be one of a couple of hundred people in the world who have the opportunity to travel the world competing in this sport, so I’m not going to waste it.”
And waste it she has not. Aside from competing at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, her favorite tennis match is the one for a good cause.
“My favorite community service project that I was able to be a part of was the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic for children’s cancer research. I was a kid myself when I raised money and played in the event and it hit me how fortunate a position I was in, it meant a lot to be able to contribute to a cause like that.”
The pressures of being a professional athlete don’t ease up, however, Neel still finds time to engage in community causes.
Similarly to the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, Neel says many of her opportunities to serve are closely related to tournament tennis activities because she is often on the road.
As she looks to continue to compete on the WTA Tour, Neel knows that when she does retire she will use her time to give back to others.
“Wherever I settle down after my tennis career, I hope that I can be involved in the community, helping kids pursue their passion for sports to use as a vessel for school and lifelong happiness,” exclaimed Neel.
Neel may seem to have a natural ability to weave together service and sport; however, for other athletes who want to incorporate the two, she offers some advice- start small.
“So many people want to hear your story and look up to you as inspiration,” Neel said. “Any chance you have to help others, no matter how big or small, will mean a great deal to someone.”