NEWS

Laurie Hissey earned the 2025 APTA Service Award for her peerless energy and leadership in our sport.

The APTA created the Service Award to recognize people who have made invaluable contributions to platform tennis. Everyone can name people who have selflessly contributed to the sport of platform tennis year after year, but only a few volunteers stand out for their extraordinary and passionate efforts and who are indispensable to the health and growth of this sport. The 2025 Service Award, granted by the APTA Board, is given to Laurie Hissey.

What you should know about Laurie Hissey is that her reach in the paddle world is all-encompassing—from Masters to Juniors, League leadership to National competition, Umpiring to fundraising. 

Resume

• 2x Masters National Champion (50+ Mixed in 2013/2014 with Tim McAvoy)
• MAPTA President (2020-present)
• 20+ year member of the Junior Nationals Committee            
• Hosted over 20 tournaments in the last decade
• Coaches and mentors dozens of Junior Nationals winners and finalists
• Championed building paddle courts at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, PA
• Proponent of high school paddle programs
• Umpire for regional and national tournaments
• Teaching pro at Radley Run CC
• Contributor to Platform Tennis Magazine (check out her article on creating junior programs)
• Member of the Hall-of-Fame McAvoy family (mother Lucy and brother Tim are both inductees)
• 2x Nationals Committee member
• Played in the President’s Cup for 25 years.

Character

On the court, she is a fierce competitor but honest and fair. She has an infectious positive attitude and a fighting spirit. She created a fundraiser, now known as the Laurie Hissey Paddle Tournament for SHiNE, while undergoing cancer treatment. She wanted to support the organization that supported her. Since 2017, the group has raised over $200,000 for the volunteer-based organization that offers free services to cancer patients and their families.

Laurie also heads up the Habit for Humanity fundraiser run by high school students who play in the Philadelphia High School paddle league. They have raised over $20,000 in the past few years.

Her energy and goodwill is boundless. She has built a large community of partners, players, and pros around her. Here are some words from them about Laurie:

“I believe the pinnacle of Laurie’s paddle achievement comes from the work she has done with our children. Laurie not only makes paddle fun, but she makes our children strong competitors.”

“As a paddle player and fan, I’m in awe of Laurie’s many talents and gifts and how she unselfishly shares them with all lucky enough to be in her company.”

“She is a beautiful warrior.”

The APTA is pleased to bestow the 2025 Service Award on the incomparable Laurie Hissey.

Laurie Hissey Thank You Video

Service Award Winners

Laurie Hissey 2025

John Noble  2018

Joe Russo and Duane Hayden 2014

Anne Flemming  2012

Bill O’Brien 2011

Mark Fischl  2009