Pamela Laufer-Ukeles returns to tennis after 20 years and a battle with breast cancer

Pamela Laufer-Ukeles, a 50-year-old law professor, returns to competitive tennis after a 20-year hiatus and a battle with breast cancer. She began playing at age eight, competed in juniors, and quit at Columbia University. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in February 2019, she resumed tennis around 2020, hired a coach, and now prepares for Sharsheret's tournament in Ra'anana. Her first Maccabiah was accidental, as her husband signed her up.

Pamela Laufer-Ukeles, a 50-year-old law professor and former competitive tennis player, is returning to the sport after a 20-year break and a battle with breast cancer. She first picked up a racket at age eight at a summer day camp, played junior tennis from ages eight through 14, and competed at Columbia University before quitting to focus on her studies. In February 2019, at age 43, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after a routine mammogram, leading to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she began playing tennis again, eventually hiring a coach and competing in Masters tournaments. She is now preparing for Sharsheret's upcoming tennis tournament in Ra'anana, which brings together her love of the sport and her experience with cancer. Her first Maccabiah participation was accidental, as her husband signed her up against her initial reluctance. Laufer-Ukeles emphasizes the importance of regaining trust in her body and reconnecting with her youth through tennis.