In a sport with love as one of the scores, it is inevitable to uncover inspiring, life-affirming stories. Over the next five days, Tennismonth.com will feature five uplifting and inspiring stories. The first is a husband-wife tale of a shared diagnosis and boundless determination. Two others prove the depths of devotion possible when one partner – whether on the court or in life – is plagued by an organ failure. Another is about how tennis allowed one women to get her life back. The final story is how one man’s talent at his job translates to success on the courts. Please be sure to check back each morning this week to read another inspirational story.

By Carrie Rupp

Many consider tennis a lifetime sport. For Lorraine Gonzales, the sport helped her get her life back.

Affectionately called “Chiefy” by her friends because of her in-charge and driven demeanor, Gonzales is in a battle to regain normalcy in a life that was halted by a heart attack.

An avid softball player for more than 25 years, Gonzales was born and raised in Santa Fe, N.M. Athletics have always directed Gonzales’s path, as she spent time working for the city’s park and recreation department, as well as with the Special Olympics and Senior Olympics.

Known for keeping busy through work and recreational athletics, Gonzales thought her active lifestyle kept her in good health, but a sudden heart attack in September 2006 forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle, as well as her outlook on life.

“I always thought I was healthy,” Gonzales said. “I never would have thought it could have happened to me. It was shocking.”

Doctors informed Gonzales that she would need to “take it easy” for at least six months. The thought of not participating in softball or organized sports was frightening to Gonzales, but she stuck to the doctor’s orders, adopting a new diet and strict regimen of daily medications.

As Gonzales was adjusting to her new lifestyle, she yearned to become active again. A childhood friend, Belinda Ferrero, took the initiative to watch over Gonzales in her recovery period. She was also the impetus that shaped Gonzales’ journey to the sport of tennis.

Gonzales was hesitant to return to the diamond because, as a pitcher, the sport could be too stressful. Ferrero’s daughter Nicole, a freshman at Colorado College, is an avid tennis player. She suggested that her mother and Gonzales begin playing, lending them racquets and holding introductory “lessons.”

“I was nervous when I first started playing,” Gonzales said. “I didn’t know my limits. I didn’t want to push myself, but I wanted to be competitive.”

After a few months of playing, Ferraro, a member of Shellenberger Tennis Club in Santa Fe, heard that a woman was looking to start a 2.5-level team. Ferraro and Gonzales contacted the organizer, Monica McLin, and signed up for the team.

After only playing once per week, Ferraro and Gonzales began playing doubles together four to six times a week. The extra effort helped send their team to the 2007 USTA League 2.5 Adult National Championships in Indian Wells, Calif. The team is the first from Santa Fe to reach a national championship in 17 years.

“Monica, Belinda and my other teammates are so great,” Gonzales said. “They really kept an eye on me and made sure I was comfortable and not pushing myself beyond my limits.

It took time to build up my strength and my endurance, and I had to be patient,” Gonzales said. “If it weren’t for my team, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Today, Gonzales is in a great place. In addition to her success on the court, Gonzales has seen numerous successes off the court. She’s lost over 25 pounds, and she’s regained much of her confidence. She eats better and is happy with the friends the tennis team has brought her. Most importantly, she feels that her nickname, “Chiefy,” truly fits again.

“The game gave me back my life,” Gonzales said. “Being active has helped me so much. It even helps me relax and sleep through the night.”

The trip to the national championships reinstated Gonzales’ optimistic outlook. She and her team said the trip to California was very special to them. They couldn’t be happier to have been there. The women Gonzales shares the court with don’t play the sport to fulfill their competitive sides. They play to better their health, create friendships and share in something bigger than themselves.

“I don’t really talk about the heart attack any more,” Gonzales said. “I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given and take time to enjoy life.”