Laura Yeager, DPT, Supports Athletes at the Highest Levels of Tennis

As manager of athletic medicine for the United States Tennis Association, Laura Yeager, DPT, helps support medical teams and athletes at some of the sport's most visible events, including the U.S. Open.

A Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy alumna, Yeager said her interest in sports medicine stemmed from a lifelong love of sports, though she never anticipated the opportunities the field would provide.

Over the course of her career, Yeager has traveled internationally with medical teams, worked at Grand Slam tournaments and attended the Billie Jean King Cup. She has also been in the training room during notable moments in tennis, including Serena Williams's final U.S. Open.

Looking back, Yeager credits mentorship and professional relationships with helping shape her career.

"Meeting the exceptional faculty is what inspired me to transfer to Duke in the first place," Yeager said. "The preparation I received there was second to none, but what stands out most is the enduring support system."

Years after graduating, she continues to consult Duke mentors on complex cases, collaborate on projects and seek professional advice. She said the mentorship and commitment to lifelong learning she experienced at Duke continue to influence her approach to patient care and leadership.

As the U.S. Open approaches each year, Yeager said preparation, communication and teamwork become especially important.

"I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside top-tier medical providers who are deeply passionate and exceptional at what they do," she said. "My role is largely to facilitate and ensure they have everything they need to execute at their best."

For students interested in sports medicine, Yeager encourages seeking hands-on experience and building relationships with faculty and clinicians.

"Get into the training room as early and as often as you can," she said. "Take full advantage of the amazing faculty around you, volunteer for hands-on opportunities, constantly practice your clinical skills, and don't hesitate to reach out to clinicians in the field."

She added that sports medicine is a collaborative profession and that experienced clinicians are often eager to help the next generation enter the field.