Written by Ethan Kopelman
For five-time Maccabiah tennis player Larry Greenspon, not even shoulder surgery would stop him from competing in his sixth Games in Israel. “It was six months since I could get on a court,” said Greenspon, who admits his road to recovery is still gradual.
That time off the court was super challenging for the Longboat Key, Florida native. Even at the age of 76, Greenspon plays tennis seven days a week. Though in his youth, Greenspon had no interest in tennis and he didn’t start playing until the age of 21. In fact, growing up, he completely dismissed it, saying it wasn’t tough or demanding. At the time, Greenspon never would have guessed the sheer impact that tennis and the Maccabiah would have on his life.
Greenspon’s first Maccabiah in 2001 was a chance to showcase his signature serve, which became so well known that his nickname—and even his email handle—became “Lefty Spin.” And yet, the most meaningful moment at Greenspon’s first Maccabiah was the Opening Ceremony. “Being in Israel and walking into the Opening Ceremony with all the countries and all the Jews that are there to compete in Israel, it’s very special.”
While in Israel in 2001, Greenspon learned of Israel Tennis Centers (ITS). The organization aims not only to introduce children across Israel to tennis but also to foster friendships among those from diverse backgrounds. “We make sure that we put a Jew and an Arab together to play doubles. And lo and behold, they become best friends.”
Since being introduced to the organization almost 25 years ago, Greenspon’s philanthropy has played a huge role in the expansion of ITS, including their newest facility in Tayibe in 2022. The Masters athlete believes that if he were not a part of the Maccabi USA delegation, his connection to Israel Tennis Centers wouldn’t have been possible. Greenspon acknowledged that, while not particularly religious, connecting with ITS “brought me back to my roots.”
Greenspon’s goodwill also extended stateside. Just last summer, he committed $3.5 million to develop the sports facilities at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The Federation has become a go-to place in Sarasota for all groups of people. The new venue features six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a basketball court, and an aquatics center. “We have enough problems with antisemitism that need to be addressed, and this is a vehicle for doing it,” explained Greenspon. The facilities are expected to open this summer. In the meantime, Greenspon will continue playing every day to prepare for his quest to take home gold.
Ethan Kopelman is an aspiring sports broadcaster from Villanova, Pennsylvania. He studies broadcast journalism in the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and just completed his freshman year. You can find him on X and Instagram @ethankopelman.