On July 28, 2015, Tim Siegel’s world turned upside down. Only 20 days earlier, he resigned from Texas Tech as the head men’s tennis coach to spend more time with his wife Jenny and children Alex, Kate, Ellie, and Luke. 

“I received a phone call on July 28th, 2015 that no parent ever wants to hear,” said Tim Siegel. “Luke had been in a golf cart accident. I arrived at the hospital, and the first words I heard were, ‘Luke has been in cardiac arrest and has suffered head and chest trauma.’”

The family spent 44 days at the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. In the first 7 days, Luke has three brain surgeries. On the 8th day, the family learned that Luke had brain activity. On September 10, 2015, Luke was transferred to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas where he spent the next four months in treatment. 

Luke returned home on January 6, 2016. Since that day, Luke worked with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to regain the use of his limbs.

Tim made sharing his son’s story a priority and therefore, founded Team Luke. In 2018, Team Luke merged with Hope For Minds – a Texas-based nonprofit – to enrich the lives of children with a brain injury and give hope to their families through support and education.

For years, it has been common to see #TeamLuke displayed across t-shirts and bracelets of top NFL stars – Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes II namely – college tennis teams, tennis pros, and others in the athletic community. It is a phrase synonymous with perseverance, strength, determination, and hope.

Now, that same community joins the Siegel family in mourning the passing of Luke. On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Luke passed away due to covid-19 related complications. His death is heartbreaking to the many that he inspired with his story. The story doesn’t end here. Team Luke Hope for Minds will continue to educate and support families with children who have suffered an acquired brain injury.

To help transform a life and bring hope, click here.

Siegel’s Story
- Advertisement -
College Tennis Alumni Network

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here