Portia Lack played basketball and softball in college at Adelphi University, graduating in 1985 with a degree in physical education. With the softball team, she played in the NCAA College World Series. Lack joined the US National Junior handball team in 1981, and played multiple times at US Olympic Festivals during the 1980s. Lack won a gold medal with the US team at the 1987 Pan American Games and competed at both the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. She also competed at the 1986 Goodwill Games. Lack later worked for the New York City Police Department in the Emergency Services Unit.