USTA Grants Fuel Adaptive & Wheelchair
Tennis Expansion in SoCal

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently announced more than $100,000 in grant funding to support 55 wheelchair tennis programs across the country, and six of those programs call Southern California home. As part of the 2025 USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grant initiative, these funds are being used to expand access to the sport, support adaptive programming, and uplift communities through tennis.

In a continued effort to foster a more inclusive and accessible tennis culture, the USTA’s annual grassroots grant program identifies and supports local organizations that are actively promoting wheelchair tennis at the community level. This year’s grant recipients in Southern California include: Angel City Alliance (Los Angeles), SoCal Adaptive Sports (Riverside), T3Tennis (San Clemente), Youth Tennis San Diego (San Diego), Triumph Foundation (Valencia), and La Mirada Community Tennis Association (Yorba Linda).

Each of these organizations has shown an outstanding commitment to offering meaningful tennis experiences for individuals with physical disabilities. The grants will be used to enhance their existing programs through a combination of coaching support, facility access, equipment purchases, player recruitment, and event hosting, ranging from weekly clinics to competitive camps and tournaments.

A Strong Legacy of Inclusion in Southern California

USTA Southern California has long championed adaptive tennis, offering programs, clinics, and tournaments that serve athletes of all ages and skill levels. At the national level, the USTA has introduced initiatives like gender-neutral divisions to promote inclusive competition.

Wheelchair tennis fosters physical activity, social connection, and personal growth. With a full competitive pathway, from youth programs through the Paralympics and UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, the USTA supports athletes every step of the way.

Southern California has been central to the sport’s evolution. Brad Parks of Orange County, who pioneered competitive wheelchair tennis after a life-altering injury, laid the foundation for its global growth. His efforts led to the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympics and the formation of a professional tour.

That same spirit of innovation and excellence lives on today through Jason Harnett, who grew up in Orange County, now serves as the USTA’s Team USA Wheelchair Tennis National Manager. Harnett has played a critical role in elevating the U.S. on the world stage, coaching American athletes to success at major international events and shaping the future of the sport through grassroots development, talent identification, and tournament structure. Under his leadership, Team USA continues to thrive, inspiring the next wave of competitors.

From San Diego, Dana Mathewson has emerged as one of the top American wheelchair players. A multi-time Paralympian and UNIQLO Tour contender, Mathewson is a role model for athletes with disabilities through both her achievements and advocacy.

David Wagner of Fullerton is among the most decorated quad players in history. As the first ITF Quad Wheelchair World Champion, he has finished No. 1 in the world eight times and earned numerous Grand Slam and Paralympic medals during his two-decade career with Team USA.

Representing the future of the sport is Charlie Cooper of La Quinta, currently ranked No. 2 among junior wheelchair tennis players. Known for his powerful game and unwavering discipline, Charlie continues to inspire young athletes as he rises through the national and international ranks. A two-time US Open Boys’ Junior Wheelchair Singles champion, he also captured the 2024 US Open Boys’ Junior Wheelchair Doubles title, along with both the singles and doubles crowns at the 2025 Australian Open. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Charlie was named the 2024 International Tennis Federation’s Wheelchair Tennis Junior of the Year and has proudly represented Team USA around the globe.

These athletes exemplify Southern California’s ongoing impact on wheelchair tennis, through excellence, leadership, and a culture that embraces inclusion.

Regional Leadership

With a mild climate and a strong tennis community, Southern California has become a hub for adaptive tennis. The 2025 Grassroots Grants further reinforce the region’s leadership and commitment to expanding access to the sport.

“These grants allow us to introduce wheelchair tennis to so many people who never saw tennis as an option for themselves.” said Bryan Hudson, Community Tennis Coordinator at USTA Southern California. “We’re excited to see our competitive players continue to excel, but it’s even more special to see the huge smile on a person’s face who is trying wheelchair tennis for the very first time!”

“Wheelchair tennis has been growing significantly in Southern California,” said Kevin Finkelberg, Manager of Schools, Wheelchair, and Adaptive Tennis at USTA Southern California. “We are lucky to have dedicated providers and organizations who continue to focus on increasing the number of wheelchair athletes. Our goal at USTA SoCal is to: 1) Keep looking to grow our providers so there are places for wheelchair tennis players to play. 2) Grow our wheelchair tennis coaching pool to help our existing players improve and give new players the right foundational tennis skills. 3) Lastly, these first two goals will help increase the number of wheelchair tennis players.”

Finkelberg continued: “These National Grants are crucial to our goals here in SoCal. These grants help kick off new clinics and tournaments for all levels. They  will also reach brand-new programs that want to participate in wheelchair tennis. We are proud to support organizations that are breaking down barriers to the sport and empowering individuals to live healthy, active, and connected lives through tennis.”

Let’s take a closer look at the impact each of these Southern California grant recipients is making:

Spotlight on Grant Recipients

Angel City Alliance (Los Angeles)

A longtime leader in adaptive sports in the Los Angeles area, Angel City Alliance hosts one of the largest multisport events for athletes with disabilities in the country, the Angel City Games. Their tennis programming provides accessible instruction and play opportunities year-round, welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels.

SoCal Adaptive Sports (Riverside)

With a mission to ensure that everyone has the chance to live a healthy and active life, SoCal Adaptive Sports offers a range of programs for youth and adults. Their wheelchair tennis program provides weekly practices, coaching, and travel opportunities to compete in tournaments across the region.

T3Tennis (San Clemente)

Led by tennis professionals committed to inclusion, T3Tennis incorporates wheelchair tennis into its regular programming and continues to grow the adaptive arm of its academy. Their grant funding will help expand outreach to new athletes and increase access to courts and equipment.

Youth Tennis San Diego (San Diego)

As one of the most established community tennis organizations in the country, Youth Tennis San Diego includes wheelchair tennis within its broader mission to build character and life skills through tennis and education. Their adaptive tennis program serves youth and adults and offers both recreational and competitive opportunities.

Triumph Foundation (Valencia)

The Triumph Foundation serves individuals with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments by offering adaptive recreation, education, and support. Their wheelchair tennis clinics have become a cornerstone of their inclusive sports offerings, helping people rediscover movement and community through tennis.

La Mirada Community Tennis Association (Yorba Linda)

A community-driven organization rooted in making tennis accessible to everyone, the La Mirada Community Tennis Association has integrated wheelchair tennis into its programs and works closely with local schools and rehab centers to reach new players and build awareness.

Building Momentum Nationwide

Since the USTA began awarding Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants in 2008, more than $950,000 has been distributed to programs nationwide. The funding plays a crucial role in helping new and established organizations grow the sport and create lasting impact in their communities.

According to Harnett: “We could not see the amazing growth numbers within the sport of wheelchair tennis if not for these local grassroots champions delivering wheelchair tennis on a daily basis. These organizations are helping to change lives—one player, one rally, one community at a time.”

The growing popularity of wheelchair tennis is also reflected in the success of USTA tournaments and team events at all levels, from beginner play days to national championships. Southern California has proudly hosted several major adaptive tennis events and continues to develop strong talent in the sport, with players frequently representing the region at national and international competitions.

Get Involved

Whether you’re new to wheelchair tennis, returning after an injury, or looking to volunteer or coach, there are many ways to get involved in adaptive tennis across Southern California. These programs are actively seeking participants, coaches, and supporters who share their passion for expanding the game.

Individuals or organizations interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or learning more about adaptive tennis opportunities with USTA Southern California can explore local programs and tournaments designed to meet a wide range of needs and skill levels.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive SoCal tennis community, where everyone has a place on the court.