Beyond the Baseline

Julie Fritz is a former collegiate tennis player and graduate of Western Michigan University, where she studied special education for the physically impaired. Since then, she has become a dedicated coach and advocate, helping grow the game while fostering inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Fritz has witnessed the sport’s evolution firsthand and continues to champion greater accessibility, integration and visibility for wheelchair tennis.

Julie Fritz was introduced to wheelchair tennis at a clinic and became hooked immediately. Soon after, she met an athlete involved in wheelchair basketball, which sparked her interest in recruiting and coaching wheelchair tennis players. That moment set her on a path that combined her passions for tennis and working with individuals with disabilities.

Over the years, she has seen wheelchair tennis become significantly more competitive, and equipment has evolved dramatically. Players today train at a much higher level, and there’s been a greater emphasis on physical conditioning, skill development and specialized equipment—all of which have elevated the level of play. 

Unchanging though is the inclusivity of the sport. Players often partner with someone who is able-bodied, and Fritz regularly integrates wheelchair athletes into traditional tennis drills.