Award-winning Heartland Wheelchair Classic returns in April with volunteers needed
USTA Heart of America is excited to once again host the Heartland Wheelchair Classic on April 24-26 at Northland Racquet Club in North Kansas City, Mo.
Wheelchair tennis players from across the country will hit the courts at this annual Level 4 tournament that features both singles and doubles play. Volunteers are needed for the junior clinic and tournament desk, while greeters and ball people are needed as well. To sign up to volunteer for the available time slots, click here.
The Heartland Wheelchair Classic kicks off Friday night with a party for players and volunteers to mix and mingle over refreshments.
Then, the competition begins. Four coed draws for singles and doubles are open for registration this year, promising exciting matches from players of diverse skill levels.
“I’m very excited to host this tournament again this year,” said Rebecca Falkner Axelrod, the event’s tournament director and USTA Heart of America executive director. “We are excited to welcome athletes from so many different states and sections. This tournament gives another playing opportunity as well as creating a sense of community.”
The 2025 Heartland Wheelchair Classic was selected for the Outstanding Adult/Senior Tournament Award in both USTA Heart of America and USTA Missouri Valley. It featured the most participants (18) in the history of the event with players hailing from multiple USTA sections and states.
This year’s tournament will be part of the celebration of 50 years of wheelchair tennis happening throughout 2026. The milestone year honors the passion and progress that define wheelchair tennis and the inspiring stories that continue to move the sport forward.
- Jarvis Stirn from Lawrence, Kan., competed in the 2025 Heartland Wheelchair Classic, with the 2026 tourney set for April 24-26 at Northland Racquet Club.
- Daniel Witwer (Tulsa, Okla.) was one of a record 18 wheelchair tennis players to compete at last year's Heartland Wheelchair Classic in North Kansas City.
“Although everyone is very competitive, it is a very welcoming and fun environment,” Falkner Axelrod said. “We plan on celebrating 50 years of wheelchair tennis and continuing to make the sport more inclusive for all.”
View more about the Heartland Wheelchair Classic here. Learn more about wheelchair tennis within USTA Missouri Valley by clicking here.
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