Lautenschlager Makes History Again

Last year Lily Lautenschlager made history in Nebraska as the first wheelchair tennis athlete to make a high school tennis team when she made the Lincoln East Spartans reserve team. However, the season was cut short because of COVID-19 and she never played a match. This year, as a junior, the stakes were higher as she had to make the junior varsity team. 

Once again she defied the odds. 

“It’s really exciting to make JV,” Lautenschlager said. “I was super nervous during the tryout period but making it through feels amazing!”

Lautenschlager was born with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome which is a rare congenital vascular disorder that affects the development of blood vessels. She said she is the only person in Nebraska with this disorder. She said her leg has too many veins, and is larger than the other one. She’s had twenty surgeries at Boston Children’s Hospital over the years. She can walk when she’s at home, but because of her stamina will use the wheelchair at school

This is the first time her coach, Joe Hovorka, has worked with a wheelchair athlete. He has already learned how to adjust his drills to accommodate the whole team, and her teammates have all adjusted as well. During matches, Lautenschlager will get two bounces, while her opponents get one. As a result, it has taught them all patience.  

“It’s made her teammates stay in the point longer, and I think this will help them not give up points as early, and keeping ready when they think they have a winner,” Hovorka said. Otherwise, his goals for her are to keep improving and be a positive and productive member of the tennis team. She is excited to have a chance to demonstrate her skills on the court. 

“I’ve played with other wheelchair players and am excited to try something new by playing with able-bodied players!” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to improve my game. I can’t wait to get to know everybody and play some matches!”

Click here to read the original story about Lautenschlager.

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