Grants at Work:  Houston U's Tennis

The Adaptive Athletics Wheelchair Tennis Program at the University of Houston (UH) can keep on rolling, thanks to a generous grant from the USTA. 

Founded in 2015, the UH wheelchair tennis program was founded to serve as a resource for the community and has since grown to be an invaluable asset to the game on both a regional and continental level as well. 

Through twice weekly practices and on-court instruction, UH provides an opportunity for players of all skill levels a place to sharpen their game, learn new strategies and become more engaged in the sport. The program is open to both UH students as well as members of the community.

Besides the weekly practices, facilities and coaches, the UH wheelchair program also sponsors players financially. Currently, UH sponsors three UH student players and five community players, therefore funding the tennis career of eight total wheelchair tennis players.

In March, the USTA made a generous donation to the UH wheelchair program. Through this grant, UH players have competed in the Houston Open, Texas Championships and the Alabama Open. The program has also seen an increase in participation, with as many as six players from out of the community joining the weekend practice. 

UH continues to provide students and the surrounding Houston community opportunities to partake in wheelchair tennis. UH is committed to introducing the sport to a wider audience, and allowing for plenty of play opportunities.

In early October UH hosted their second annual UH Cougar Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Leading up to the event, UH offered free clinics to the public. 

Thanks to UH and the USTA, wheelchair tennis in Texas will continue to be a smashing success.