15 participants from all over the country came out to hit the courts in Lakeland, Fla., from Oct. 20-22 at the USTA National Wheelchair Tennis All Comers Camp. 

 

Each year, the USTA hosts three different All Comers Camps, which are immersive three day tennis camps for wheelchair tennis players. Players of all skill levels, from juniors to professional, are welcomed, and the camp focuses on sharpening the technical skills of the players through on-court instruction and play. 

 

Held on the tennis courts at Florida Southern College, the All Comers Camp in October was the second of the year. USTA National Wheelchair Coach Paul Walker led the camp, and was assisted by USTA Wheelchair Tennis Manager Jason Allen and Trish Riddell, head women’s tennis coach at Florida Southern College.

 

Players participated in live ball drills, point play and tournament play. ADVERTISEMENT This particular camp had a mix of fresh faces and long-time players. Four new players were introduced to the sport, and three players local to central Florida currently participate in the wheelchair tennis program at the USTA National Campus in Orlando led by Jason Allen. 

 

Players Milagros Caraballo, Michael Milano and Sharona Young worked hard over the three days and improved immensely. Milano was extremely impacted by the experience and described it as “life changing”.

 

 In an email addressed to Coach Allen, Milano wrote, “I also want to thank you for everything else that you have done for me and our little community...from our Wednesday nights to the tournament in August. My passion for tennis has always been there but you have given it new life these last few months. I finally feel like I'm on the path to doing what I've always wanted to do with tennis.”

 

This camp marked three consecutive years that it has been held at Florida Southern College. 

 

“We are grateful to Florida Southern," said Coach Walker, "It is an honor for me to assist with the women’s team here and thus, be able to host the camp at my home venue. It seems that this camp gets better and better every year and it is always a pleasure to have brand new players come to the sport. We look forward to many more years to come.”

 

The third and final 2017 All Comers Camp will be held in Lafayette, Ind., at Purdue University in December. 

 

In 2018, USTA National plans to sponsor five more camps in different regions. For more information, please contact Jason Allen.