South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Impact in New England

WESTBOROUGH, MA - For the past decade, the South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation has been creating opportunities, building community and growing the game all over New England.

Founded by Thomas Dodd and serving communities primarily throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. Since its founding, more than 200 players have taken part in the organization’s programs, including approximately 55 participants in the past year alone.

"It's hard to put into perspective that it's been 10 years," Dodd said. "It feels like it went by quickly, but when you look back, we've accomplished a lot with a relatively small group."

After running wheelchair tennis clinics on his own for nearly five years, Dodd formalized the effort by establishing South Coast and registering it as an official USTA Community Tennis Association, helping expand its reach through grants, volunteers and additional resources.

Today, it has evolved into a thriving organization offering weekly play sessions, clinics and development opportunities for wheelchair tennis players of all experience levels. As the organization has grown, Dodd’s leadership within the wheelchair tennis community has expanded as well.

He serves on the USTA National Wheelchair Tennis Committee and volunteers with several USTA New England and national initiatives focused on expanding access to the sport, supporting player development and creating new opportunities for wheelchair athletes.

And for Dodd, the most rewarding part of the journey has been watching those players grow both on and off the court.