International Persons with Disabilities Day Spotlight: Emmy Kaiser

December 3rd is International Persons with Disabilities Day. This day allows us to celebrate the hard work, dedication, & achievements of people with a disability who have made an impact on us and/or our communities.  

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Q&A with USTA Staff, Emmy Kaiser

Q. What do you do at USTA Texas?

I am a junior tournament coordinator. I'm basically behind the scenes for junior tournaments in Texas helping tournament directors with any questions or issues that relate to tournaments and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Q: What do you want people to know about the disabled community or the disabled tennis community?

I have a disability, yes, but it isn't who I am. When people ask me about myself, I don't mention my disability unless it's relevant to the situation. On the other hand, probably 95% of the time I will mention that I'm an athlete or a tennis player specifically regardless of the situation because to me that is part of who I am. Don't underestimate wheelchair and adaptive tennis players and don't count us out either. Look for opportunities to integrate and enjoy the sport together.

Q: What is a moment/person/event that stands out to you in your tennis journey?

For me the Paralympic Games in London 2012 is always one of the first tournaments that pops into my head. It was my first Games and London did a phenomenal job. On the ride to the village you saw billboards saying 'Thanks for the warmup" referring to the Olympics as the warm-up. The athletes were treated as professional athletes from start to finish. I played a British girl on center court. It was a packed stadium. Nerve wracking experience but incredible.

Q: Anything else you want to add or share about yourself.   

You asked for more of my tennis background?

Career high singles 1 US 11 in the world

3 Paralympic Games 

3 Parapan American Games (5 medals)

14 World Team Cups

30 countries