“When I was growing up, it was a while before I learned about adaptive sports. I love having the opportunity to provide a way to get out and get active for so many people who had no idea adapted sports existed. I couldn’t imagine my life without tennis today.”
Shelby Baron
PER4MAX ATHLETE – USA
ABOUT SHELBY
Sport: Wheelchair Tennis
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Alma Mater: University of Alabama (B.A. & M.S. in Speech Pathology)
Paralympic Experience: Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020
Leadership: Former UA Assistant Coach & USTA National Committee Chair
Shelby was introduced to adaptive PE at nine years old; allowing her to participate in most sports along with her classmates. A few years later, Shelby joined a US Tennis Association junior team with able-bodied players and not long after, began competing. After learning of the competitive wheelchair tennis circuit, Shelby immediately entered and started competing against wheelchair competitors. She was then invited to play for Team USA at her first World Team Cup (2011) and started to make a name for herself. Since then, Shelby has represented on six World Team Cup teams. In 2016, Shelby represented Team USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She is currently the captain for the University of Alabama wheelchair tennis team where she has led the team to three national championships.
Career Highlights
- Two-Time Paralympian: Represented Team USA at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, achieving top-10 finishes in women's doubles.
- World Team Cup Veteran: Selected to six consecutive U.S. World Team Cup rosters, competing against top international talent on the global circuit.
- Collegiate Dominance: Led the University of Alabama to four NWBA/USTA Intercollegiate Wheelchair Tennis National Championships as team captain and player.
- PTR Professional of the Year: Named the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Wheelchair Professional of the Year in 2019 for her contributions to coaching and player development.
- National Grassroots Advocate: Served as Chair of the USTA Wheelchair Tennis Collegiate Subcommittee, expanding junior and collegiate playing pathways nationwide.