Working hard on and off the court docket: Paralympian Conner Stroud ranks as one of the best wheelchair tennis players in the world
Published 8:30 am Tuesday, March 7, 2023
- Conner Stroud of Rutherford County is the #3 ranked wheelchair participant in the USA and #42 in the world. (Photo submitted)
FOOTHILLS–Conner Stroud, 22, of Rutherfordton, is a most sensible-ranked wheelchair tennis participant who lives close to the Polk County line. Through hard paintings and choice, Stroud has grew to become his love for tennis into trip and inspiration, representing his nation as a Paralympian for Team USA in the World Team Cup.
“Tennis uses the language of life,” Hall of Fame Tennis participant Andre Agassi as soon as stated. “Advantage, service, fault, break, love – the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence because every match is a life in miniature.”
Paralympian Conner Stroud has used tennis to learn how to reside his existence to the most. Stroud, the #3 ranked wheelchair participant in the USA and #42 in the world, is understood in the space now not just for his exceptional tennis but additionally for operating at a tennis facility owned through his oldsters, Dewey and Rita Stroud. Peachtree Racquet Club, situated at 515 Long Branch Rd., in Forest City, is a tennis-focused industry that simply celebrated its thirtieth anniversary.
Born with proximal femoral focal deficiency, Conner had no femurs, hips, ankles, or knees. At age two, he underwent surgical treatment that amputated the entrance section of each and every foot. Not lengthy after, at 4, he used to be on the court docket with a racquet, studying to play from his father, a former faculty participant at Clemson.
Conner, who walks the use of foreshortened prosthesis, sooner or later transitioned to enjoying in a wheelchair at the age of ten and, from there, temporarily started to get spotted during the global tennis circuit. He’s even been in a position to satisfy his idol Rafael Nadal and different legends of the recreation, such as Andy Roddick and Justin Gimelstob.
“Transitioning to playing in the wheelchair took some time since I don’t usually use a wheelchair,” Stroud provides. “The key is to get a good initial push to get to the ball, and the chairs are designed the same as other wheelchair sports, so they are lightweight.”
The recreation of wheelchair tennis originated in California in the past due ’70s after former skilled skier Brad Parks used to be paralyzed in an coincidence. Parks began experimenting with hitting tennis balls from his wheelchair whilst in rehabilitation and went on to broaden and advertise the recreation. Parks even performed for the identical Team USA Stroud performs for now.
Since then, wheelchair tennis has grow to be a complete medal recreation at the Paralympics and is performed in any respect 4 Tennis Grand Slams throughout 3 ranges: Men’s, Women’s, and Quads.
Stroud places enjoying for his nation as a Paralympian Team USA member as one of the highlights of his younger profession. He additionally performed for the University of Alabama wheelchair tennis workforce on complete scholarship and is now again house finishing his level and making plans his itinerary for the subsequent tournaments. Next week, he heads out to Rome, GA, and then Baton Rouge, LA.
“The biggest lessons from tennis have come from meeting people from around the world and seeing different places. I like to interact and experience different cultures through people and places. There is so much more out there in the world compared to what we often think is out there,” Conner stated.
To apply Connor’s adventure as a certified tennis participant, seek advice from his Instagram web page, @okayconner. To be informed extra about Peachtree Racquet Club, name (828) 429-5861. It has 4-lighted clay courts, providing non-public and team classes and website hosting occasions.
