Adaptive Athletics Association

Name: Marsten Anderson

Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA

Biography:

Name: Todd Hanover

Hometown: Indio, CA

Disability: Paraplegia

Cause of Disability: Automobile Accident (1995)

Biography:

Having been an athlete prior to my injury, I was not aware of the gap that the loss of competition had left in my life after being injured at the age of 16. I was introduced to wheelchair tennis quite soon after my injury, but it was a few years before I came to realize the void that a lack of athletic outlet had left. Therefore, once my health permitted me to do so I quickly became very interested in wheelchair tennis. In the years since, I am proud to say I have played in tournaments around the United States, reaching career high rankings of #10 in the USA in singles, and #8 in the USA in doubles along with my partner of many years Tom Ayala.

After moving to San Diego, I was eventually asked to run a small local tournament. Although apprehensive at first, I agreed to do so, and after weeks of preparation working on the draws and scheduling, I was overwhelmed with joy once the first matches went on. I was watching my creation take hold, and witnessing the joy my work had provided for all the other competitors. It was an epiphany of sorts, as I realized that although playing filled a void for me personally, I was not the only one. When the event concluded, I was again overwhelmed by the gratitude displayed by the participants, whom apparently had as much fun playing as I had watching the events of the weekend unfold. From the moment the event ended, I knew that there was more to tennis than just competing. There was an opportunity to allow others to fill the very same void that I had felt. In the years since I have had the privilege to run many more wheelchair tournaments, including inaugural events that are still going strong today!

It is in this spirit that I am humbled to be a founding member of the Adaptive Athletics Association.

Name: Leslie Haughney

Hometown: CA

Biography:

Leslie Haughney serves as the administrative officer for the Adaptive Athletics Association. She had a successful career with the United States government in the areas of project and resource management. For Mission Hills Country Club, she was the USTA league coordinator and the women’s inter-club league coordinator.  She captained several USTA teams, and is the assistant tournament director for the DPOG Wheelchair Tennis Classic. Having a family member with cerebral palsy, she has been involved with adaptive athletics for many years.

Name: Alycia Busciglio

Hometown: CA

Biography:

Alycia Busciglio received a European Masters Degree in Adapted Physical Activity from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. The culturally diverse program was centered on all aspects and populations pertaining to disability, sport science and inclusion. She worked with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) within the Educational Department where she actively partook in the development, implementation and completion of IPC’s Paralympic School Day Project a program that is practiced globally today. Alycia also has Bachelors Degree in Adapted Physical Education from California State University, Chico.  While completing her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to learn the theory and science of inclusion in adapted sports. At the same time she was able to apply the theory into practice in a multitude of inclusive educational sport and fitness settings.  Throughout her education Alycia also was involved with the Special Olympics where she worked instrumentally with their public relations team, event organizing and coaching staffs.  She is currently involved in the community hands on as a motivational speaker on the local level spanning out internationally.  She is a Woman’s Open Wheelchair Tennis player following the United States Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation schedules.

Beyond her widespread knowledge and participation in the world of disability, she has gained and honed invaluable business, marketing, and management savvy through her experience within Corporate America.  Her most recent industry focus has been for Java City, Colours N’ Motion Wheelchair Company, KrankcycleRx and now Adapted Athletics Association.  She has been involved personally and professionally in disability sports movements for over 25 years and through this involvement she has gained a working knowledge of the importance, need and want of adapted sports and inclusive fitness both nationally and internationally.

U.S. Paralympic Representative & Motivational Speaker

Xtreme Medical Inc. : Marketing Consultant – South Gate , Ca
Adaptive Athletics Association : Player & Community Liaison
Disability Sports Festival : Tennis Instructor – Cal State San Bernardino, Oct. 1st.
2011 Current Projects & Tournaments
- BNP Paribas Open, Ca – Wheelchair Tennis Stadium Exhibition March 17th
- I.T.F. Junior Wheelchair Tennis Camp Mission Viejo, Ca July 17-23
- S.C.T.A Tennis Fun Days ; March 26, June 25, Aug. 27, Oct. 16
- Junior Wheelchair Tennis Day Camp , UCLA Campus May 22
- Disability Sports Festival, Cal State San Bernardino, Oct. 8th (free of charge)
- Jana Hunsaker Memorial Tournament , Flushing Meadows , NYC June 9-12
- U.S. Open, USTA Wheelchair Championships St. Louis August 29- Sept. 4

Career Highlights
1996 - U.S. Paralympic “Alternate” Barcelona, Spain
2000 - U.S. Paralympic Team Member Sydney, Australia
2003 - USTA High Performance National Team
2006 - U.S. open "second draw" Men's Open Singles Champion
2007 - Current (ITF) World Ranking "Top # 30 - Current USTA Ranking "Top 4"
2008 - Alternate U.S. Men’s Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
2010 – Doubles Champion – D.P.O.G. Desert Classic Tournament

“Disable Doesn’t Mean Unable”
“Every time I look in the mirror I see the product & image of the foundation my family & friends has laid for me on Who I’am, Not What I’am”

At A Glance
I was born with Spinal Bifida, and I started playing wheelchair sports at age 9. I have been on National & International teams both as a junior and adult in the sports of; Tennis, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball. I have had the opportunity to do sporting exhibitions & motivational talks around the Country to promote “Living a Productive Healthy Lifestyle” for the advancement of the disabled, in which I use Sport as that linking bridge. I owe much of my success to my Parents & the strong support that they have given me!

Name: Tom Ayala

Hometown: Indio, CA

Biography:

Hi I'm Tom Ayala and I currently reside in Indio, Ca with my wife and three kids. I was injured in 1994 from automobile accident.  I suffered a incomplete spinal cord injury.  It really changed my perspective on life, but as the time had gone by I learned to adapt to my injury.  I started playing wheelchair tennis. I have been playing for 16 years and traveled to some fun places like Florida, Georgia, and Texas and also several other states.  Tennis has to taken my life and has changed it for the better it's taught me self confidence, and has built my self esteem.  I get to compete against top wheelchair tennis athletes and I really enjoy playing at such a high level.  Being a professional wheelchair tennis player means a lot to me.  I have achieved a lot of trophy's from my years of playing, some were champion and others finalist in singles.  I have found a new love for the sport Doubles!  Me and my doubles partner Marty Anderson are on a current  match streak dating back from 2008, we are undefeated and ranked #1 in the USTA of southern California.  So I share my story so people will understand that when life becomes difficult and one is faced with adversity you can find something in life to keep you going.... Tennis!

jimmie bio

Edie Keller