Adaptive Athletics Association

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.