Adaptive Athletics Association

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!