In June 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in my second USA Pickleball Adaptive Wheelchair Tournament in Colorado Springs. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by an amazing community. Every player, the staff at Peak Pickleball, and everyone I met were kind, supportive, and genuinely welcoming. I was also inspired by the incredible talent of the wheelchair athletes who traveled from across the country to compete.
This year’s tournament set a new attendance record, with 45 wheelchair athletes participating. The event featured 24 wheelchair doubles teams, 45 hybrid doubles teams (each consisting of one wheelchair player and one able-bodied player), and 40 wheelchair singles competitors. The atmosphere throughout the tournament was exciting and full of energy.
The first day was dedicated to wheelchair doubles. My partner, Enrique Aguilar, and I knew we would be facing some very strong competition. We communicated well, played our best, learned a great deal, and most importantly, had fun. Enrique was an outstanding partner and an exceptional player, and I truly enjoyed competing alongside him.
On the second day, I competed in the hybrid doubles division with my partner, Lincoln Dwight. We had a great time on the court and challenged ourselves throughout the day. Although the competition was tough, we were proud of our performance and everything we learned from the experience.
The final day featured wheelchair singles, and it was my strongest performance of the tournament. I felt more confident, more strategic, and found myself approaching each match with the mindset of a tennis player. I am proud to share that I finished in 6th place, which was a meaningful personal achievement and a reflection of how much I have grown as a player.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bill Powning, a passionate advocate for adaptive sports who has introduced people of all abilities to pickleball through BORP. Bill also competed in both the wheelchair and hybrid divisions at the tournament. Every time I watched him play, I was impressed by his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. His dedication to growing adaptive pickleball continues to inspire many athletes, including me.
Wheelchair pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing and most inclusive adaptive sports. It combines the fast-paced excitement of pickleball with the strategy, athleticism, and skill of wheelchair sports, creating a fun, competitive, and welcoming environment for athletes with disabilities.
My own journey began about three years ago when I was introduced to the sport through BORP. Since then, I have discovered not only a sport I love but also an incredible community. I encourage anyone interested to come try BORP pickleball. The program welcomes new players, and every one of us started as a beginner.
My first tournament was in San Diego in 2025, where I earned a gold medal in wheelchair doubles and a silver medal in hybrid doubles alongside my amazing partner, Renee Hoyer-Nielsen. Those experiences motivated me to continue improving and opened the door to even more opportunities.
Pickleball has given me confidence, lasting friendships, and unforgettable experiences. I look forward to continuing my journey, growing as a player, and sharing my passion for adaptive pickleball with others for years to come.
Thank you,
Elena Van Loo
