Remarkable Journeys of JTCC Adaptive Athletes

Para Standing Tennis

Discover a New Way to Play.

Para Standing Tennis is an adaptive form of the sport for individuals with physical disabilities who play without the use of a wheelchair. This includes, but is not limited to, athletes with:

  • Limb loss or limb difference
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Stroke

Supported by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and played in over 21 countries by more than 300 athletes, Para Standing Tennis is a fast-growing, empowering global movement.

Free Weekly Clinics at JTCC
Whether you’re new to tennis or experienced, JTCC’s free Para Standing clinics welcome all ability levels. Our expert coaches tailor each session to your functional needs and athletic goals, providing adaptive instruction to help you move and play confidently.

Saturdays | 12:30–2:00 pm | Year-round
Each class includes: warm-ups focusing on mobility and hand-eye coordination, drills to build skills and refine technique, and match play to develop tactical awareness and competitive spirit.

right-image

JTCC at the US Open

On September 9, 2023, standout players Nicky Maxwell and Kenneth “Rocket” Rodriguez participated in a Para Standing Tennis exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. This event took place before the Women’s Final at the US Open, where they showcased their doubles skills alongside top players from Texas and Michigan, gaining significant recognition.

Special Olympics Tennis

Free weekly clinics in partnership with Special Olympics Maryland.

JTCC is proud to offer inclusive tennis opportunities through our free weekly clinics. Our Special Olympics adaptive tennis program welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all skill levels. These level-based clinics provide specialized, small-group instruction tailored to each player’s needs, from those just starting out to advanced tournament competitors. Our dedicated volunteers support the coaching staff, offering one-on-one assistance to players who may benefit from extra attention.

In partnership with Special Olympics Maryland, we offer these year-round training opportunities. Registration with Special Olympics Maryland is not necessary to participate.

Free Weekly Clinics at JTCC:

Special Olympics Junior Adaptive Tennis | Saturdays 9:30am–11:00 am
For junior players ages 6-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration with Special Olympics Maryland is not required.

Special Olympics Junior Adaptive Tennis | Saturdays 9:30am–11:00 sam
For junior players ages 5-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration with Special Olympics Maryland is not required.

right-image

Veterans Tennis

Serving Those Who Served

JTCC is the leading center for Veteran & Adaptive Tennis in the DC Metro Area, dedicated to its mission of “Tennis for Everybody.” Since 2018, we have provided specialized tennis programs for individuals with disabilities and military veterans, establishing ourselves as a national model for adaptive tennis, offering:

  • Level-based clinics for individual needs
  • Integrated clinics with players of all abilities
  • Extensive coach training in adaptive techniques
  • Camps and tournaments for adaptive athletes

Free Weekly Clinics at JTCC:

Thursday Veterans Tennis Corps: Every Thursday, 12:00-2:00 pm
Military veterans, active-duty service members (with and without disabilities), and their families are welcome to enjoy a supportive environment for learning and playing tennis (beginners to advanced players). Tennis rackets and sports wheelchairs are available for those who need them.

Saturday Veterans Practice & Play: Every Saturday, 1:00-2:30 pm
This class welcomes military veterans and active-duty service members of all abilities. Structured for beginner to advanced players, it introduces singles and doubles match formats and scoring and develops strategic and tactical skills, encouraging even those new to competition to join.

right-image

Wheelchair Tennis

Inclusive programs for all levels.

Wheelchair tennis, a highly inclusive adaptive sport for individuals with lower-body mobility impairments, modifies standard rules by allowing up to two ball bounces and mirrors able-bodied tennis with junior to professional competitive pathways. Since 2021, JTCC has supported over 100 DMV-area players, notably through its popular MedStar NRH partnership, which served 50 in 2023-2024. JTCC also provides free year-round weekly clinics in collaboration with MedStar NRH’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation program, offering tennis wheelchairs upon request on a first-come, first-served basis for Sunday afternoon sessions.

Free Weekly Clinics at JTCC:

JTCC/MNRH Junior Wheelchair Tennis Practice | Sundays 1:00-2:30 pm
For junior players 15 and under who want to learn and play tennis. Tennis wheelchairs are available but limited based on size inventory and are given on a first-come, first-served basis in order of registration.

JTCC/MNRH Beginner Wheelchair Tennis Fundamentals Practice | Sundays 1:00-2:30 pm
Great for beginner and intermediate adult players who are looking to learn the sport and get a workout in! This class will focus on movement skills while covering tennis fundamentals. Tennis wheelchairs are available but limited based on size inventory and are given on a first-come, first-served basis in order of registration

JTCC/MNRH High Performance Wheelchair Tennis Practice | Sundays 2:30-4:30 pm
Invite-only class for dedicated tournament-level players interested in high performance fitness and training. This class will focus on advanced matchplay strategies for players to prepare for the tournament season.

right-image

Adaptive Tennis Evolves: Para Standing

Hear from Gabby Hesse, Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis, about Para Standing Tennis, a new classification expanding inclusivity in the sport. This video shows how it enables individuals with physical disabilities who prefer to play standing to participate. Players share the significance of this addition, highlighting its wider reach and its role in healing and empowerment. Discover the supportive community at JTCC and how Para Standing Tennis helps athletes realize their potential on and off the court, fostering purpose, connection, and the belief that possibilities are open to all.

Start your Adaptive Tennis Journey Here

Adaptive
Name
Name
Learn More About
I Am Interested In

Get In Touch

Get In Touch Footer