South South Shore YMCA Celebrates 20 Years of Wheelchair Tennis With Level 4 USTA Tournament

The South Shore YMCA recently welcomed athletes, volunteers, and tennis leaders from across New England for the USTA-sanctioned Level 4 South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Tournament at the Emilson YMCA in Hanover. Held in partnership with South Coast Wheelchair Tennis, the three-day event showcased the power of adaptive sports to build community, confidence, and opportunity for athletes of all abilities.

The tournament carried special significance this year as USTA celebrates the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis and the South Shore YMCA marks 20 years of wheelchair tennis programming, helping the sport grow by providing court space, adaptive tennis wheelchairs, instruction, camps, tournaments, and year-round opportunities for athletes.

Athletes from Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York traveled to Hanover for three days of competition, athlete development, and community building. Tournament champions included Damian White (B Singles), Rachel Grusse (C Singles), and the doubles team of Damian White and Curtis Leatherbee.

A driving force behind the event was Thomas Dodd, President of South Coast Wheelchair Tennis and a longtime advocate for adaptive athletics. Through his leadership and partnership with the South Shore YMCA, Dodd has helped expand wheelchair tennis opportunities across New England, bringing competitive tournaments, clinics, and athlete development programs to the region. This year’s tournament was made possible through the collaboration of South Coast Wheelchair Tennis, USTA New England, dedicated volunteers, and the South Shore YMCA, with YMCA Tennis Professional Peter Dunlap serving as Tournament Director.

“Wheelchair tennis has been an important part of the South Shore YMCA for two decades, creating opportunities for athletes to compete, develop their skills, and build lasting connections,” said Trevor Williams, President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA. “We’re proud to partner with organizations like South Coast Wheelchair Tennis and USTA New England to help grow the sport and welcome athletes from across the region to our community. This tournament reflects the best of what the Y can do by bringing people together through healthy competition, inclusion, and shared experiences.”