USTA National Championship Tournament 2021
All of the competing teams take a large group photo for opening day of competition. Spirits are high, excited for the competition that awaits.
Spencer Heslop lines up his serve. The 2021 National Championships were Heslops debut in the world of adaptive tennis. He would go on to place second in tier two of the competition.
While in Orlando, the team had a lucky encounter with two professional tennis players and University of Michigan alumni. Whether in Michigan or Florida, the block M is recognized universally.
Chris Kelly leans to receive a volley. Kelly had an incredibly successful week in Orlando, securing the third place spot in tier 1. Kelly also took home a Sportsmanship award.
Caiden Baxter and Chris Kelly share a moment of sportsmanship during their double’s match. Caiden filled in for Spencer Heslop for the team competition during the final day.
The team congregates after Dr. O’s hard-fought tier 3 finals match against an Arizona player, Owen Anketell, that ended in a close loss in match tiebreak.
(front to back) Chris Kelley, Alex Heslop and Caiden Baxter warm-up in the earlier hours of the morning next to a vibrant backdrop. There were long days on the court down in Orlando at the USTA National Campus.
The whole team huddles up to exemplify team spirit and camaraderie during multiple occasions throughout the tournament. The Michigan team arguably had the most team spirit at the event and was not afraid to exercise it.
Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, Director of the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness, posing with Dr. Brent Hardin, Director of Alabama Adapted Athletics. Alabama finished first and Michigan finished second in the team match competition. These two programs are some of the top in the country.
Matt Fritzie prepares to serve the ball in his individual singles match. He is also a quad player and has had some previous experience in wheelchair tennis tournaments although this was his first collegiate nationals experience.
Alex Saleh prepares to serve in his individual singles match. It was his first wheelchair tennis tournament and he made it to the semifinals in tier 3.
Caiden Baxter lines up a forehand shot during one of his individual singles matches in tier two.
The team gets to cool off after a long day of tennis at the tournament hotel pool. The accommodations suited the team well.
The team smiles big presenting the second place trophy plate they earned during the final ceremony on the last day. Michigan exceeded expectations during their nationals debut coming in as the 4th ranked team and placing 2nd overall.
Chris Kelley rests on the ground icing his shoulder while Alex Saleh sprays him down to cool him off. All of the intense playing along with the unfamiliar Florida heat and humidity had a considerable effect on the players.
The University of Michigan Adaptive Sports team and staff that traveled to nationals pose for a grand picture on center court with the program flag overhead. The University of Michigan brought the largest team and support staff out of all of the teams there that competed.
Chris Kelley leads the team in warm-ups during the first day of the tournament to get adjusted to play down in Orlando. Chris served as the team captain throughout the season with his wheelchair tennis expertise.
Coach Johan Latorre advises Spencer Heslop during a change-over on what to improve on during his match. Team coaching was allowed during the matches since it was a collegiate tournament unlike other wheelchair tennis tournaments.
Dr. O prepares for a return of his opponent’s serve during an individual singles match. Dr. O made a good run in the tier 3 division and was the only team program director also competing.
Dr. O maneuvers himself towards an incoming ball to line up his forehand shot during a singles match. He was one of three quad players at the tournament and oftentimes they require the racket to be secured to the hand via athletic tape.
Team dinners allowed for some great bonding time and also united friends and family that attended the tournament.
Following competition on the final day, there was some time spared before the flight that evening so the staff and players had some fun rallying on the court and some players even played on their feet (Chris Kelley).
Caiden Baxter (left) and Matt Fritzie (right) approach each other at the net after some warm-up rallying.
The team prepares to fly back home to Michigan after a successful first nationals debut. The players were exhausted yet satisfied with their overall performance.
