Shelby Baron makes history as the first junior wheelchair player to compete at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships this past October. She helped her 3.0-18 Kilauea Jr. Tennis team qualify at the Hawaii Section Championships last May on Oahu, advancing them to the National event in Surprise, Arizona. Their journey was mostly about team bonding. The competition was extremly tough as teams from across the county earned their right to be there from large player pools. As usual, Shelby competed against the able bodied junior players and for others, it was perhaps their first time competing against a wheelchair tennis player. Her hilight was her Kilauea Jr. Tennis Team winning the Spirit Banner Award.

 

In preparation for the JTT National Championships and getting more match play in the international division, Shelby organized a Fall trip that included tournaments in Montreal and South Carolina. Prior to these travels, for the first time she devoted time in the weight room with Punahou PE teacher, Mary Shoji. And she trains on the synthetic clay court at the Waikiki Tennis Club with Mimi Kennell, Director of Jr Competition at the USTA Hawaii Section. "The ball is slower and I have to work harder to move on the clay surface. It's great training and I'll become faster." remarked Shelby. "I'll be working on consistency and managing my nerves. I'm learning how to enjoy the nerves and work it to my advantage."

 

When asked how the JTT experience was different from the World Team Cup in April, she commented, "The cup event was much more nationalistic with flags flying and large crowds of people cheering their county on. At the Jr. Team Tennis event, it was neat to have people come around and stop at my court. It had a new purpose, that made me think that I'm inspiring others to play."

 

Her goals for 2012 will involve good planning with the ITF tournament schedule. She's seeking back to back events that will allow her to be away from school for a shorter period of time. Time management is important while competing in these mid-level tournaments that can only be found on the mainland and sometimes offshore. These ITF tournaments have larger draws and provides the competition she needs to get to the next level.

 

She would also like to upgrade her sport chair. "A new chair that supports me better will help my stroke production and movement." said Shelby.