PETE ZIEBRON
Kaitlyn Verfuerth and Venus Williams at a photo shoot last year in Los Angeles.
Kaitlyn Verfuerth of Flagstaff, Arizona will be representing the United States in tennis at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in September. This will be her third Paralympic appearance, having previously competed in the Paralympics in Athens in 2004 as an 18-year old and following up that participation four years later in Beijing in 2008.
As a 7-year old, Verfuerth injured her spinal cord in a car accident and has been in a wheelchair ever since. However, she was still determined to compete in sports, especially against able-bodied competitors. Verfuerth thought that basketball would be the sport where she would have her most success. She even made the US National Basketball team, however she learned that she was able to take her tennis abilities to another level during her junior year of high school when she met US National Coach Dan James. Tennis was the sport where she could make a living and concurrently travel the world.
Kaitlyn Verfuerth in action in Vancouver
Kaitlyn's first tournament was in St. Louis and she admitted that she was intimitaded at that time. After that initial experience, Verfuerth's consistent drive, determination and hard work led to success on the court and ultimately landed her a spot on the US National team headed to Athens. She overcame quite a bit of adversity during that time and was questioned by several people why she reduced her college class load to just two courses while practicing and training to make the team. "Sometimes you have to take a risk and step outside of the box. I worked so hard to make the team and I couldn't believe it when I did, I was super stoked!" Participating in the Opening Ceremonies in Athens was a thrilling experience for Kaitlyn, especially being able to wear uniforms that read "USA" on the back.
In 2007, Verfuerth won the Gold Medal in both singles and doubles at the ParaPan American Games in Rio. This gave her an automatic entry into the Beijing Games in 2008. As a result, Kaitlyn enjoyed the fact that she had no pressure, could play freely and concurrently play her game, hitting freely in the matches leading up to Beijing. Although she lost in the quarterfinals in singles, Verfuerth and her doubles partner Beth Arnold from Hawaii played for the Bronze Medal. Despite winning the first set against their French opponents, they would eventually lose the match, as well as the opportunity to medal. "That was a huge learning experience and taught me to stay in the moment. We were really excited, thinking that it could happen and we would win and medal."
Kaitlyn displays her Gold Medals from 2007 in a shadow box. When we spoke, I shared with her that four years ago, Andy Murray, fresh off his Gold Medal singles and Silver Medal doubles performances at the 2012 London Games was asked two weeks later in Cincinnati where he kept the medals. Murray replied, "They are on top of a cabinet." When I shared this with Kaitlyn, she could not believe how casual Murray was about his medals and wrote back to me that she would sleep with her Paralympic medals if she won.
Several ATP and WTA tennis players have decided not to participate in the Rio Olympic Games that begin next week. As a result, I asked Verfuerth if she had any concerns about going to Rio. "I've been there before and I asked players that I know from Brazil about the concerns. They assured me that it is fine. I have trust in the United States Olympic Committee and sometimes the media can hype things up too much."
Four years ago in Cincinnati, I asked Venus Williams if she planned to play the Olympics in Rio in 2016. "Absolutely" was her answer. Thus, I also asked Kaitlyn if she intended to continue to train and compete for a spot on the 2020 USA Paralympics squad. "Yes, at 30 now, I am in my prime. Don't count me out! In fact, I am stronger mentally and smarter on court."
3-time Paralympic Games participant Kaitlyn Verfuerth
When she is not playing or practicing, Kaitlyn coaches the Girls Tennis team at Flagstaff High School. "I've had so much happiness, joy and great memories playing tennis, I enjoy giving back to these girls."
Kaitlyn went on to say that she would also like to compete in the Winter Paralympics in downhill skiing. Living in Flagstaff, Arizona, everything she needs is right in town. Kaitlyn's mention of wanting to be a Winter Paralympian reminded me of Romanian ATP tennis player Ion Tiriac, who was also a member of his country's 1964 Olympic Ice Hockey team.
What a story it would be: American Kaitlyn Verfuerth - Summer & Winter United States Paralympian. As I think about this possibility, Kaitlyn's "Don't count me out!" declaration about playing tennis for many more years just may very well be her mantra to also compete in the a future Paralympic Winter Games down the road apiece. For now, the Rio Games await in September.
Don't count her out!
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