Wheelchair tennis pro from the local community aims to inspire young athletes through his platform

Wheelchair tennis professional Charlie Cooper has defied the odds and found his passion for the sport despite his disability. Suffering from spina bifida, Cooper’s journey to success in tennis began unexpectedly when he was encouraged to try wheelchair tennis at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Since then, Cooper has achieved remarkable success, winning the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup and being ranked as the number nine junior singles player. His coach, D’Wayne Begay, has noted the significant growth in Cooper’s maturity both on and off the court, attributing his success to his unwavering dedication and love for the game.

But for Cooper, his success is not just about personal achievements. He wants to use his platform to inspire other young athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams. Cooper believes that having a disability should not limit one’s ability to showcase their talents and find something they love in life.

Despite playing at prestigious events like the U.S. Open, Cooper remains humble and focused on giving back to others. His father, Brent, describes him as friendly, likable, kind, and respectful, always willing to encourage and support others with disabilities.

Looking ahead, Cooper’s ultimate goal is to become the best player in the world and inspire a new generation of athletes. By sharing his story and showing that anything is possible, Cooper hopes to encourage more young kids to take up wheelchair tennis and pursue their dreams, proving that with determination and passion, the sky is the limit.