A New Ballgame
How did you get into tennis? I went to a Have-a-Go day organised by British Columbia Wheelchair Sports shortly after I was injured. I tried tennis first and knew it was the sport for me immediately. Are rules the same in quadriplegic tennis? The only big difference between wheelchair tennis and able-bodied tennis is that we're allowed to let the ball bounce twice. But we don't have to and often don't. To be eligible to play in the Quad division one must have significant impairment in at least three limbs. What's it like playing an almost male-only sport? Initially there was some resistance to allow women in the Quad division but with the support of Tennis Canada and my fellow Quad division players it has worked out well. I don't think much about the fact that it is mostly a male division; I simply look at each opponent as just that, an opponent, so their gender doesn't play much of a role. As it would happen I have developed some great friendships with a few of my fellow competitors. And being a mother and a professional athlete? Being a mum and playing tennis presents its challenges. It's hard to leave for a tournament knowing I may not see my daughter for a few weeks although I often take her with me. Kate seems to understand what I do and wishes me well when I leave on the "big, big airplane" as she likes to say. I enjoy tennis, but I look forward to the day I stay home and do the day-to-day things a parent does with their child. What do you hope your daughter might learn from you? I hope Kate will see the only barriers we have are the ones we construct and that is a choice we make.

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Will Sarah win gold for Canada in quadriplegic tennis at the Paralympics? Watch the game on Sep. 14 to find out.