Born with spina bifida in Hawaii, Shelby Baron’s path to becoming a two-time Paralympian began when she struggled to keep up in PE classes. A specialist introduced her to adaptive sports, opening her eyes to new possibilities.
“My PE teacher introduced me to a PE specialist, and she introduced me to a wheelchair, and it kind of like opened my eyes as to what was possible out there. And I was introduced to the world of adapted sports,” Baron recalls.
Though she first tried wheelchair basketball, Baron admits she wasn’t skilled at shooting. When her brother and cousin began playing tennis, she joined them, discovering a perfect fit that allowed her to play alongside able-bodied peers.
“In tennis, it’s actually very unique. You don’t have to have both sides of the court and have people in wheelchairs. So, I was able to play with an able-bodied team and peers in my age. And then from there, I just fell in love with the sport.”
Baron’s transition to using a wheelchair full-time was gradual but transformative. Initially used only for sports, she found that as campus distances and daily activities became more challenging, the wheelchair provided unexpected freedom.
“It actually made me become more independent, because I was able to free up my hands from walking, and I was able to do things like open my own doors and carry my own things.”
After two years at the University of Hawaii, Baron transferred to the University of Alabama when offered a scholarship as their first full-time wheelchair tennis athlete. The move to Alabama involved significant culture shock—from island life to southern barbecue—but provided crucial resources: consistent training, weightlifting programs, and a supportive community of disabled peers.
Baron’s Paralympic journey began with an unexpected phone call that changed everything.
“He called me about less than a month before, and he said, ‘Hey, like… had some good news and some bad news. The bad news is, I didn’t order any clothes for you.’ I was like, ‘Okay, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but okay, what’s the good news?’ And he said, ‘The good news is, you’re going to the Paralympics.'”
As a last-minute wild card entry to the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Baron competed without the pressure of qualification expectations, embracing the international atmosphere and developing a broader sense of community within the Paralympic movement.
Her preparation for the Tokyo Paralympics four years later proved more stressful as she focused intensely on rankings and qualification metrics.
“When I was training and trying to qualify for Tokyo, it was much more stressful to me, because I felt like I was chasing points and chasing matches, like I have to win this match, I have to get to this round in order to be this ranking.”
When COVID-19 forced a postponement, Baron took an unexpected six-week break from tennis—her longest time away from the sport since beginning competitive training. This pause proved transformative.
“The first time I stepped out on that tennis court after six weeks, I truly remembered what it was like to enjoy tennis again.”
Though she lost both matches in Tokyo, Baron found peace with the experience. The COVID restrictions—masks and barriers in the dining hall—limited the community aspect she had valued in Rio, but she had already achieved her goal of qualification after five years of training.
Baron now works in the USTA’s player development department, aiming to provide other athletes with the support system that helped her succeed. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying sport rather than fixating solely on outcome-based goals.
“It’s just finding a way to enjoy the sport. Because if you’re not enjoying it anymore, there’s no reason for you to love what you’re doing.”
Her journey demonstrates how adaptive sports can open doors to experiences and communities that might otherwise seem unimaginable. From struggling in PE class to representing her country on the world stage, Baron’s journey exemplifies how sports can provide independence, community, and purpose—changing the trajectory of a life in ways both unexpected and profound.
Key Takeaways:
- Adaptive Sports Transformation: Baron’s story illustrates how adaptive sports can completely change one’s life perspective and opportunities.
- Importance of Inclusivity: Tennis allowed Baron to compete alongside able-bodied peers, highlighting the power of inclusive sports.
- Mental Resilience: Her journey showcases the importance of finding joy in sport beyond competitive achievements.
- Personal Independence: Using a wheelchair became a source of empowerment, not limitation, providing Baron with greater mobility and freedom.
- Paralympic Spirit: Baron’s experience demonstrates the rich community and transformative power of Paralympic athletics.
- Overcoming Challenges: From initial struggles in PE to becoming a two-time Paralympian, Baron’s path shows the potential of embracing one’s unique abilities.
- Continuing Impact: Her current work in player development continues her mission of supporting and inspiring other athletes.
“When I was younger, I didn’t even know what adapted sports were… I definitely did not know that this was the path for me.”
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