Wheelchair Pickleball Star Ryan Anthony: For Ryan Anthony, a wheelchair pickleball player and coach, life’s challenges have become a powerful motivator. Despite enduring a lifelong disability and an early childhood spent in an orphanage in Colombia, Anthony has used his journey to inspire others through the sport of pickleball. His passion for the game has led him to coach, travel internationally, and accumulate several accolades along the way.
“I’ve really enjoyed representing and competing. But, it’s also doing my part of being a tournament director, hosting tournaments, traveling, coaching clinics and doing fundraisers … That’s one of the biggest things.” – (Ryan Anthony)
A Story of Overcoming Adversity
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Anthony was adopted at 18 months after spending time in the Los Pisingos orphanage. He moved to Marshall, Minnesota in 2001 to attend Southwest Minnesota State University, where he played wheelchair basketball and met his wife, Leah.
At just eight months old, Anthony contracted polio, which affects his left leg and confines him mostly to a wheelchair. Yet, he has never let his disability limit his mobility. Sometimes, he even plays standing up.
“Polio gave me an opportunity that I don’t think I would have ever had, so it’s really, honestly a blessing.” – (Ryan Anthony)
A Year of Triumphs on the Court
Anthony’s passion for pickleball has taken him far. In late October 2023, he participated in the World Cup in Peru, followed by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournament in Dallas, Texas, and the United States National Championships in Mesa, Arizona.
At the National Championships, Anthony and his doubles partner, Anthony Ryan of Alabama, earned gold. He also took home silver in singles and fourth in hybrid, a division that pairs wheelchair athletes with standing players.
“I participate in the three popular divisions — Singles, doubles, and then hybrid. Hybrid is, I would say, probably one of the most important divisions for us, because it really emphasizes the inclusivity of playing with a standing player.” – (Ryan Anthony)
“They are putting into place the opportunity for us to play with other athletes standing up, as the wheelchair divisions continue to grow, and as we find other wheelchair athletes that are interested in pickleball.” – (Ryan Anthony)
Representing His Roots and Inspiring Others
One of the highlights of Anthony’s career came when he was invited to represent his birth country at the World Cup in Peru. Competing against athletes from 32 countries, Anthony won gold in singles and silver in doubles.
“That was an amazing experience. There were 32 other countries there and I was able to represent my country I was born in, Colombia.” – (Ryan Anthony)
Even though there wasn’t a wheelchair division for the team event, Anthony was selected to represent the para-division of Colombia, an honor that meant the world to him.
“That meant the world to me, because even though I was part of the World Cup, and there wasn’t a division (for teams), they wanted me to represent Columbia.” – (Ryan Anthony)
Anthony continues to give back to his home country, visiting Colombia 12 times to support the Los Pisingos orphanage where he once lived.
“That was the biggest honor of the world, because they didn’t have to do that … That’s why I am ultimately humbled by being able to have that privilege. That’s why I wear the (Columbian) jersey every time I play, even in the states here.” – (Ryan Anthony)
“I wear their logo, because I represent the kids. I say that I play for the kids, because I am one of the kids.” – (Ryan Anthony)
A Global Ambassador for Pickleball
Anthony’s love for the sport extends beyond competition. He is a certified pickleball coach, with a reach that spans the globe. In September, he hosted a clinic for children at the Los Pisingos orphanage, providing gear through local community sponsorships. He also took the opportunity to coach athletes in Peru while attending the World Cup.
“That was amazing to watch them because they really took in all the information and things we were teaching them. The following day, we had a tournament that they were involved in, and you could see them implement some of the techniques and skills we taught them.” – (Ryan Anthony)
His commitment to inclusivity is also evident in his efforts to allow others to experience life in a wheelchair. At his clinics, he often invites participants to sit in his pickleball chair to better understand the challenges he faces.
“It was really nice, because the Colombian team also was there to help assist with doing the teaching. This was just great to be able to have that relationship and do it all together, and see the results of them really enjoying the game.” – (Ryan Anthony)
The Marshall YMCA: A Place of Growth
The journey for Anthony began in Marshall at the YMCA, a place that holds a special significance for him. He credits the community and the support of the YMCA for helping him grow in the sport.
“I came out (to the YMCA) with any day that ended with a ‘Y,’ and Leah and I just absolutely loved it.” – (Ryan Anthony)
Jamie Nauman, Interim CEO of the YMCA, believes Anthony’s visibility in the wheelchair community has sparked inspiration beyond Marshall. She noted,
“Having you (Anthony) visible in your wheelchair shows other people in the community what people in wheelchairs can do and how far their potential is. Having resources for adaptive recreation programming is important … I think it’s awesome that you (Anthony) are here and you represent that community.” – (Jamie Nauman)
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Anthony is planning a pickleball tournament in Marshall for late March, where he will serve as tournament director. He is also working with SixZero, a premium pickleball gear company, to design a new wheelchair with Per4Max, aiming to create a chair more suitable for competitive play.
“My highlight is not just the gold medals. It’s the growth and ability to have an opportunity to take and pass the torch, and share the passion with others so they can be their own ambassador, teacher, coach or player.” – (Ryan Anthony)
News in Brief: Wheelchair Pickleball Star Ryan Anthony
Ryan Anthony, a wheelchair pickleball player from Marshall, has made a significant impact on the sport by coaching internationally and competing at the highest levels. He earned gold in doubles at the United States National Championships and represented Colombia at the World Cup, earning gold and silver medals.
Anthony also gives back to his roots, hosting clinics in Colombia and Peru, and is working on a new wheelchair design for pickleball. His story is a testament to overcoming adversity and inspiring others through the sport of pickleball.
ALSO READ: Anthony Ryan’s Impact on Adaptive Pickleball Inspires the Next Generation