Lititz Area Mennonite School student Elijah Pierce was several weeks into All-In Tennis, an adaptive tennis program held at the Anne Brossman Sweigart Sports & Fitness Center Gymnasium at Linden Hall, when COVID-19 restrictions forced the program to close in the winter of 2020. Undaunted, 11-year-old Elijah, who uses a wheelchair, was back at the gym in May of 2021 to test his muscle memory. Linden Hall athletic director Julia Parmakian bounced a few balls for Elijah, which he missed, before he sent one sailing over the net.

Elijah and other youths ages 8 to 18 of all abilities will have the opportunity to take part in an All-In Tennis program that will be held at the center, 212 E. Main St., Lititz, beginning Sunday, June 27. Sessions will be held each Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. for six consecutive weeks. Adaptive tennis is designed for individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

The program, which is spearheaded by Melissa Landis, director of finance for Linden Hall and United States Tennis Association (USTA) Middle States Region board member, has a goal of giving people opportunities to learn to play tennis. "One of our initiatives is to grow the game for everybody," explained Landis, who has been trained in teaching adaptive tennis. A grant from USTA allowed her to purchase equipment for the program. "The balls are not as compressed, and there are also foam balls," said Landis, who pointed out that some balls have bells that jingle. One item that was not included in the grant was a special wheelchair for Elijah. Landis contacted a number of people and finally secured a chair in California. Landis pointed out that the wheelchair has slanted wheels and an extra small wheel at the back that creates greater stability and allows Elijah to maneuver better.

Elijah has interests in a number of sports, including hockey, baseball, and football. He takes part in an archery program at his school, and he is pleased with his progress in tennis. "I like hitting (the ball)," he noted.

Landis said that other area coaches and volunteers, along with members of the Linden Hall tennis team, help her with classes. "When I took the training for this, we had to be in wheelchairs all day, and we had to play with our left hand," she said. "It was so hard." She noted that players who use wheelchairs have to hold the racket while steering. "A wheelchair player gets two bounces, but once they start playing, they mostly don't need two bounces," said Landis.

Linden Hall has a historical connection with supporting adaptive tennis programs through former Linden Hall tennis coach Winnie Gilliford, who passed away in 2001. Gilliford was a pioneer in teaching individuals with disabilities, and she wrote a book, "Winnie's Wisdom, Great Tennis Truths From an 'Old' Pro."

There is a cost to take part in the program. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For more information, readers may visit http://www.lindenhall.org/adaptive-tennis or call 717-626-8512.