NONPROFIT
By Tricia Moore | Photos courtesy of Center Court Tennis
Inclusion on the Baseline: Center Court Tennis and the Power of Adaptive Play
Inspired by a friend who started an adaptive tennis program in Alabama, tennis enthusiast Allyn Elleman launched local nonprofit Center Court Tennis in 2021 to transform the lives of athletes with intellectual or physical disabilities through adaptive play. Today, as founder and executive director, she continues to prove that absolutely anyone can learn, play and love this sport.
Success doesn’t happen alone. It takes a dedicated team of volunteer coaches and teaching professionals who meet every athlete exactly where they are, regardless of age or ability. It also takes donors, sponsors and fundraising expertise to offer all athletes instruction, programs and gear at no cost to them or their families.
Elleman, a Professional Tennis Registry certified teaching professional and Special Olympics certified coach, actively recruits passionate peer coaches from local high schools and the University of Arkansas club tennis teams. “We are intentional with providing one-on-one instruction with our athletes and volunteer coaches,” Elleman said. “The friendships this model fosters is something our organization takes pride in.”
CCT serves athletes ages 8 and older, including adults of any age. To ensure everyone thrives, courts are divided by age and skill level. Athletes receive tailored one-on-one “buddy coaching” to learn specific mechanics and practice them in a relaxed, supportive environment. Building fitness and physical empowerment is interwoven throughout the year-round programs CCT offers.
Additionally, there are travel and competitive opportunities. CCT takes two annual trips to the Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games, with athlete and family expenses covered by the nonprofit. “Center Court has brought to Northwest Arkansas what I used to have to take my daughter to California and Texas to experience: true inclusion at a competitive level with a community that sees your ability above all and believes you can reach your dreams,” said Kendra Pliler, an athlete’s parent.
While CCT offers parents and caregivers the option to drop off their athletes for some well-deserved personal time, most choose to stay. Alongside siblings and extended family, they have built a powerful, tight-knit community of mutual support and lasting connections. Jaxon, one of the athletes at CCT, said, “We do so much more than learning about the game of tennis — we build a family rooted in heroic teamwork. From fun, foundation training to gold medal moments, I love how Center Court serves our community of unique athletes.”
To keep the relationships and connections thriving during the tennis off-season, CCT hosts a year-end Christmas party. Elleman’s ultimate vision is to secure a permanent, dedicated home facility. This space would allow them to host year-round play and proactively employ adult adaptive athletes, offering them sustainable career paths and independence.
For now, the current focus of CCT is its upcoming sixth annual Center Court Tennis Fundraising Tournament. Geared toward athletes without disabilities, it is the organization’s only fundraiser, and the entire year of programming depends heavily on this signature event. Hosted at Summerhill Racquet Club in Fayetteville on Aug. 7-9, this gathering has earned the prestigious title of USTA Arkansas Special Tennis Event of the Year three separate times. It stands proud as the second-largest tennis tournament in the state.
The action-packed weekend features competitive men’s, women’s, and mixed adult doubles divisions, unified doubles brackets, an exhibition event, and a high-value silent auction filled with local goods. Registration is available at the link on CCT’s website.
“Center Court means love and happiness and lots of fun to me,” said athlete Sarah. “I enjoy meeting all the athletes, and the coaches are super nice people.”
Focusing its mission on empowerment and connection, Center Court Tennis has created a hometown sanctuary for athletes with disabilities, where limitations give way to possibilities.