Wichita native representing Team USA in second Paralympic Games

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Wichita native Casey Ratzlaff is set to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games on Aug. 28. The wheelchair tennis player will be representing Team USA in the men’s open singles and doubles events.

Ratzlaff was born with spina bifida and began playing wheelchair tennis at 12 years old. It won’t be his first time competing on the world stage.

“I’m super excited for it. I was in Tokyo, so I got the honor of playing at the Games before, super excited to have another opportunity and get to experience those things. So it’ll be amazing,” said Ratzlaff.

COVID took away some experiences for Ratzlaff in Tokyo. He looks forward to experiencing the real deal this time around. He’s also striving to make it even further in the competition.

“I mean, I’m a completely different player than I was four years ago, completely different level of tennis. I think I’m a lot more, a lot better prepared for this, this go around. I am a seed, actually, because of my international ranking,” he explained.

Ratzlaff ranks 13th nationally and is the number one wheelchair tennis player in the nation. Over the years, his game has grown. Working as a volunteer assistant coach at UAB, and now Dartmouth, has helped him learn more as an athlete.

“Coaching just introduces a whole new perspective to the game, and it makes you think differently about the game as a whole. And you always try to practice what you preach, right? And it certainly helps,” said Ratzlaff.

Justin DeSanto, the head coach for Dartmouth men’s tennis, is also Ratzlaff’s coach. The two first began working together at Wichita State while Ratzlaff was attending school and DeSanto was coaching the Shockers.

The two train together in New Hampshire, where Ratzlaff works every day to fulfill the dream he’s had since childhood.

“For the longest time, I wanted to grow up and play with the Kansas City Chiefs football team despite, you know, growing up with a disability before I knew any better,” said Ratzlaff. “I was, you know, begging my parents at one point to try to find a sport to be a part of and eventually found tennis at an adaptive sports clinic that was held in Wichita. I got put in a chair and hit my first ball and went from there.”

Now a two-time Paralympian, Ratzlaff is grateful and ready to enjoy every moment in Paris.

“I think I can win certainly a few matches there and make a good run. But we’re just training to be in our best shape to do our best and just enjoy being a part of the Paralympics once again,” he said.

Ratzlaff leaves for the Paralympic Games on Aug. 26.

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