Would Soldan be willing to take her spot?
From 2002 to 2007, the four Grand Slam tournamentsthe biggest tennis competitions in the worldstarted including wheelchair competitions.
Since then, the sport has continued to grow.
USTA
To play wheelchair tennis, athletes must have a permanent impairment to one or both of their legs.
The surgery to remove it caused her to become paralyzed from the waist down.
Her parents prepared for the worst.
USTA
The operation was a success and to this day, Soldan has never had another growth.
I consider that definitely a miracle, Soldan tells SELF.
Though she doesnt remember the experience, it instilled in her a glass-half-full mentality.
USTA
Im just really thankful for life, she says.
Around age 12, she competed in her first-ever wheelchair tournament and was quickly hooked.
But, interestingly, it’s basketball that Soldan actually describes as her “first passion.”
I just wanted to see if I put everything into it, how good could I get?
says Soldan of why she ultimately said yes to the Orlando offer.
Thats why shes working on developing a more aggressive game style.
Right now, she trains about three hours a day, five days a week alongside other USTA athletes.
Last, her work ethic is second to none, Harnett says.
I don’t think we have any athletes that will outwork her.
When she comes to work, she is pretty much all business.
In thinking about her short-term goals, Soldan hopes to qualify for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
When youre an athlete, you really focus on yourself, says Soldan.
As I got older I realized, you know, its not always going to be about me.
We owe her big because she’s really propelled our program forward, says Harnett.
The expansion would also show that we’re as professional as any side of tennis, Harnett adds.
And that we’re here to stay.
And that we’ve got young athletes hungry for the resources.
