My Story

Dana Mathewson stands as one of the most prominent Paralympians and professional wheelchair tennis players in U.S. history, recently honored as the flag bearer for Team USA in the Santiago Para Pan Americas 2023. She is the first American woman to win a Grand Slam title in wheelchair tennis (2022 Wimbledon Championships, Ladies' Doubles) and is currently the #1 ranked US female player. Her journey culminates with the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

 

Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Dana was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune condition, called transverse myelitis at the age of 11, Dana was left paralyzed from the waist down. Through her mother’s persistence and unyielding support, she was introduced to wheelchair tennis at 13. It was through wheelchair tennis that Dana discovered her passion, reclaiming her independence.

 

Education has played a significant role in Dana's life. She attended the University of Arizona on an athletic scholarship and earned her bachelor’s degree in Audiology. After college, Dana lived in London for 2 years to receive my MSc degree in Audiology from University College London. In 2022, Dana earned her latest and greatest, her Doctorate in Audiology! 

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Outside of tennis, she loves baking, crafting, traveling, anything active and competitive, escape rooms, and watching Netflix. She's a dog mom to a cockapoo, Riley, and is recently married to her wonderful husband, Dristin, who is currently doing his residency at the Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. 

 

Dana has been one of the handful US Paralympians to have punched an early ticket to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Games will be Dana's Third appearance as a Team USA athlete.  

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Follow along Dana's journey on social media at @dana.mathewson!