Guest: Dana Mathewson, three-time Paralympian and Grand Slam wheelchair tennis champion
Hosts: George Dom & Tara Collingwood
Episode Summary
At age 10, a rare autoimmune disease left Dana Mathewson paralyzed from the waist down in the span of a single soccer practice. In this episode, Dana joins Tara and George to share how wheelchair tennis gave her a new identity, how she went from unranked to a top-10 world ranking with no coach and no budget, and how she became the first American woman to win a Grand Slam wheelchair tennis title. She also opens up about the mental side of disability, the wild logistics of traveling the world with a custom-built wheelchair, and what she’s building now in her “portfolio career” as a broadcaster, coach, and Miami Open tournament director.
About Dana Mathewson
Dana Mathewson is one of the most accomplished wheelchair tennis players in U.S. history. A three-time Paralympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), she made history in 2022 as the first American woman to win a Grand Slam wheelchair tennis title, taking the Wimbledon doubles championship. She reached a career-high world ranking of No. 7 in singles and No. 4 in doubles, and won double gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games. Off the court, Dana holds a clinical doctorate in audiology from University College London. Since retiring from professional competition in 2024, she has stayed close to the sport as the tournament director for wheelchair tennis at the Miami Open, a broadcaster, a coach with USTA wheelchair athletes, and a sought-after speaker (Team USA; Dana’s official site).
What We Cover
Notable Quotes
“The narrative switched from what my body can’t do anymore to look what I’m doing with my body again.” — Dana Mathewson, on rediscovering tennis
“I think our country is the best in terms of physical access, but we are the worst as it relates to mental awareness, acceptance, [and] attitudes towards… disability.” — Dana Mathewson
“You can still get from A to B. You just might have to make a couple stops in between, or you might have to take a longer road than you initially thought.” — Dana Mathewson, on being undaunted
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