Abilene nonprofit hosts adaptive pickleball clinic for all

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As pickleball becomes more popular and new courts appear in Key City, a nonprofit has created an adaptive pickleball clinic that everyone can enjoy.

Greater Than Three Outreach is a newer nonprofit in Abilene, founded in November 2024. Founder Heidei Wachtel saw her vision for the organization as a community formed during the games.

“It’s all about introducing adaptive sports to people with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, limb loss, an opportunity for them to build community and get back into sports again,” Wachtel said. “I’m already seeing exactly what I hope. I see people out of their houses, outside playing sports, building community, smiling, failing, trying something new. That’s the whole goal.”

The benefit of playing the sport is bigger than the fun and exercise, Wachtel said; it can be a source of strength and community.

“These are all people who are cognitively intact. They had jobs. They had lives before this. You lose a lot of your identity when you have an injury or something. Being able to bring a community together, it enhances the social factor because it’s a comfortable community,” Wachtel explained. “Being around other people who are similar to you and understand, and then having so many great volunteers who are willing to learn about it, it removes the isolation factor, which is a big problem after people have a life-changing injury.”

The clinic was led by pickleball professional Gary Range, who gained firsthand experience of what it’s like to play pickleball in a wheelchair.

“It’s a big difference, and it’s a little bit more hand-eye coordination,” Range said. “It’s a great experience for me. I don’t get to see this very often, so I’m hoping there’ll be more players like this who come out here to play.”

Cal Titus said he enjoyed his time on the court while participating in the adaptive clinic.

“Just knowing my limited mobility, I felt different, but I didn’t know how it would go. It went a lot better than I thought,” Titus said. “Anything’s possible for anyone. Even with limited mobility, you can still get out here and play just like anybody else. It is awesome. I’m grateful for this experience.”

The organization is seeking to hold more events like this monthly. Leaders are currently working to raise funds for adaptable equipment and schedule more events.