AUSTIN – A special tennis tournament for the blind took place in Central Austin on Saturday.
It was the first of its kind in the area and hosted at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Athletes from the school competed against the Laredo Tennis Association team.
There were a few modifications to the sport.
Instead of using a regular tennis ball, players used a softer, nerf-type ball that rattles when it bounces.
“Some of them use the vision they have and some rely on their hearing to hear where the ball is when they move on the court,” said Kristine Seljenes, a coach for TSBVI.
Coaches said before playing the sport some athletes didn't know how to run, so preparing for this tournament helped build their confidence.
“First I felt kind of scared a little nervous, but then I got used to it and I felt confident,” said Samantha Figueroa, an athlete with Laredo Tennis Association.
Before serving, the server had to also say, “ready" and wait for their opponents response so both sides could prepare.