
GameDay Network
Charley Cooper: Triumph & Inspiration in Wheelchair Tennis
September 3, 2025
Heroes Among Us
Discover Charley Cooper’s journey from a challenging start to becoming the U.S. Open wheelchair tennis champion and an inspiration.
This episode of Everyday Heroes features Charley Cooper, a young athlete who became the top junior wheelchair tennis player in the United States despite living with spina bifida. Born with a condition that could have limited his aspirations, Charley instead chose to pursue greatness, eventually winning the prestigious U.S. Open in 2024. His remarkable sports journey, highlighted by overcoming physical challenges and societal expectations, offers inspiration to many, especially those facing similar disabilities. The video also showcases the supportive community and family that has fueled his ambitions, from his initial discovery of wheelchair tennis at Indian Wells Tennis Garden to his dreams of winning a gold medal. Charley's story is not just about sports but about persistence, resilience, and breaking barriers.