About: Passion, Perseverance, and My Paralympic Dream

I’m Dez Del Barba, an up-and-coming wheelchair tennis player with big dreams—my sights are set on representing the United States in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In just two years, I’ve made a rapid climb in the rankings of wheelchair tennis, carving out a place for myself on the ITF Wheelchair Open circuit. But my path here hasn’t been typical, and every step has been fueled by my determination to push past the challenges life has thrown my way.

I was born and raised in Stockton, California, and sports have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and I was a passionate fan of the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Lakers. My family taught me what it means to work hard and compete. My mom, a retired combat veteran with over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, and my dad, a correctional officer at Deuel Vocational Institute, instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age.

In 2018, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and took a leave from my studies at Sonoma State University to complete basic training. During that time, I contracted a severe infection that led to the amputation of my left leg and left extensive damage to my right leg and both of my upper axillary areas. After 43 surgeries and months of recovery, I found myself at a crossroads. But I refused to let this define me.

The road to recovery was long and tough, but I leaned into my resilience and refused to give up. It was during this time that I discovered wheelchair tennis, and the sport gave me a new purpose. It allowed me to reclaim my strength and push past my physical limits. Since then, my rise in the wheelchair tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m now focused on earning a spot at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

In addition to my athletic journey, I’m working hard to raise awareness for my non-profit, Operation Dez Strong. Our mission is to provide financial and emotional support to amputee children who need prosthetic limbs, helping them live more active and confident lives. I’m also looking for sponsorships from people and organizations who believe in perseverance, growth, and giving back to the community.

None of this would be possible without the support of my coach and mentor, Marty Anderson, who has been a guiding force in my progress. I’m also incredibly grateful for my family and friends, whose unwavering belief in me has kept me moving forward. With their support, I’m ready to put in the work required to reach the top of wheelchair tennis, and I’m determined to continue making a difference in the lives of others along the way.

Thanks for being a part of this journey. Follow my progress as I continue to chase my dreams—and together, let’s make the 2028 Olympics a reality.