Slagle Excels Despite Disability
Michael Newsome
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Features
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Jim Abbott was a pitcher at the University of Michigan and was voted the top amateur athlete in the United States during his senior season. He then went on to play Major League Baseball, and even pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees. He accomplished all of this despite being born without a right hand.
Carson-Newman tennis player Trent Slagle was born without the use of his right arm, and like Abbott, has found a way to succeed despite physical limitations.
Slagle is a freshman from Knoxville, TN. He attended Karns High School where he started playing tennis after the summer of eighth grade. He had always been interested in sports, and his father was a tennis player growing up, so he decided he wanted to learn how to play from him.
Since tennis generally requires the use of both arms, it was a challenge to figure a way to overcome the physical limitations. In order to serve, Slagle tucks the tennis racquet under his arm while tossing the ball in the air. He then quickly snatches the racquet in time to hit the ball across the net and get set for the return.
"It takes a lot of practice," said Slagle, "but I'm used to it now."
He is easily noticed when on the court, not only because he is the only person with only one arm, but also for his exceptional skill.
"I saw him out there practicing one day and thought it would be interesting to see how good he is," student Zach Sanders said. "He really surprised me; he's very good. It's great watching him serve."
Slagle said he doesn't know what to expect for the upcoming season because he hasn't played at the college level, but has set a goal for he and his teammates to win a conference championship this year.
Since being born without the use of his arm, he is used to the difficulties, and even has a sense of humor about the situation. While growing up, he would tell people that a crocodile bit his arm off to see what types of reactions he could get. It has also helped him in other parts of life.
"The whole situation has helped me learn how to overcome challenging situations. I've learned that perseverance is the only way to get better and accomplish anything. That is why I practice so hard," said Slagle.
He is majoring in business, and hopes to one day start his own business. Balancing time between school and athletics is not an easy task either.
"I'm still getting used to the college schedule of staying up late and having class early, and then I still have tennis practice," said Slagle. "But I'm a lot more comfortable now than at the beginning of the semester, and I really like being at Carson-Newman."
Outside of tennis and school, Slagle enjoys playing all kinds of sports, and hopes to participate in some intramurals this year. He also likes to watch sports and movies.
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