Fullerton seems to be a hotspot for hardworking people who rise to the top. I recently found out that Gwen Stefani, the 2000s pop star who made so many songs I sing to, like “Hollaback Girl,” Leo Fender, the founder of the guitars that are the center of rock music, and David Wagner were all born in Fullerton!

Wagner recently competed in the 2025 International US Open Wheelchair tournament in New York City during the first week of September; it was the 20th anniversary of the wheelchair tennis category. He had always enjoyed tennis, as both his parents were athletic and into sports. Ten months prior to his accident, he was even on his community college tennis team. However, after his accident, he became paralyzed from the mid-chest down and only had limited function in his hands. His initial thoughts were that he would heal and return to his past state. However, he embraced his conditions and continued to play tennis because of his passion and determination.

His journey in wheelchair athletics began in 1999 after seeing an advertisement for wheelchair tennis camp. He also hand cycles, which is essentially propelling a bike with one’s arms. Nevertheless, tennis remains his “first love”. Over the course of his tennis career, he has participated in countless competitions, but representing the USA in Paralympics, Para-Pan American Games, and World Team Cups are his most memorable achievements. Wagner enjoys playing singles and doubles equally; in singles, he shares how he “likes being on the court by himself and working to solve the riddle of how to beat his opponent;” while in doubles, he “loves being with [his] partner and together being successful.” Currently he resides in San Diego where he continues to aspire and coach young wheelchair athletes; as he says, “I hope to be able to continue to support and give back to the sport that has given me so much.”

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