Hello! I’m Cole Rothenberger, and I recently achieved a major milestone—winning my first national para title at the 2025 U.S. Nationals in Ontario, California. But this journey is about so much more than medals. It’s about resilience, belief, and the incredible support I’ve received from my community, including GEWO USA and a life-changing opportunity that came my way in 2023 through Toyota’s Paralympic development efforts.
I was born with Arthrogryposis, which affects the mobility of my lower extremities. But growing up in a small East Texas town, my brother and I spent our days outdoors—building trails, climbing trees, and tackling every challenge with grit and creativity. That mindset has stuck with me, on and off the table.
My strength lies in my mentality. I’ve always focused on what I can do. That belief has helped me move from playing in the backyard to competing internationally for Team USA.
At the 2025 U.S. Nationals, I had the incredible honor of partnering with Paralympic gold medalist Tahl Leibovitz in the Class 18 Para Doubles final. We were down 0–2, but came back to win 3–2 in a match I’ll never forget. I also earned silver in the Para Class 6–8 Singles, which marked another proud step forward in my career.
Thank you to Patty Martinez-Wasserman, who sponsored the para events and helped shine a spotlight on the importance of investing in adaptive sports.
My game has gone to another level thanks to my equipment from GEWO USA. I currently use the GEWO Aruna Hinoki Carbon blade and Nexxus EL Pro 53 SuperSelect rubber on my backhand.
“The blade gives me incredible feel and power for my forehand, and the SuperSelect has taken my backhand consistency to the next level.”
In 2024, I became the first youth and para athlete sponsored through GEWO USA’s Youth Developmental Partnership Program, which supports rising talent in the U.S. I’m honored to be part of that vision.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came in 2023, when I was able to attend a high-performance training camp in Slovenia. That opportunity—made possible thanks to Toyota’s broader commitment to supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes—catapulted me into international play and helped clarify my long-term goal: to earn a medal at the LA28 Paralympic Games.
Today, I divide my training between the United States Performance Center in North Carolina through the USATT Developmental Program and private sessions in Texas with my coach, Ojo Onaolapo, a former Nigerian Junior Olympian. His mentorship has helped me refine my game in ways I never imagined.
I also practice daily posture therapy using the Egoscue Method, which keeps me moving pain-free and balanced.
When I’m not competing, I co-run Bonsais by SNC with my brother. What started as a shared love for bonsai trees has grown into a business focused on craftsmanship, creativity, and giving back—supporting causes like the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.
I’m currently preparing for the 2025 ITTF World Para Future and Elite Spokane events, followed by training in Slovakia and appearances at the Para Pan American Games and Junior Para Pan Ams in South America. Each step is part of my journey toward LA28.
I’m grateful for the opportunities, the support, and the platform to inspire others. If you'd like to follow along or connect, here’s where you can find me:
