Se Youn Moon (BC)

Wheelchair Athlete

INFO
Birthdate	October 6 1980
Birth place	Busan, South Korea
Residence	Richmond, BC
Height	5’4" (164 cm)
Plays	Right-handed

Personal
What is your earliest tennis memory?	My earliest tennis memory is seeing a Nike advertisement featuring Andre Agassi. My friend was talking to me about Agassi while we were passing a Nike store in our neighbourhood. I thought it was an interesting name because Agassi means ‘miss’ in Korean.
How, where, and when did you start playing?	I think it was the summer of 2019 when I was an outpatient at G.F. Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, BC, the BC Wheelchair Sports Association hosted a “Have a Go Day” for Wheelchair Tennis. It was the first time in my life that I saw wheelchair tennis. In January 2021 during the pandemic, with my friend’s help I became a member of a local tennis club where I started playing tennis regularly.
What made you decide to choose tennis?	Wheelchair tennis has helped me discover my new abilities while trying to figure out my life. It had shed light on the aspects of life I can control, rather than the areas I cannot. It has also opened doors that I never expected, like being an athlete after losing a lower limb. Playing tennis constantly reminds me of my newfound abilities and how capable I truly am in many ways.
Your biggest inspiration and why?	In the early stage of my recovery from amputation, I met Kai Schramayer, the National Team Coach, who happened to be an amputee like me. I also met Sarah Hunter, the BC provincial team coach and a formal wheelchair tennis player. When I had the opportunity to interact with them, I noticed something right away—their disabilities did not define who they were, nor did they seem to impose limitations on pursuing their dreams. I thought to myself, “I want that in my life. I don’t know how good I can be, but I want to have their attitude toward life.” So, I chose wheelchair tennis.
Favourite sport other than tennis?	I grew up playing baseball and soccer, so I enjoy watching both sports.
How has your family impacted your tennis career?	I learned strong work ethics from my mother, who has played a significant role in shaping my attitude toward hardworking.
Favourite sports team?	The Lotte Giants is my hometown’s baseball team and their fans are phenomenal! I also follow Tottenham Hotspurs and Paris Saint-Germain because of top Korean players like Sonny (Heung Min Son) and Kang In Lee.
Favourite athlete?	Past: Roger Federer, Present: Leylah Fernandez
Favourite TV show?	Big Bang Theory
Favourite dish?	Korean BBQ, which comes with nearly everything.
Super power you wish you could have?	Mind Control
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?	My age. Many people are surprised when they find out how old I am.
Describe yourself in 3 words?	My friends and colleagues often say that I am genuine, caring and resilient.
If you weren’t playing tennis, what would you be doing?	Staying home, feeling sad and depressed.
Other than tennis, what are you most passionate about?	I am the primary Spiritual Health Practitioner (also known as a hospital chaplain) for the Ortho/Trauma and Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) units at Vancouver General Hospital. I am passionate about my job providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff, and journeying with them during their challenging times.