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Please see below for a listing of current E-Team members.
Through the E-Team, emerging athletes in Winter and Summer Paralympic sports are provided with opportunities to connect with elite programs, increase their visibility it their sports, and train and compete at their maximum capacity.
Are you a current E-Team member? Update your profile by completing this brief questionnaire.
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Bossier City, LA
What makes Melanie tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, Motivated, and Hard-Working
Why are sports important to you?
It gives me something to do and keeps me active
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?
Beating my best times
What does a typical day in your training program look like?
An hour of track and field five days a week
Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Pray, pray and pray again
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Watch TV and movies
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Work hard and have fun! You make so many new friends while doing something you love.
Who do you admire most?
Bethany Hamilton
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Make the Paralympic Team
What is your favorite quote?
” I don’t need easy, I just need possible” – Bethany Hamilton
What is your favorite food?
Mashed potatoes
Alpine Skiing
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
What makes Leanna tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, caring, adventurous
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are challenging, give adventure and provide opportunity to enjoy friends and stay fit.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Camping
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go for it. Learning a new sport is hard at first but worth it. Do not give up.
Who do you admire most?
My mom
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Win a gold medal in the Paralympics
What is your favorite quote?
“Life is either an adventure or nothing at all.” ~Hellen Keller
What is your favorite food?
Chocolate
Sled Hockey
Sport: Sled Hockey
Hometown: Marilla, NY
What makes Nathan tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Humble, Courageous, Passionate
Why are sports important to you?
They provide me with something to strive to good do in, and succeed
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Playing hockey in the driveway with my family and friends
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go for it it never hurts to try something new
Who do you admire most?
My parents for all their time and dedication and getting me to where I am in sled hockey.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
To make the U.S. National Team and go to the Paralympics
What is your favorite quote:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”
What is your favorite food?
Chicken Finger Wrap
Sled Hockey
Sport: Sled Hockey
Hometown: Libertyville, IL
What makes Nathan tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, Determined, Strong
Why are sports important to you?
They help me excel in all areas of my life.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Track and Sled Hockey are opposite season sports so when I am not doing one I am doing the other. They compliment each other.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go for it!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Compete in the para-Olympics.
What is your favorite quote?
Never, Never, Never Give Up!
Alpine Skiing
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Oakdale, MN
What makes Eric tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Energetic. Upbeat. Bold.
Why are sports important to you?
They help me express myself. Skiing is a good outlet for me whether or not I am having good day or a bad day.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Mountain Biking
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go outside your comfort zone. You never where it can take you.
Who do you admire most?
Mikaela Shiffrin
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
To Ski Race on every continent minus Antarctica.
What is your favorite quote:
“Before every run remember, your best is yet to come.” -Mikaela Shiffrin
What is your favorite food?
Salmon
Basketball
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Corcoran, MN
What makes Justas tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Funny, hardworking, caring
Why are sports important to you?
I get to play with others kids and my brother
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Computer games
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Do it. It’s fun
Who do you admire most?
Adrian Peterson
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Play in a football game
What is your favorite quote:
One for all, and all for one!
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Wooster, OH
What makes Casey tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Competitive, humble and capable.
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are important to me because it keeps me healthy and active.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Sled Hockey
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go for it, it will change your life!
Who do you admire most?
My mom.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Compete in the Paralympics.
What is your favorite quote:
Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
Swimming
Sport: Swimming
Hometown: Mayflower, AR
What makes Julia tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Active, social, competitive
Why are sports important to you?
I like being competitive and a team player and the fun of it and I like to see how good I can get
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Basketball and just being outside as much as I can
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Don’t be afraid to try and stay patient and you can encourage able body people….So never be afraid to try because you never know what will happen
Who do you admire most?
Jessica Long
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I would like to ride in a race car or swim with sharks or dolphins or go surfing
What is your favorite quote:
“Legs are overrated”
What is your favorite food?
Potato salad
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Swisher, IA
What makes Jessica tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Aspiring, caring, happy
Why are sports important to you?
Sports allow me to be competitive with not only myself but also with friends and teammates. I feel free when I am running because it is not a sport where you are dependent on others- it’s you against your times.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Marching band
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Absolutely give it a try. I’ve never regretted taking a chance on something that has the opportunity to change my life.
Who do you admire most?
My sisters. We are each other’s biggest supporters and they are everything I aspire to be.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Well I’ve never been to an Ikea…
What is your favorite quote:
Time spent doing what you love is never time wasted.
What is your favorite food?
Bread
Read more…
Alpine Skiing
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Foxboro, MA
What makes Connor tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Outgoing, outdoorsman, caring
Why are sports important to you?
It lets me feel normal and not like someone with a disability
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Mountain biking
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
It might be hard at first but keep trying will pay off in the end
Who do you admire most?
Ted Ligety
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Ski the classic downhills of europe in Wengen and Kitzbuhel
What is your favorite quote:
It’s time to drop the hammer and pick up the intensity
What is your favorite food?
Chicken
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Evanston, IL
What makes Aaron tick?
Why are sports important to you?
Running is the most important sport to me, because my brother and my dad both run, so I grew up highly influenced by them. We still all run together sometimes.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Off season? What’s that?! I run cross country, swim, and run track, so I don’t have many breaks. In my free time, I read a lot of books, and watch a lot of college and professional sports.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
If you think you can do something, you should always try. You never know what you might like!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I’d really like to travel, I’d especially like to visit the United Kingdom/Great Britain.
What is your favorite quote:
“You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terrors. Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.” Winston Churchill
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Durham, NC
What makes Desmond tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Gifted, Intelligent and Unique
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are important to me because fortunately it came naturally for me at a young age and I’ve loved them ever sense.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
My favorite off-season activity is Xbox!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would tell them to at least try adaptive sports because they may never know if it’s something they may like or are really good at doing.
Who do you admire most?
Because I am a Christian, I admire most our creator, God.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
To travel all over the world.
What is your favorite quote:
“I hated every minute of training, but I said…Don’t quit. Suffer now and spend the rest of your life as a Champion.” – Muhammad Ali
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
In the news…
Desmond Jackson Named to the 2016 US Paralympic Track & Field Team
Basketball
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Kennesaw, GA
What makes Joshua tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Hard-working, fun, intelligent
Why are sports important to you?
I love being competitive and playing sports pushes me to be my best on and off the court
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Hanging out with my friends
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
You will never know the positive impact of adaptive sports unless you try it! So, just go for it!
Who do you admire most?
Military veterans.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Traveling throughout Europe
What is your favorite quote:
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what others say you cannot do
What is your favorite food?
Nachos with guacamole
Swimming
Sport: Swimming
Hometown: Dunedin, FL
What makes Christina tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, funny, Passionate
Why are sports important to you?
They are a stress reliever and help me stay focused on my activities. They let me meet new people who are on the same journey as I am, and we can learn and help each other. They allow me to push my abilities and training and to be better and stronger.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Track and Field, and strength training in the gym.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Take a chance and just do it. Believe in yourself, you never know how good you can be until you try. What the mind believes the body can achieve!
Who do you admire most?
My brother, Andrew Lang. He was an amazing swimmer and was the one who inspired me to start this journey. He is now a firefighter, and I couldn’t be prouder!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
For sports.. to learn sled hockey! I would also love to learn how to mountain climb.
What is your favorite quote:
What the mind believes, the body will achieve
What is your favorite food?
Is all of them an answer? I love Chinese noodles like Lo Mein with shrimp!
Sport: Snowboard
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Chicago, IL
What makes Stella tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, Funny, Passionate
Why are sports important to you?
Sports has given me confidence in myself and an outlet to inspire others.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Wheelchair basketball
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Adaptive sports has allowed me to forget about my disability and feel like an athlete. It allows you to not only meet many new people around the world, but it also helps you learn about yourself. I’m so grateful for adaptive sports.
Who do you admire most?
Tatyana McFadden
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Go to the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.
What is your favorite quote:
We all have a disability or flaw, but it is how you overcome it that defines you.
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Dodson, LA
What makes Mitchell tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Dedicated, hard working, blessed
Why are sports important to you?
Sports make me work hard and help me to be at my best.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Hunting
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Go for it!!!
Who do you admire most?
Jesus
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Make the Paralympics.
What is your favorite quote?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13
What is your favorite food?
Ribs
Snowboard
Sport: Snowboard
Hometown: Mammoth Lakes, CA
What makes Zach tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Smooth as sandpaper!
Why are sports important to you?
Participating in sports helps me keep my mind busy. I am so focused on accomplishing my next goal that I am too busy to worry about my disability.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Don’t think about it-just do it! Come join us-there is nothing like being on a team that extends across states and sometimes even countries!
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Soccer!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Jumping into an inflatable on a snowboard! I saw it once at a ski training camp and it looked like so much fun!
What is your favorite quote:
“If you are having fun and staying safe, you are probably already learning something” Tim Ball
What is your favorite food?
Mac n cheese-Yes, it gives away my age but I can’t help it!
Swimming
Sport: Swimming
Hometown: Madison, WI
What makes Garner tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Tall, strong, smart
Why are sports important to you?
They make you strong. I have friends from other sports at the Olympic Training Center. I have friends from all over the country.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Keeping in touch with friends on Facebook and riding my bike.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Its great competition. Its more equal.
Who do you admire most?
Missy Franklin
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I want to visit the Alps.
What is your favorite quote:
“You don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone. Again.” Herb Brooks, Miracle.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza ans chips
In the news…
Volleyball
Sport: Volleyball
Hometown: Goshen, IN
What makes Laura tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, Creative, and Motivated
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?
Being part of the A2 Developmental program through USA Sitting Volleyball
Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Praying for safety and for a Christlike attitude
What is your favorite off-season activity?
My favorite thing to do when not training for volleyball is running in 5k’s!
Who do you admire most?
Family/Church Family
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I would like to travel all over the world and take pictures
What is your favorite quote?
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” Colossians 3:23
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I think that everyone should be willing to give adaptive sports a try. When I first heard of sitting volleyball I was hesitant since I had always played standing. I quickly realized that the adaptive sports, especially volleyball, is a lot of fun and give everyone the chance to participate. There are so many different adaptive sports that everyone can find something they love!
Paratriathlon
Sport: Paratriathlon
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
What makes Jack tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Brave, funny, strong
Why are sports important to you?
I am very competitive so I enjoy competition of any kind. I also like having fun with my teammates and coaches. Being an athlete and a sports fan is who I am!
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Skiing
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Do not be afraid of trying something new because you may end up loving it. Don’t worry about not being good at the sport right away. Find people that can mentor you. I promise you will find adaptive sports fun!
Who do you admire most?
Melissa Stockwell introduced me to the sport of paratriathlon and has encouraged and inspired me in many ways. When I met Melissa, she told me I would be a champion. I chose to believe her and it’s changed my life.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I would love to be a guest announcer at a Chicago Blackhawks game.
What is your favorite quote:
Fate whispers to the warrior, “You can not withstand the storm.” The warrior whispers back, “I am the storm.”
What is your favorite food?
Burritos!
Sailing
Sport: Sailing
Hometown: San Diego, CA
In the news…
Tennis
Sport: Tennis
Hometown: Wichita, KS
What makes Casey tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Competitive, Humble, Christian
Why are sports important to you?
Because I enjoy the competition and the challenge of becoming the best I can be.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?
Winning the World Team Cup Gold medal in Antalya Turkey in 2015.
What does a typical day in your training program look like
Monday thru Friday I do about 45-60 min of weight training/core work followed by a 60 minute hit session with my coach. After hitting with my coach I usually will practice serving for another 12-30 minutes. Two nights a week I also participate in a group drill session for 60 minutes with able bodied players. On weekends I will play at least 1 competitive match in the various singles leagues I am in against able bodied competitors.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Just relax to my favorite music.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Snow skiing, fishing, going to the beach
Who do you admire most?
Roger Federer
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I would like to hit with Roger Federer
What is your favorite quote:
“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can”
What is your favorite food?
Cheeseburgers
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would encourage them to go out and do it. To not give up because it is the difficulty that makes it so great.
In the News:
BNP PARIBAS WORLD TEAM CUP RESULTS
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Naperville, IL
What makes Annie tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Active, Friendly, Enthusiastic
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are such an important part of my life because they give me a chance to explore my abilities, compete with others, and have fun! I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had never discovered my love for running.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would say definitely try it, even if you are unsure at first. You never know what you’re able to do until you try, and there are so many adaptive sports out there! Take advantage of the opportunity, because you might find your passion!
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Reading
Who do you admire most?
Tatyana Mcfadden. She’s such a down to earth person, and her story is absolutely amazing. Plus, she’s super fast and it is so cool to watch her race!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Travel outside the country
What is your favorite quote:
“If you are lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change”-Taylor Swift
What is your favorite food?
Watermelon
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Avon Lake, OH
What makes Nelya tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Bubbly, driven, spiritual
Why are sports important to you?
Sports have really helped me with my disability, I have met ever lasting friends from around the world, true friends that do not laugh at my arms but honor my talent
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Biking and hiking
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Adaptive Sports pens the world and gives you personal goals that take you past your expectations
Who do you admire most?
Courtney Jordan, S7 swimmer
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I want to be one of the youngest competitor in Japan in Track and swimming and get a gold in each for my coutnry
What is your favorite quote:
Through hard work, perseverance and faith in God you can live your dreams
What is your favorite food?
Strawberries, avocado, organic smoothies and yes chocolate. I try to eat healthy and organic abut a girl just has to have chocolate!!
Nordic/Biathlon
Sport: Nordic/Biathlon
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
What makes Tyler tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Dynamic, fun , adventuresome
Why are sports important to you?
I Like competing and having fun
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Cycling, Drama, and Boy Scouts
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
It is a lot of fun and you get to be outside with other people
Who do you admire most?
Walt Disney, Coach Maggie Palchak
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Do the Paralympics , Be in a Broadway play
What is your favorite quote?
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
What is your favorite food?
Lasagna
Alpine Skiing
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Steamboat Springs, CO
What makes Kyle tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Musical, competitive, nerdy
Why are sports important to you?
I think sports are important because they not only help to keep a person in shape, but with most sports even if it is a single person sport you are still part of team and you can build strong bonds with people. Also, you can grow stronger and have a great time doing it. That’s why sports are important to me.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
One of my favorite off-season activities is swimming competitively.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would tell them to go for it adaptive sports or just sports in general can change your life. Everyone has the ability participate in a sport and there are many people who’s lives are changed by it for the better.
Who do you admire most?
I admire Chris Devlin-Young for all of his accomplishments and how he is still very active after all these years.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I would want to travel to every country.
What is your favorite quote:
“Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player.”-Bill Gates
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is fish and chips
Alpine Skiing
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Steamboat Springs, CO
What makes Paige tick?
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, cheerful, funny
Why are sports important to you?
They give me freedom
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Hanging out with friends
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Have confidence and be positive to yourself
Who do you admire most?
All of my coaches
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Surfing
What is your favorite quote:
“The only Disability in life is a bad attitude.” ~Scott Hamilton
What is your favorite food?
Everything you put in front of me
Swimming
Sport: Swimming
Hometown: Chicago, IL
What makes Sophia tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Intelligent, humorous, passionate
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are important to me because they are a good way to unwind after a long day. Also, they are a good place to direct my competitive side.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
Hanging out with my friends
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would say they should definitely go for it. They are so rewarding. They are also a great way to meet new people and have fun doing something you love.
Who do you admire most?
Mother Teresa
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
To travel to as many places around the world as I possibly can.
What is your favorite quote:
“Nothing is impossible; The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” (Audrey Hepburn)
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
Track & Field
Sport: Track & Field
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
What makes Matthew tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Funny, outgoing, friendly
Why are sports important to you?
Sports help me to set goals
What is your favorite off-season activity?
I like to play wheelchair basketball and be with friends
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
Do it! You’ll meet lots of new friends.
Who do you admire most?
David Weir
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
See the Paralympics.
What is your favorite quote:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What is your favorite food?
Hot wings
Cycling
Sport: Cycling
Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
What makes Jacob tick?
Describe yourself in three words:
Dedicated, Loyal, and Trustworthy
Why are sports important to you?
Sports are important to me because I love a good challenge and the feeling of accomplishment after a hard effort.
What is your favorite off-season activity?
My favorite off- season activity is running and mountain biking with friends.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports?
I would tell them how freeing adaptive sports will make you feel and would offer to help in any way that I could.
Who do you admire most?
I don’t really have one person I admire most. There are a lot of people who I admire and who have inspired me.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Compete in the Paralympics with Team USA.
What is your favorite quote:
Think fast, ride faster.
What is your favorite food?
Shrimp scampi is definitely my favorite food.
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