I am a C3-C4 quadriplegic and an avid video gamer who's looking to take my love of competition onto the courts. The community and camaraderie of fellow sports enthusiasts is what drove me to Power Soccer. Being a Gopher has given me a sense of pride and purpose, which continues to leave a smile on my face.

I've been a spinal cord injury quadriplegic for 23 years.  I have remained active in wheelchair sports. Most recently, a team developed in my town, and now I am proud to say I am an active Gopher. Power Soccer has been an inspiring eye-opener to me with the strategy and skill that is needed in this game. The teamwork that goes on in the practices and games, both on and off the court, is truly inspirational.

One of my favorite things about power soccer is that a person who is dependent on a power wheelchair can finally be part of a team. Power soccer is competitive and brings accountability and community to the players lives. Our soccer family even encourages each other away from the soccer court. 

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I enjoy power soccer so much that when my family and I moved to Chico in 2021, I knew that we had to bring this great sport to our community. So, here we are starting from scratch, Chico's first power soccer team:  your Chico Gophers!

Despite only recently discovering Power Soccer in October of 2023, it has given me a sense of direction in my life. It has greatly improved my confidence and social skills. It has allowed me the opportunity to enhance my motor skills. It has made me a happier person since I've discovered it. 

If I had to put power soccer into one word, it would be “freedom”. I say that because when I’m out on the field, I forget that I have a disability and that I can be myself without the fear of being judged. I can experience the thrill of expressing my competitive spirit without being told I can't do it.  In this sport, we don’t have a “can't do attitude."

We can do anything as a team.

I've been playing for 12 years and some the best moments in my life have come from this sport. For 40 regulated game minutes, we are athletes with no limitations.  Power soccer is a huge part of my life and I don’t know where I’d be without it.

I've been playing power soccer for 8 years. Power soccer allows me to work on my personal abilities despite my daily struggles, while having fun and being competitive. When I'm on the court, I feel free and capable. I like that power soccer feels like a big family and everyone is always encouraging each other while having fun together.