Soccer Mom

From a Soccer Mom:

Soccer has been a part of Caitlin's life for many years, but, until recently, only as an observer on the sidelines at her brother's games. We often wished there was some way Caitlin could experience the fun and excitement of playing soccer herself. About three years ago, we learned of a power wheelchair soccer clinic being held at the Al Sigl Center and immediately signed Caitlin up for it, although we could not imagine how it would work. When we arrived, a sturdy plastic guard was attached to the front of Caitlin's wheelchair and off she went to join the other participants in the gym as they buzzed about, trying to hit an oversized soccer ball with their chairs. With a little practice, Caitlin got the hang of hitting the ball and directing it across the gym floor. She was immediately hooked on the sport! Caitlin joined the Rochester Speed Demons team in the fall. The team's first scrimmage was extremely moving for me. There was Caitlin, so often fearful and anxious in new situations, confidently flying up and down the playing field, aggressively pursuing the ball and fearlessly facing off against older, more experienced opponents. I never realized what a spunky kid she was! If not for the competitive sporting experience power soccer provides, we might never have discovered the spitfire hiding inside of Caitlin all these years.