You ask
#WhySTRIDE? Because it has given me my life back.
I started playing soccer at the age of 4, by 10 I played fall soccer, indoor soccer, and travel soccer. I lived and breathed soccer. I continued to play through high school, got myself a college scholarship, then moved to Florida to play for a Professional Team and start my dream job as Physical Therapist. My life was everything I dreamed it could be. Until......
About 5 years ago, I settled here in NY. In March 2017 I had heart surgery. When I woke up my heart was fixed but something went terribly wrong, I was no longer able to stand or walk.... I felt lost. My whole life, existence was based on competition, I no longer knew how to live without normal mobility..
A year ago, I decided it was time to live again. I Googled ’wheelchair sports, Albany NY’ and found STRIDE. I called and before I knew it I was in a sled on the ice.
I felt free like I was flying, When I got off the ice that day, I knew STRIDE had given me a reason to keep living, given me my freedom back. This team is about feeling free together. It's about being there for each other, being competitive together, including winning and losing. Its pushing each other to be your best without letting our disabilities limit our abilities.
STRIDE & sled hockey are so much better than ever expected. I look forward to pulling my jersey over my head, snapping my helmet, getting in my sled, and feeling free..