athlete spotlight Archives - Athletes for Hope

AFH Paralympian Athlete Spotlight

AFH Paralympian Athlete Spotlight

Skiing With A Purpose: An Adaptive Sports Dream Day

At the age of 9 Lacey Henderson was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in her knee, a rare type of soft tissue cancer that would result in the amputation of her right leg. Despite her disability, she grew up an active child, and fast-forward some years later Lacey was competing in cheerleading throughout her high school and collegiate years.

It wasn’t until she received her Division 1 athletic scholarship from the University of Denver that Henderson would discover the “world of disability.” After competing in cheerleading, she was ready for a new challenge and took up track and field in 2012.

Lacey’s father, T.J., was a national decathlon champion who went to the Olympic trails for pole vaulting, so it is no surprise that as soon as Lacey picked up Track and Field her father would challenge her to try pole vaulting. 

Photo of Paralympian Lacey Henderson smiling white holding the American flag behind her back.

Eventually, Henderson took her father up on his challenge, trying pole vaulting and instantly falling in love with the sport. Her love for pole vaulting coupled with resilience, determination, and hard work would earn her a spot on her first U.S. Paralympic Team four years later in Rio de Janeiro. What’s more, Henderson is a 9x U.S. National Champ, performing in both the long jump and 100m dash.

Aside from her athletic achievements, Henderson is a public speaker, model, Sport and Performance Psychology Professional, an advocate for disability, and, consequently, many intersectional communities. 

Henderson has written numerous published works and has served in varying capacities in local government; however, she says that her most important accomplishment is sharing her experience and knowledge to empower and spread resources with those around her. 

As an Athletes for Hope Athlete and Whole Being Ambassador, Henderson has participated in mental health conversations such as Mental Health in Parasports, joined other AFH staff members on a trip to Tanzania as a part of a Global Exchange Program, participated in several CHAMPS in-person and virtual visits, joined the Mental Health Champions Club where she shared how to reframe your anxiety, and more.

There seems to be no limit for Henderson when it comes to creating positive change and advocating for the things she believes in. For Henderson, those two worlds collided on March 4, 2024, when she spent the day with Dream on 3 and the Ignite Active Sports Team to help create a Dream Day for four children. 

The Adaptive Ski Dream Day

Written by Katie Balint, Dream on 3

The cold day started with a warm welcome from Kevin and the Ignite Adaptive Sports team. Once the kids started arriving, instructors worked to get the kids in their skis and fitted, taking their time to ensure the kids were comfortable in foreign equipment and of course having fun along the way. Nervous smiles turned to pure joy as soon as each kid got on the snow! 

Two of the participants, Miles and Lucy, were in sit skis, another participant, Jude, was putting skis on for the very first time and finally, the last participant and proficient skier, Bella, was working to fine-tune her ski skills. As each kid went off to their area to learn, it was exciting to see them each gain confidence as they mastered one level and then moved on to a bigger challenge. 

Soon they were all zooming down the mountain with their instructors and not wanting to stop for a break! As evidence, Miles continuously said “again, again, again” as soon as he reached the group after one of his runs. Lucy came back down hitting the group with some snowballs and was excited to tell us about a tunnel that she and her instructors skied through. Jude was gaining his confidence and zig-zagging down like it wasn’t his first time on skis and Bella was cruising down with her instructors and the wind in her hair!

One of the many highlights of the day was being able to ski with Paralympian Lacey Henderson. A couple of the kids were wide-eyed when they were told Lacey was the Paralympic athlete there to hang out and ski with them, but all of their nerves being around a big-time athlete went out the window when they realized how awesome Lacey was. Her easy-going, fun-having attitude boosted the day, and she was a great role model for the kids to be around, encouraging them all along the way.

Lacey is very adventurous, she showed me that anything is possible no matter what shape or form. Lacey, Ignite, and Dream on 3, opened up a world I didn’t think I’d see again. I can’t wait to get back on the slopes!

Lucy, Dream Day Participant

Soaking in their runs together, Miles and Lucy were especially excited to show Lacey some of the spots they had found at the top of the mountain, where spectators couldn’t see. The day was a huge success and all the kids wanted to know when they could go skiing again. 

From the outside, it was something special to see the kids’ faces light up when they realized that they could quite literally conquer the mountain in front of them and it was even more special connecting with and seeing the smiles that extended to the faces of parents. 

As a parent of a child with an acquired disability, there were so many doors I thought would be so hard for her [Lucy] to enter. Starting over, learning everything again, seemed challenging, to say the least. Lucy is not one to shy away from physical challenges, but I knew we had a long road ahead of us. I know she can do anything she puts her mind to, so it was never a matter of if, but when. Connecting with Lacey, and having this opportunity, really showed her that it is even more possible than we realized. You gave her hope.

Jennifer, Dream Day Participant Lucy’s Mother

A couple of hours together and the sense of community and connection from strangers was so impactful. After hearing from a couple of the parents, who at one point, were questioning what the future looks like for the kids, they were so appreciative of being able to have the community that was on the mountain that day.

The ski day was so awesome and so fun! It was fun to even share the fitting experience, especially with the unique challenges that having a disability can bring with putting on ski gear. It was a blast having Lucy and her squad show me where the teepee on the mountain was, and ski along with them blasting Taylor Swift! I remember being young and not having any opportunity to see other adults with disabilities achieve anything from putting on a ski boot to flying down a mountain so it was a gift to be able to show and share that with our group on that perfect day!

Lacey Henderson, Paralympian

The day was indeed, a success, thanks to the amazing organizations and people that came together to make it happen. 

AFH Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Winning with a heart of gold

Star soccer forward and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Carin Jennings-Gabarra is more than just her accolades on the pitch. While she is known for being a part of the United States “Triple-Edged Sword” of attackers in its victory at the 1991 Women’s World Cup, it’s the time spent in her community that she cherishes the most.

Growing up with two older brothers who were “always playing sports” was the catalyst for Gabarra’s passion. She remembers falling in love with soccer in 1973, the very first time she played.

Back then, when girls were just getting the opportunity to play organized sport, it’s hard to fathom that Gabarra would go on to receive the first-ever Women’s World Cup Adidas Golden Ball Award as the best player at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup or become an Olympic Gold Medalist.

In fact, it was at the Olympic Games in Atlanta that she realized how many athletes give back and “use the platform they have to be a voice for those who have no voice.” When she retired from the national team after the Olympic Games, she had 119 full international appearances and 56 goals, ranking her third of all time in caps and tied for third in goals.

Being an alumni of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Gabarra has been surrounded by countless teammates and coaches who invest in their communities by giving back to those in need.

One such teammate is none other than AFH Founding Athlete Mia Hamm, who most recently was the inspriation and first recpient of the Athletes for Hope Inaugural Mia Hamm Founders Award at the 2023 Play for Good event. Gabarra celebrated with her teammate Mia and other USWNT Alumni at the event which aimed to raise funds for AFH’s programs.

Outside of the relationships she has bulit from her time playing professionally, Gabarra is giving back to the next generation of women’s soccer players through her love of coaching.

Her coaching career began in 1987 at Westmont College in Santa Barbara where she guided the Warriors to a 6-10-0 record as head coach. In 1988, Gabarra moved on to the Ivy League where she served as an assitant coach at Harvard.

In 1993 Gabarra arrived at Navy, building the Navy soccer program from the bottom level to, now, one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s most competitive teams. Along with a long list of other coaching accolades, Gabarra joined an elite group of coaches when she won her 300th career game during the 2015 season, further staking her claim as the Patriot League’s all-time wins leader.

When looking towards the future of women and girls in soccer, Gabarra is passionate about leveling the playing field and making soccer an accessible and equitable sport for all.

“I want girls to follow their dreams, younger girls to play confidently and to feel like they’re accepted and that they’re athletes, not female athletes, and be able to compete and play at any level they choose.”

Despite her busy schedule, Gabarra says that community service must be a priority, noting that she has “truly loved each service project” she has been a part of. While she calims to have no favorites, she says she does have a passion for volunteering at soccer clinics within underserved communities.

For athletes who may be retired or just starting out on their philanthropy journey, Gabarra’s advice is simple.

“My advice to other athletes is to turn to organizations such as Athletes for Hope and utilize them to give back in various ways. There is always time to give back to the community. It must be a priority.”

AFH Athlete Spotlight

Tennis player Ingrid Neel serves on and off court

Born in Oyster Bay, New York, professional tennis player Ingrid Neel is as passionate about serving on the court as she is about serving her community.

Ingrid Neel wearing sunglasses in all white tennis outfit with one foot in the air, hair in a ponytail swaying underneath a visor, on a tennis court after a follow through.

She remembers falling in love with the game of tennis at age 6 thanks to her first coach who made the experience fun. Through group competition with friends, it was the early years that would later solidify Neel as N0. 39 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) doubles rankings in October 2023.

As she grew older, finding ways to use her platform for a greater cause came with ease for Neel thanks to her role models.

“I always noticed how so many of the players I looked up to started their own charities and I knew that whenever I had the chance, I would want to give back as well.”

While she has won three doubles titles on the WTA Tour, three doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour with two singles and twelve doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit, Neel says that she feels lucky to be in her current position.

“I am lucky to be one of a couple of hundred people in the world who have the opportunity to travel the world competing in this sport, so I’m not going to waste it.”

Ingrid Neal poses with her doubles partner Ulrikke Eikeri as they hold up their first place trophy between them. Both girls in white tank tops with blue bottoms.

And waste it she has not. Aside from competing at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, her favorite tennis match is the one for a good cause.

“My favorite community service project that I was able to be a part of was the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic for children’s cancer research. I was a kid myself when I raised money and played in the event and it hit me how fortunate a position I was in, it meant a lot to be able to contribute to a cause like that.”

The pressures of being a professional athlete don’t ease up, however, Neel still finds time to engage in community causes.

Similarly to the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, Neel says many of her opportunities to serve are closely related to tournament tennis activities because she is often on the road.

As she looks to continue to compete on the WTA Tour, Neel knows that when she does retire she will use her time to give back to others.

Ingrid Neel smiles next to Isis Gill at the 2022 U.S. Open.

“Wherever I settle down after my tennis career, I hope that I can be involved in the community, helping kids pursue their passion for sports to use as a vessel for school and lifelong happiness,” exclaimed Neel.

Neel may seem to have a natural ability to weave together service and sport; however, for other athletes who want to incorporate the two, she offers some advice- start small.

“So many people want to hear your story and look up to you as inspiration,” Neel said. “Any chance you have to help others, no matter how big or small, will mean a great deal to someone.”

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Overcoming the mental battle

As an athlete, injuries are the risk you take to play the sport you love. The physical side of recovery is exhausting and physically challenging, but even more so mentally. I saw the lowest of lows when recovering from knee surgery, something no one could have prepared me for. It felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

No one seems to talk about how the little victories are the most rewarding when they deal with recovery. I was so close to calling it quits multiple times, but I was a competitor and would not let a brace and crutches stop me from chasing my dreams. I sat on the sidelines as I watched my teammates succeed. But I failed to realize that I was finding success that related to my journey, not anyone else.

I was unprepared for what to do when my mind got the best of me, and the negative thoughts came pouring in at a rate that was faster than I could control.

There was no rule book on how to handle relearning how to walk when my brain said, “Just do it, it shouldn’t be that hard.” time and time again. I was unaware of how to adjust to the new player I was when I stepped back onto the field. I was ecstatic to get back to playing, only to step on the field and want to hang up the cleats for good because I had been losing the mental fight.

I was not the player I was, and I was expecting to be when I returned because I had pushed my body so hard for nine months; that I physically felt ready. I had failed to prepare my mind. My mind was still in month four or five of recovery by the time I got the green light to play. I stepped on the field and let the mind game control me, and it showed.

As athletes, our minds go 100 miles a minute, just like their bodies. We spend more time in our heads than on the playing field. There is no excuse for not being taught how to train our minds before our bodies. I am a college athlete and still am unable to keep my mental game as sharp as my physical game. It can be exhausting, challenging, and degrading at times, but as an athlete, I know that athletics has taught me more than I could ever learn, so why give up? At what cost is it too much? Athletes deserve so much more than what they have received.

We have the tools to succeed physically, but many lack the tools to succeed mentally. The mental health of athletes is a conversation that needs to happen more often than it does. Many of us grew up playing sports for one thing, the love of the game.

The love of the game should not have to fade as we start to play at a higher competition.

The game will bring out the greatest; and sometimes the worst in each athlete. Remember when the worst comes because it will, that it does not last forever, and you are more than your sport.

To every athlete, no matter how long the days feel, how lonely the nights get, and how tired you become from the feeling of fighting an uphill battle, you are not alone, and you are loved. 

AFH Athlete Spotlight

From Small Town To Big Impact

On September 18, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with NFL veteran offensive lineman Dalton Risner. The four-year Denver Broncos starter and 2022-23 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee may bring on-the-field expertise to Minnesota, but he also brings years of charitable service and leadership to the Vikings community. 

Risner’s foundation, RisnerUp, is a reflection of who Dalton is as a person, kind and passionate about helping others. Whether it is bringing a simple smile or helping someone find a new pathway in life, Risner offers many people a helping hand each year. 

Dalton Risner standing between two new friends made at Howdy Handmade.

“We may not be stopping world hunger but we are making a positive impact one day at a time without turning down opportunities to do more,” Risner said. 

Dalton grew up in a small rural town with less than 1,000 people. He went on to play Division I football at Kansas State and was eventually drafted by the Colorado team he always dreamed of playing for, the Denver Broncos. 

The offensive lineman had to defeat many odds in his journey, but he realized his true definition of success while in college. 

“The countless humanitarian awards in my time at Kansas State reflected my true meaning of success,” Risner said. “Which is positively impacting & empowering those around me.”

Risner has continued to showcase his faith in the world and finds ultimate fulfillment in others’ joy. Once he realized he had a platform, Risner did everything in his power to expand his reach and support as much as he could. 

Dalton Risner poses for a photo at the Special Olympics polar plunge.

The small-town football player quickly became a notable figure in the philanthropy space and sacrificed lots of time to help those in need. 

“When I started figuring out who I was, what made me happy, what filled my cup every day, is when I started to utilize my platform for the greater good,” Risner said. “I started to see the bigger picture and just how many people I could impact & empower in a positive way.”

Now an NFL veteran, Risner has established a better routine in terms of time management and prioritizing his various commitments. He also hopes to help develop those around him into becoming role models as well. 

Dalton poses for a photo at the SuperBowl in Arizona with Eastyn.

“People look to us in the spotlight for empowerment, guidance, inspiration, courage, and much more,” he said. “Someone’s always watching and we don’t want to let them down.”

From football camps to building houses to serving meals, Risner does not set boundaries to what his foundation can and cannot do. He knows that he simply wants to support communities where he can. 

“Giving back, being a mentor, being a light to someone is a big deal,” Risner added.

Whether it is Colorado or Minnesota, this NFL player tries to be a shining light in any situation possible. Dalton Risner is living proof that an NFL schedule, while an obstacle, does not define the amount of effort athletes can put into their charitable work. 

A smile can go a long way. Dalton Risner has helped put smiles on hundreds of people, and it is only just the beginning. 

“The truth is that in life if something is important enough, we will do it,” he said. “If we need to eat, sleep, brush our teeth, etc. we make time to do it, and we plan ahead to do so. I treat service to others the same way, it’s important to me to be a role model, and show kids like my younger self that you can be a professional and have “made it” or however the world views it, and still be a genuine person that gives to others with time, money & commitment.”

Dalton tells participants of the RisnerUp football camp to put their hands in for a team chant before getting started.

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Just another player: How David Kubiak found joy in baseball

From college baseball to 36th round MLB draft pick to securing spots in 4 different organizations, David Kubiak’s baseball journey has been a series of ups and downs. 

Many baseball players picture themselves being drafted and having a long and lustrous career in the majors, but that is oftentimes not the case. Kubiak was cut from the Tampa Bay Rays on the last day of spring training and two years later found himself in Independent ball before taking time away from the game.

photo of David Kubiak pitching

“I think I still had some left in the tank,” Kubiak said. 

Upon his return to baseball, he went on to play several years in the Frontier League and Atlantic League before playing in the minors again. Stints in Mexico, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic have brought him to where he is today, playing winter ball. 

While it is a windy path, Kubiak counts his blessings for being able to play the game he loves for a living. 

“I was fortunate enough to get drafted,” he said. “I probably would have played four or five years, now I’m in my twelfth. The stability of affiliated ball is fickle for sure.”

Whether it is the politics within baseball or the sheer number of talents, Kubiak found himself in a unique position. On two separate occasions he decided to take a step away from the game, and each time he came back with a positive attitude. 

As a “faith-driven career,” baseball’s landscape is not for everybody, and mental health is an essential piece to the sport. 

“Mental health is finally starting to make its way into normal, non-taboo talk,” Kubiak said. “When I grew up it was kind of just shut up and play. You just wear it.”

Photo of David Kubiak meditating before a baseball game

The direction sports is headed in the mental health space has carved out roles for people like Kubiak to become advocates, sharing their stories and helping others find peace. 

Kubiak serves as Marketing and VIP Relations Coordinator at WhiteFlag App, a mental health app dedicated to changing the way people communicate and heal. He has worked with dozens of clients and ambassadors to help promote the app and change lives. 

He doesn’t try to mask his own struggles either. 

“I wasn’t happy playing,” Kubiak said about the times he had to step away. “It wasn’t fun to come to the field every day and that wasn’t how I wanted sports to be.”

His support system at home and two years of therapy have helped Kubiak realize that he is not alone. 

Photo of David Kubiak celebrating after a great performance on the mound.

“Everybody goes through this stuff, everybody has insecurities no matter how much people tell you they don’t,” he added. “It’s nice to have somewhere to outlet that.”

The resources being invested in the game from mental skills coaches to other athletes who have struggled speaking out are a few ways in which baseball is helping their own. 

David Kubiak may not have had the easiest journey, but he has found happiness within himself after every twist and turn. 

“Mental health is a really important part of sports,” Kubiak said. “I’m really glad it’s starting to come out of the shadows.”