My name is Sydney Satchell and I am Living the Dream! Since the age of 5 years old, I have been an athlete. From “Pay and Play” Soccer to Division I Lacrosse, I became known for my tenacity and defender instinct. I have always craved the intense competition, skillful hard work and grit that an athlete experiences during a game.
However, in January 2015, I was involved in a critical car accident due to icy road condi- tions and by March 2015 I had become a below knee amputee. My new normal has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Functioning on a day to day basis was drastic for a 22-year old athlete. Simple tasks became a chore and cause for major adjustments in my daily routines.
During this whirlwind, I have experienced many opportunities to grow but by far the most exhilarating came in February 2016. I joined other Sitting Volleyball athletes with similar physical impairments in Oklahoma for a training weekend. I was exposed to new athletic possibilities which up to that point had only been in my dreams. Although it was my first official experience on the court, I played well enough that the coaches noticed my athletic ability and asked me to return for more training. That weekend experience ignited a new determination and reignited passion for competition without a lower left leg.
For the last two years, my love for this sport has grown and I have traveled across the country to attend trainings with the A2 Sitting Volleyball team. I have dedicate myself to training and I have moved to Oklahoma in June 2017. I am able to train year round with the national team coaches and players and it has been a blessing!
The next steps along my journey in Living the Dream are as follows:
Step 1: To improve my game experience and skill level, practice and train weekly with National coaches and players.
Step 2: Earn a position on the USA Sitting Volleyball Team.
Step 3: Attend Sitting Volleyball Tournaments across the country and world.
Step 4: Be chosen to compete on the 2020 US Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team in Tokyo.
This is where generous donors like you can help! I am seeking donations to help with travel expenses to tournaments, lodging, athletic apparel, equipment, and fees that will incur. Donations of any size will help to defray the costs. One easy way to think about it is “Give $20 for my 2020 goal”!
However, in January 2015, I was involved in a critical car accident due to icy road condi- tions and by March 2015 I had become a below knee amputee. My new normal has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Functioning on a day to day basis was drastic for a 22-year old athlete. Simple tasks became a chore and cause for major adjustments in my daily routines.
During this whirlwind, I have experienced many opportunities to grow but by far the most exhilarating came in February 2016. I joined other Sitting Volleyball athletes with similar physical impairments in Oklahoma for a training weekend. I was exposed to new athletic possibilities which up to that point had only been in my dreams. Although it was my first official experience on the court, I played well enough that the coaches noticed my athletic ability and asked me to return for more training. That weekend experience ignited a new determination and reignited passion for competition without a lower left leg.
For the last two years, my love for this sport has grown and I have traveled across the country to attend trainings with the A2 Sitting Volleyball team. I have dedicate myself to training and I have moved to Oklahoma in June 2017. I am able to train year round with the national team coaches and players and it has been a blessing!
The next steps along my journey in Living the Dream are as follows:
Step 1: To improve my game experience and skill level, practice and train weekly with National coaches and players.
Step 2: Earn a position on the USA Sitting Volleyball Team.
Step 3: Attend Sitting Volleyball Tournaments across the country and world.
Step 4: Be chosen to compete on the 2020 US Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team in Tokyo.
This is where generous donors like you can help! I am seeking donations to help with travel expenses to tournaments, lodging, athletic apparel, equipment, and fees that will incur. Donations of any size will help to defray the costs. One easy way to think about it is “Give $20 for my 2020 goal”!
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