I was born in the Dominican Republic with congenital absence of the Tibia. When I was 2 the Badowski’s graciously took me in with the help of the ‘Healing The Children’ non-profit organization. I was amputated and provided with prosthetic legs through Wright&Filippis. When I was about 6years old Mrs. Badowski, who I call mom, saw something in the paper promoting the Sterling Heights Challengers wheelchair basketball team and she thought I should try it. She had to drag me to a practice but after I had tried it, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I instantly fell in love with the game. I soon started making goals for myself and wanting to do more off the court and by the time I started high school, Wheelchair Basketball started becoming a major part of my life. I have been fortunate enough to help my team win 2 national championships (2007, 2013) and being awarded multiple awards. Some of these awards include, being named on various all team award, the hustle award, M.V.P. award and my favorite and the one that means the most, the sportsmanship award.
I also wrestled on the De La Salle High school team. I placed 3rd individually in the Catholic league tournament and 2nd as a team. This was the first year that the wrestling team won districts which was an amazing feeling to be apart of such a great milestone. Wrestling on a high school team was one of the best feelings to me, It meant so much to be able to be on a team where it was not adaptive to people with disabilities. I felt welcomed and more connected with my school. My teammates helped me learn and were extremely supportive throughout the season. It was a great feeling to know that I had guys to call family.
In the fall I will be attending the University of Illinois on a basketball scholarship. I will start off with a degree in general studies but hope to transfer into engineering or business school.