In 2016 I was on a mission to try as many adaptive sports as possible. My goal was to show others the numerous activities available to them. Toward the end of 2016 I found wheelchair curling. Wheelchair Curling is quite unique in it doesn’t have the sweepers traditional curling has. The sport is about technique and patience. The wheelchair curler sets up their stone, taps it in to position, aims, and throws it at the perfect weight to land where the skip, (the person calling the shots), asked it to land. I was consumed by the finesse! I have competed in 2 US pre-trial selection processes and 2 Team USA selection trials. I’ve participated in numerous camps across the country, having the opportunity to curl in different clubs. I’ve created life long friendships.
Wheelchair curling has taught me a few lessons. The importance of unity and flow it takes to make a successful team. Mental management that I apply to every aspect of my life. Wheelchair curling gave me the skill of detailed documentation, which I use for my education and fitness routine. It taught me patience, to anticipate the unexpected, and how to let go. But most importantly wheelchair curling taught me the game isn’t over until it’s over.
I recently have been experiencing shoulder pain; seeking medical attention for the pain. After 3 weeks off of the ice due to the shoulder pain, I have had time to think. I wasn’t applying myself to the national program as much as it takes to be a world caliber athlete. In the 3 years I have been with the program my priorities have shifted from athletics to my education and non-profit. I will still curl for fun but at this time it is not fair to my teammates nor myself to continue to participate in the national program. I am taking time off to allow my achy shoulder to heal and to focus on my main priorities.  This was not an easy decision to make. Being a world caliber athlete is an experience that words cannot describe. To represent the USA in an International competition is the stuff dreams are made of. This is not goodbye forever but until later.
5 comments
You a very nice looking woman and I love a woman that loves sports I also love sports and I am also in a wheelchair and I played wheelchair sports like basketball baseball football and I love to bowl I am 55 so I now am a coach for the young kids but I do still bowl I was married for 25 years until she passed away I have two boys who are already grown up but I have a granddaughter but I do have first wife that I was only married ten years while I was going to college but then we got a divorce then I met my second wife who I really was in love with but I had my boys with my first wife
That’s awesome! I love curling and watch it whenever it’s on TV.
La lecture de votre article a été très agréable. Brittani Gery Andromeda
You are an amazing person!
Hey Jess !!! Hello !! Hope all is well in your world. I am dropping a line to ask if you would be interested in playing in a mixed doubles Spiel at your club in Charlotte? December 29th -31st. If not that is fine, I just had to ask since it is home for you. Our club in NY did not open this season. So, I have only thrown once since last February. It is $125 per person registration. I would be flying in on the 27th and practice ice is available on the 28th.