The Ability360 Wheelchair Diamondbacks had one goal entering the International Wheelchair Softball World Series: make a name for themselves.
The Diamondbacks arrived at the biggest stage in Wheelchair Softball with determination. They aimed to accomplish two tasks: Make a statement while proudly representing Ability360 and Arizona, and catch their competition off guard.
They accomplished their goal by placing third overall in Division II, the best-ever finish for the team in the tournament.
“I’m extremely proud,” said Nick Pryor, Ability360 Program Manager - Athletics, player and coach of the Wheelchair Diamondbacks. “Like I tell them all the time, it doesn’t matter how proud I am of them, I hope they’re proud of themselves because we’ve been putting in the work.”
The Diamondbacks knew competition was tough, as the best wheelchair softball teams in the country play in the World Series.
In the Chicago tune-up tournament a week prior to the World Series, the Diamondbacks gained confidence as they faced fierce competitors, and defeated some of the toughest ones. The 11-seed in the World Series, the Diamondbacks ran into two good teams right off the bat. The two early losses weren’t ideal, but didn’t impact their determination or confidence.
The Diamondbacks bounced back with determination, winning their third game of the tournament 11-0. That momentum carried over to a 13-0 win, followed by a close loss that put them in third-place game in Division II. Motivated by the chance to finish with their best-ever World Series placement, they gutted out a 6-3 victory.
This accomplishment came against teams with more classification points than the Diamondbacks, which is measured by each individual athlete’s performance functionality.
“We’re playing against teams that are putting 28 points on the field compared to us having 20.5 classification points,” Pryor said. “Essentially, you’re playing at a lesser advantage than everybody else. So, to be able to come out in third place, is awesome.”
Along with a third-place finish, several players received honors from the tournament.
Left fielder Luis Raygoza was named to the All Tournament Team for Divisions II and III. Pryor was named to the All Tournament Team for Division II and III for his play at first base.
Catcher David ‘OG’ Gildon and shortstop Justin Walker were also named to the All Tournament Team. Walker was named Best Class 2
Every player made a significant impact on the team’s success in the tournament. Specifically, Sarah Heizl and Mike Smith earned significant praise from coaches for their play. Smith threw a no-hitter in the third game of the tournament against the Tulsa Twisters. This marks the second time he threw a no-hitter as a member of the Diamondbacks.
“All 13 players that were there, so much credit to them,” Pryor said. “I think from my start [with the team] to now, seeing a lot of those players who have never played the game before to now excelling, that’s my favorite part. We encourage them to keep working because things are only going to go up from here.”
As the summer season winds down and the Diamondbacks shift their focus to the winter season, Pryor isn’t focused on bigger expectations that may come from the team’s World Series finish.
He prefers to focus on the standard.
“Expectations fluctuate. Standards don’t fluctuate,” Pryor said. “I hope we get all the players back and hopefully we can recruit a couple more that will put us in the Division I bracket that will allow us to compete with the highest teams in the country.”
Contact Us
Correction or questions? Reach the editor at editor@ability360.org.