by Aaron Nemiroff
The Ability360 Wheelchair Diamondbacks have seen considerable growth in their four years.
The Wheelchair Diamondbacks have grown as a program and a team, building camaraderie in the process. While wheelchair softball is engaging enough as a sport, the team chemistry remains the driving force of motivation for the athletes.
“My favorite part is honestly the people I get to do it with,” said Nick Pryor, head coach and player for the softball team. “I love the sport. I’ve always loved the sport. It’s nothing without the people.”
Keeping other adaptive sports in mind, Pryor believes wheelchair softball is most like the original. The rules are widely the same, with the only significant difference being the wheelchairs. This has led to multiple former college athletes wanting to participate.
Adaptive features make it easier for players to swing, round bases and catch the softball. One of the most important are referred to as “blocks” or “cages” These help hold the chair in place at the plate when the player is up to bat.
With the blocks in position, hitters are able to generate as much strength as possible without fear of their chair moving out of place. It also allows players to swing with one arm if they choose to do so, allowing them to keep one hand on the wheels to quickly start heading toward first base after a hit.
Playing wheelchair softball at Ability360 has provided many unique opportunities to players. Some of those even view it as a second chance.
Justin Walker was injured while playing college baseball. He looked for opportunities to continue his athletic career, but from a wheelchair. Living in California at the time, he found Ability360 and made the move to Arizona. Now 13 years of adaptive sports later, he plays wheelchair softball, football and basketball for Ability360.
He’s now using his own experience to challenge others with disabilities to try out a sport they love.
“I challenge everybody,” Walker said. “If you think sports are cool, try to do it sitting down. It’s pretty awesome.”
The Wheelchair Diamondbacks are preparing for another trip to the Wheelchair Softball World Series. Taking place in August, the tournament brings together multiple teams from across the country to compete in New Lenox, just outside of Chicago.
Aside from winning, the Diamondbacks intend to use the tournament as an opportunity to find ways they can improve and continue to grow the program at Ability360. It’s also a way for them to further enhance the relationships they’ve formed with each other over the last four years.
“Everybody’s got each other’s back,” Pryor said. “Everybody’s rooting for each other. We got something really special going on here.”
For more information about the Wheelchair Diamondbacks, visit: ability360.org/softball/.
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Correction or questions? Reach the editor at editor@ability360.org.