Click here to open the ENTIRE WEB SITE in a NEW BROWSER WINDOW

DEFENDER
HT: 6’2”
WT: 200
Born: 01.31.1984 in Rochester, N.Y.
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
College: SUNY College at Brockport
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP8

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"A great addition to the paralympic team. Chris came to the program with limited soccer experience, but had a history in individual sport competition. His leadership in the program, both off the field and by example on the field has been excellent. He has elevated himself through dedication and the desire of being an impact player in our defensive scheme."

Q & A with CHRIS

When did you first begin playing soccer? I began playing soccer at the age of 4.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I heard about it in college and decided to contact the team.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? There are a few but being named to my first roster was exciting and scoring the game tying goal vs. England in Holland in 2007. Josh Mckinney dribbled the ball through what seemed to be every single England player and then passed me the ball (it was one of those moments where everything slows down and seemed like it took forever) and I was shocked he did, but luckily it found the back of the net, the feeling was unbelievable.

Who was your first soccer coach? The coaches I don't remember but I played travel for the United Soccer Association in the Binghamton, N.Y. area.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? My strengths as a player are my leadership, my ability to hold the ball and my understanding of the game.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? My biggest weakness is that I am not fast.

Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? I'm not sure I have one as a role model but I enjoy watching Messi, Kaka, Steven Gerrard (most big name players). For Americans I like Oguchi Onyewu because he plays defense and is a bigger guy somewhat like myself (he's much more muscular haha). The sports athlete that has been the biggest role model to me was Jim Abbott (the one handed pitcher) I saw him doing things and figured I could too.

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I have learned that I am capable of more than I once thought.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? I would say to work hard and to not let people deter you from your dreams.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? It has given me a lot of confidence in my life as a whole (personally, soccer, professionally).

Which college are you attending, or graduated, if any? SUNY College at Brockport.

What is your area of study, or which major, or degree did you obtain? B.S. in Physical Education ( 07) M.S. Ed. In Adapted Physical Education ( 08).

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I teach Adapted Physical Education in the San Diego Unified School District.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? Overall I just want to be happy and successful in life. In soccer, though, my ultimate goal is to qualify and participate in a Paralympics.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? Start a foundation for kids with disabilities.

Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? My parents and my brother Tim.

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? My parents and siblings.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? People doubting my abilities and just working hard to show that I could do anything they could do.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? I am the youngest of 4: Tim 35, Jena 33, and Megan 28 Tim is married to Vanessa 35 and Megan to Jeff 28 and I have two nieces Lily 3 and Olivia 1.

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? They have all been awesome and unique in their own way.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? Not have stopped playing soccer (I stopped because we moved and soccer wasn't offered).

If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? A lot of people say I look like Will Ferrell so him but if it was based on acting ability only I would choose Brad Pitt or Matt Damon I suppose.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? To read people's minds.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? I like all types of music but wouldn't be able to choose 10 CDs.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? I would tell them that I can do anything they can do I just might have to go about doing it differently and I would say I have no regrets about having it because ultimately it has made me a better person.

What is your favorite quotation? "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden, "Take Pride in what you do!" - Something coach Hoffman preaches to us.

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? Getting my masters degree.

Click here to read Chris' U.S. Paralympic Soccer Blog