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HT: 5’8”
WT: 155
Born: 11.27.1978 in Nganundere, Cameroon
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
College: Evergreen State College
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP6

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"On the field Josh has contributed through his ability in both creating and scoring goals. His reputation and notoriety in the field of comedy have raised the level of awareness of paralympic soccer throughout the country. Josh has been one of the greatest supporters of the game and is constantly finding us potential players. As one can imagine, in training and camps, we all possess the possibility of being a subject of one of his dialogs."

Q & A with JOSH

When did you first begin playing soccer? Junior high.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? While working at summer camp, there was a girl on the paralympic swim team & she saw me playing. She said "you know there's a team for you right? You're really good!" So I emailed the contact she gave me & said: "I'm Josh Blue, I'm 22, and a damn good soccer player." The guy wrote back & said: "That's great Josh, we're always looking for damn good soccer players!" I've been a member ever since.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? My first tournament was in Holland, we played against Ireland and in the 1st game I scored 2 goals. I haven't scored a goal since (just kidding).

Who was your first soccer coach? Rick Moss with the paralympic team.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? I'm a good team motivator. I bring a lot of energy to the field (and throw a lot of elbows).

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? Endurance.

Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? I'm a big fan of Roger Milla (Cameroon national team).

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I've learned that I'm good at motivating other players when they're down. I'm good at keeping up team morale (with a joke to lighten the mood, even if we're losing by 8).

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? Try as hard as you can, unless you're trying for my position.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? Keeps me motivated to exercise on a regular basis & not let my body deteriorate. It's also a great opportunity to see the world.

Which college are you attending, or graduated, if any? Evergreen State College.

What is your area of study, or which major, or degree did you obtain? Studied everything from creative writing, to zoology, to theater & stand-up comedy.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I am a Stand-up comedian, I love with my wife Yuko and son, Simon [aka: Borat].

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? To be great at everything I do.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? I'd buy a huge plot of forest and hang out in the woods & be in nature all the time. I'd just raise my son (Simon), and be out in nature as much as possible.

Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? Chris Rock.

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? Dave Chapelle, Brian Regan, Salvador Dali, Bob Dylan.

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Creative Writing Professor Bill Ransom. He taught the class in a really fun & exciting way. And he's a badass.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? Having a disability I wasn't able to play any sports all throughout elementary & high school. I'm sure that I could be a better player if I'd had the same opportunities as everyone else.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? I have one brother & two sisters (I'm the baby).

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? Senegal, West Africa.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? Doing this questionnaire (laughs).

If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? I would play myself! Or Don Rickles. Or Chris Rock.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? Flying (that way I wouldn't have to go to the airport all the time). Or X-ray vision.

Do you play any musical instruments? Yes — the kazoo.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? Musak (just kidding). Rock & roll!

Are you artistic? I paint a lot.

Who is your favorite artist, or favorite type of art? Do you have a favorite work of art? Salvador Dali.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? Watch my stand-up!

What is your favorite quotation? "What does Marcellus Wallace look like?" - Jules speaking to Brett in Pulp Fiction

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? My son, Simon. The best kazoo player in the world!