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

MIDFIELDER
HT: 5’6”
WT: 130
Born: 04.25.1992 in Yokusuka, Japan
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP8

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"An athlete with exceptional speed and a mentality to take on players, Chad provides us variety in attack. A versatile and consistent player who loves to compete at any level, Chad's emergence brings us a new dimension."

Q & A with CHAD

When did you first begin playing soccer? I began playing at 5 years old.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? After trying out for the Rush Travel Team.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? Showing up for that first day of camp for the very first time. Flying to San Diego by myself.

Who was your first soccer coach? Niki Nicolic, SUPERNOVA, Pennsylvania.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? My pace.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? I should be more aggressive.

Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? Fernando Torres.

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I have learned how to accept my handicap and focus on my strengths.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? What's there to say, it's the best game in the world.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? It has given me opportunities to travel, represent my country, and play soccer at a level that I had only dreamed.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I am a junior at Hickory High School, I work as a cashier at the local grocery store, and live with my family.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? To have a successful career that makes it enjoyable to go to work every day. Also, I want to live near water so I can continue wake boarding and boating.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? Traveling around the world.

Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? My mom.

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

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? I've liked all of my teachers, but my favorites this year are Mrs. Priest and Mr. Evans because other than being good teachers, they understand the opportunities of Paralympic soccer, which motivates me to do my best in school.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? I don't see obstacles, only opportunities to prove myself.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? I have a twin sister (16) who also has CP, an older brother (18) who is going to the Air Force Academy next year and will play Division I soccer, a younger brother (8) who is very competitive, a stepsister (11) who is always energetic, another stepsister (12) who is almost perfect, and a younger half-brother (5) who is amazing at "Call of Duty."

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? I don't have a favorite. I love exploring and each city is an adventure.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? I don't regret any decisions I have made, I just try to make better decisions.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? Being able to move things with my mind.

Do you play any musical instruments? No, my voice, ha ha.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? I like any music except classical. I don't have CD's but I have an iPod.

Are you artistic? If doodling counts, than I'm pro. [Editor's note: Doodling always counts!]

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

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 it means my brain is telling one side of my body to do something, but it takes longer for that side to do what it is told. To me it means that I try ten times harder.

What is your favorite quotation? "This is Sparta!" - King Leonidas, 300

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? I am doing well in school, I take great care of my 2 dogs, and I take good care of myself.

Please share anything else about yourself that wasn't covered above. I pole vault for my high school track team.