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

DEFENDER
HT: 5’1”
WT: 95
Born: 01.19.1996 in St. Louis, Mo.
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy - Spastic Diplegia
Classification: CP5

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"Our youngest and most recent addition to the national team pool, Farris came into camp with a great attitude to compete regardless of his age. Potential for him is characterized by his mentality and work ethic. Another player for the future success of paralympic soccer."

Q & A with FARRIS

When did you first begin playing soccer? I began playing when I was 7 years old.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I was invited to the Feb. '09 Training Camp.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? The feeling I got when I went to the first practice at camp. It was such a great feeling to be playing a sport with athletes who had a similar disability as me. I'll never forget that feeling.

Who was your first soccer coach? Curt Schuchardt for Kirkwood Parks and Recreation Co-Ed Youth Soccer League.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? I'm alert and I always try to get the ball.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? At this time my experience and endurance.

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

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? That I can overcome homesickness. Especially with the support and friends I made.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? It's so much fun. Try hard, don't give up!.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? I'm Inspired by the other athletes on the team because they have overcome obstacles like I have. It gives me so much pride.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I live at home with my mom, dad and brother.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? I dream of playing soccer on the U.S. Paralympic Soccer National team. I want good health and happiness.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? Being the boss of Donald Trump.

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

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

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Mrs. Heidi Ford. She is great at teaching. She believed in me and is so positive.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? Having a disablity can be an obstacle. I try to never let it discourage me. I always feel like I can do it!

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? I have a 9 year old brother who also plays soccer.

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? Harbour Island, Bahamas.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? I'm only 13. Life is good.

If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? Matthew Broderick.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? The ability to pause time.

Do you play any musical instruments? No. I just listen.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? Hip Hop / Rap. My fav's are 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and Lil' Wayne.

Are you artistic? I love to draw.

Who is your favorite artist, or favorite type of art? Do you have a favorite work of art? Andy Warhol. I like his Pepsi print.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? Don't treat me differently because of my disability. I want to be treated just like everyone else. No special treatment.

What is your favorite quotation? "Shake and Bake!" - Ricky Bobby (from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby)

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? My good grades.

Please share anything else about yourself that wasn't covered above. I think I covered everything.