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MIDFIELDER
HT: 5’7”
WT: 126
Born: 11.01.1990 in Manchester, N.H.
Hometown: Manchester, N.H.
College: NHTI
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP6

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"New to the program identified just this past year, Tyler brings a work ethic to our squad that makes every player better. Very quiet and reserved he consistently just goes about his play, making it better every day."

Q & A with TYLER

When did you first begin playing soccer? I started playing when I was 12 years old.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I had seen it on MySpace and was interested, so I went forward and went to my first training camp.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? My first training camp in California.

Who was your first soccer coach? Kim Kelly / Manchester Angels.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? Being able to communicate well and move on and off the ball.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? I feel my mobility as a player can be stronger.

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

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I have learned that I can do anything if i set my mind to it, also I have learned how to play the game better.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? That it is a great game and you can learn a lot about yourself by playing the game.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? It has positively affected my life because it's showed me how many good soccer players there are out there that have physical disabilities. It has also tought me that I can accomplish anything and I can push myself a lot harder than I had intially thought possible.

Which college are you attending, or graduated, if any? I will be attending NHTI in the fall to start on my way to a career in nutrition and exercise science.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I attend school and train on the week nights and weekends.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? My goal in life is to play in the world championships and also go to the paralympics. I also want to teach others with physical disiabilities that they can be physically active and that they can accomplish anything. My dream is to own a Viper and live in California full time. I want to attain a spot on the world games roster and go to the paralympics and to most of all be happy in whatever it is I choose to do in my future.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? I would spend time with my family and friends more often and play the sport that I love almost as much as soccer (golf).

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

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? My mom, my dad, my brother, my sister and my uncle Chris and my grandparents.

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Mr. Halley because he encouraged me to chase my dreams.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? I had to learn how to walk again after surgery, I had a lot of help and support from family and friends to overcome that obstacle.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? I have a twin brother and an older sister. My dad is a soldier and has done numerous tours of duty in Iraq. My mom is one of the greatest people i could ask to have in my life.

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

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? I don't think I would change any decision I made because at the time I made the decision I thought I was doing what was best for me.

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

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? Super speed.

Do you play any musical instruments? No.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? I don't really have a favorite kind of music, If I had to choose between 10 CDs for three years it would be a long three years because I wouldn't know which ones to pick.

Are you artistic? I can draw a little bit.

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

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? I was born with CP because of being a premature twin and that I just walk a little bit differently. It doesn't really affect my life in a huge way just some things are a little harder than others and even though it might take me a little more time to do some things I can still do anything you can do just in a different way.

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? Accomplishing the game of golf.

Please share anything else about yourself that wasn't covered above. I am a very shy person at first but once you get to know me you would think otherwise, I do well in school. I love to kick around with friends when I'm not training and I also love to run and lift weights.