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

DFORWARD
HT: 6’1”
WT: 160
Born: 02.10.1991 in Grafton, Ohio
Hometown: Broadview Heights, Ohio
College: Ashland University (fall 2009)
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP7

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"Making progress in the game has been Nick's focus. Tall and lanky and coming from a basketball background, Nick has found a way to compete at the national team level. He has consistently improved at every camp and has the self-starter mentality to always make the effort of training away from camp."

Q & A with JASON

When did you first begin playing soccer? June 2008.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I heard about it from my physical therapist Brad Dasher.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? When I got to my first camp in California, I felt the camaraderie that was with the rest of my teammates. I couldn't believe that I was now playing for my country.

Who was your first soccer coach? Coaches Mike Battista and Chris Voose with my high school team the Brecksville Bees during my senior year.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? My drive to improve, and passing.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? Shooting and speed.

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

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I can be tough and patient. I realize that this is a process that will take time to get to where I want to be with the team.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? The game helps you get in shape and you get to form great friendships by meeting people who love to play the game as well.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? It has given me a goal to pursue. I have always wanted to play sports, and this gives me a chance to compete for my country. There is nothing better.

Which college are you attending, or graduated, if any? Ashland University in the fall.

What is your area of study, or which major, or degree did you obtain? Political Science, History.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I am currently a senior in high school. I live at home with my parents, brother and sister.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? I want to make sure that I am a good person and able to help others. I hope to become a lawyer and maybe run for public office someday. I want to make a difference.

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 travel.

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

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? Michael Jordan and Will Smith.

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Mr. Smith who was my history teacher my junior year because he taught me what it truly meant to be an American and what responsibilities I have to my country.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? Because of my disability, I was always picked last for sports teams in gym, but I always did the best I could.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? Mom graduated from West Virginia University, Dad also graduated from West Virginia with a degree in mechanical engineering and went on to earn a masters from Case Western Reserve University. Brother, Alex, is a freshman in high school and currently plays lacrosse. Sister, Tori, is currently in 8th grade, and is a softball pitcher.

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? Las Cruces, N.M. because the temperature was warm year-round, and I got to make friends in a place where the cultural customs were very different than mine.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? I would have gone to Washington D.C. for my 8th grade class trip. I missed out on a great experience.

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

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? To fly.

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? Rap, but I like rock as well. Blink 182, AC/DC, Green Day, Busta Rhymes, more Green Day, Collective Soul, Dave Matthews Band, Creed, The Rolling Stones, Three Six Mafia.

Who is your favorite artist, or favorite type of art? Do you have a favorite work of art? Van Gogh, watercolors, Starry Night.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? It has shaped who I am today, and it has given me opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I've learned to live with it and I wouldn't change anything.

What is your favorite quotation? "Do the best you can with what you have, where you are." - FDR

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? The Character Counts Award I received during my freshman year in Las Cruces, N.M. I was surprised that anyone knew who I was that early in my new school.