2023 USA Goalball Youth World Championships Fundraiser

FUNDRAISER FOR USA GOALBALL'S 2023 YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

"Representing Team USA at the 2009 World Youth Goalball Championships was the first time I got to feel the pride and honor of putting on a USA jersey, a feeling that never gets old. It was a stepping stone for me toward my dream of becoming a Paralympian. Getting to compete against the best youth teams in the world was a critical step in helping me realize that I could be a world-class goalball athlete and was pivotal in helping me earn a spot on the Rio Paralympic team just a few years later." -Matt Simpson, two-time Paralympian and 2016 silver medalist

For many talented American goalball players under the age of 19, the IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships provide them with their first international competition experience and often their first taste of international travel. Held every other year since 2005, the event is a major stepping stone in an athlete's development. U.S. teams have won 13 medals at the Youth World Championships with numerous athletes going on to represent Team USA at the Paralympic Games.

This year, a team of six boys, two coaches, a team leader, and an athletic trainer will travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil, July 12-19, to represent the U.S., gain invaluable playing experience, and seek to bring home a medal. 

MEET THE 2023 USA GOALBALL YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM:

tristan brennan

My name is Tristan Brennan, and I’m a senior in high school at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) while being the Class of 2023 Valedictorian. I was introduced to the sport of Goalball as a middle school student at FSDB. Goalball has helped me become confident in my abilities and to be a leader on the court. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend the University of Central Florida and major in business finance.

Accomplishments:

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place
• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors

hussam itani

My name is Hussam Itani, and I’m in the 11^th grade at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). I was introduced to the sport of Goalball as a middle school student at FSDB. The teams and players before me had instilled the values of having a strong work ethic, being a good teammate, and mentoring the younger athletes after me. I’m always looking at being better with all my throws and playing defense in all three positions. My ultimate goal beyond playing on the USA Youth National Goalball Team is to represent the United States at the 2032 Melbourne Paralympic Games. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend First Coast Technical College and become a certified HVAC technician.

Accomplishments

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place
• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – Most Outstanding Male Player
• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors

Kenneth jacques

My name is Kenneth Jacques, and I’m in the 11^th grade at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. I was introduced to the sport of Goalball as a high school student at FSDB. Though I started late in Goalball, my coach and teammates have helped me in becoming a better player every time I get on the court. I enjoy watching the USA Men’s National Goalball Team compete internationally because I want them to be the best in the world. Beyond playing on the USA Youth National Goalball Team, I aim to represent the United States at the 2032 Melbourne Paralympic Games. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend either the University of Central Florida or the University of North Florida and major in business management.

Accomplishments

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place

Darrius Matthews

My name is Darrius Matthews and I’m a student at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired located in Austin, Texas. I was introduced to the sport of Goalball by my coach, Tammy Reed. I have been participating in the sport for many years and am passionate about goalball. My goal is to become a goalball player at the highest level.

Accomplishments

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – Second Place
• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships - All-American Team Honors
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships - Second Place
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships - All-American Team Honors

jacob peterson

My name is Jacob Peterson. I am a senior in high school in Saint George, Utah. Goalball has made a massive impact on my life. When I was younger, I didn't think I'd ever be able to play sports like everyone else. I felt down about this because I enjoyed sports a lot. I was then introduced to goalball and ever since then felt much better about myself. Goalball has not only given me a way to play a sport at a high level, but it has also made me more comfortable with my vision. I have more confidence in myself and don't feel bad about my situation anymore. Goalball has made me a better leader and a better person, and it has shaped me into who I am today.

Accomplishments:

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – Fourth Place
• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – Fourth Place
• 2021 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors
• 2019 US National High School Goalball Championships – Fourth Place
• 2018 US National High School Goalball Championships – Second Place

TEAM ALTERNATES

KHYREE LOFTON

My name is Khayree Lofton, and I’m in the 9^th grade at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). I was introduced to the sport of Goalball as a middle school student at FSDB. Goalball has a better athlete and most importantly a better person. My ultimate goal beyond playing on the USA Youth National Goalball Team is to represent the United States at the 2032 Melbourne Paralympic Games. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend the University of North Florida and major in business.

Accomplishments

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – First Place

CHRISTOPHER MORGAN

My name is Christopher Morgan.  As one of four boys, all three of my brothers have played sports for most of their lives, except me. I always wanted to play a team sport, but every sport that I tried was nearly impossible for me to excel in.  When I was introduced to goalball in fourth grade, it took some time to accept a non-traditional sport but as I have participated more, I have fallen in love with the game!  Today as a ninth grader, it is a game that I can play and do very well in. With only a little more than a year of playing competitively as a member of both our youth and men's teams, I see that I can be much more than just a regular athlete; I can be a Paralympian representing the USA. Now, I am working toward becoming good enough to qualify to play in the 2028 Paralympics in LA.

Accomplishments

• 2022 US National High School Goalball Championships – All-American Team Honors

THE TEAM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Funding is needed to help send the U.S. team to the 2023 IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships and provide this life-changing opportunity for youth who are blind and visually impaired. By giving to this campaign you are helping provide an invaluable experience for these young men, both on and off the court, and creating memories for them that will last a lifetime.

We thank you for your support!