My name is Gabe Trujillo and I have been an athlete of Arizona Disabled Sports since 2005. A native of Arizona, my experience with AZDS began by chance. I was doing a story on adaptive sports for the State Press for Arizona State University.

I was originally going to highlight the sport of quad rugby, but was directed to check out the sport of power soccer at AZDS. So I stopped by the Broadway Recreation Center to see the sport in action and the rest was history.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this incredible sport for people with disabilities. Before I became a quadriplegic, I was an avid athlete. Soccer and baseball dominated my weekends, and when I loss my ability to walk, I thought my days of being an athlete were over.

But from the moment I strapped on my guard, my competitive spirit was reinvigorated and it was amazing to be able to compete again. The highlight of my time with AZDS was winning the USPSA National Championship on my birthday as a member of the Sun Devil Power Soccer Club.

Today, I continue to build my skills with the Arizona Heat and build the sport of power soccer in the Valley. When I’m not on the court, you can find me at the movies or working at 12 News as a Digital Content Producer.