Adapted Athletics

About San Diego State University Adapted Athletics:

SDSU Adapted Athletics is a pioneering program at San Diego State University, dedicated to supporting and creating competitive opportunities for student-athletes with physical disabilities. As the first collegiate adaptive athletics program in California, it serves as a model for other institutions by offering coaching, mentorship, and community engagement in an inclusive environment where athletes can thrive academically and athletically.

Our mission is to foster a supportive atmosphere through a multidisciplinary approach that combines competitive sports, innovative research, and meaningful community involvement. It currently supports athletes in ambulatory track and field and wheelchair tennis, with plans to expand into wheelchair basketball, para-beach volleyball, and other high-performance Paralympic sports.

Emphasizing holistic athlete development, SDSU Adapted Athletics integrates athletic training, academic achievement, and disability advocacy to provide a well-rounded experience. The program also engages with the broader San Diego community through partnerships with organizations such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the MESA Foundation, helping to promote inclusion and awareness of adaptive sports.

SDSU Adapted Athletics is funded in part by Associated Students and relies on donations and sponsorships to support athlete training, competition, and scholarships. The program collaborates with multiple campus and community partners, including the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences and the Adapted Sports Physical Therapy Student Organization.

Looking ahead, SDSU Adapted Athletics plans to expand its offerings and facilities, with the goal of preparing athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.