2018 Team CAF Athletes_Paralympics

Jasmine Murrell

Jasmine RunSport: Track
City: Elizabeth, NJ
Grant: Travel grant for Desert Storm Games
Bio: As a high school salutatorian and college graduate in psychology, Jasmine turned to track and field to find athletic fulfillment in her life.  She has quickly proven herself as a fierce competitor with elite ambitions, earning the title of GLASA National Adult Open Champion in the 100m, 200m, and 400m and finishing as the 4th female in a half marathon race. Jasmine is visually impaired, but grew up with a strong support system as a majority of her family also has the same genetic condition. Thanks to CAF, Jasmine will continue competing and training this year with a travel grant for Desert Storms Games.
Motto: “I CAN.”
Disability: Visually impaired

Gabrielle Platt

gabrielle handcycleSport: Paracycling and wheelchair basketball
City: Tulsa, OK
Grant: Travel/Competition Grant for 2018 Paracycling National Championship
Bio: Wheelchair basketball and para cycling have changed Gabrielle’s life. She has medaled in national championships for both sports and is now a Paralympic hopeful. Gabrielle is a single mother who was shot in the back six years ago resulting in paraplegia. Adaptive sports helped Gabrielle regain her confidence and independence after two years of inactivity. Thanks to CAF, Gabrielle is competing in the 2018 Paracyling National Championship.
Quote: “Now I’m physically stronger, socially involved, and the rewards have trickled down to my son who is also cycling, competing, and strongly involved in our community.”
Motto: “Just do it.”
Disability: Paraplegia

Evan Terrell

evan sled hockeySport: Wheelchair Basketball, Tennis, Sled Hockey, Archery
City: Nashville, TN
Grant: Competition/Travel for WC Basketball & Sled Hockey tournaments
Bio: A year full of sports gives Evan purpose, confidence and the opportunity to mentor younger athletes. He stays busy playing wheelchair tennis from April to September, sled hockey and wheelchair basketball from August to April, and shooting archery from September to March. Evan was born with Spina Bifida and learned to adapt at an early age in order to participate in sports. Evan will use his CAF competition and travel grant for wheelchair basketball and sled hockey tournaments to keep improving his skills with the goal of one day playing in college and for the U.S. National Team.
Quote: “My parents have always told me I could accomplish anything, but I sometimes have to do it a little bit differently.”
Motto: “I Can Do It!”
Disability: Spina Bifida

Amy Watt

Amy Watt long jumpSport: Track & Field
City: Palo Alto, CA
Grant: Travel/Competition
Bio: Amy played soccer competitively throughout her childhood and began running track and field in high school. Despite missing her arm below the elbow, Amy quickly realized how fast hard work pays off and she grew from a junior runner to an elite athlete representing the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. She is now studying chemistry and running at the prestigious Pomona-Pitzer College. Her 2018 CAF grant will help her acquire the proper coaching and training to make her dreams of returning to the world stage at the 2020 Paralympics a reality.
Quote: “As I look to the future, I aspire to continue developing as an athlete in hopes of medaling at future international competitions, including the 2020 Paralympics.”
Motto: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Disability: Below-Elbow Amputee