From Sunday night football with her dad to two Paralympic gold medals, Bethany Zummo’s life has always revolved around sport. But it wasn’t just her talent that brought her to the world stage—it was the mindset instilled by her family, the opportunities provided by her community, and the belief that movement, in any form, is powerful. 

From the Beginning: A Family Rooted in Possibility 

Bethany was born in Dublin, California, with fibular hemimelia and proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). At just two years old, she underwent an amputation of her right leg. But if you ask Bethany, it didn’t slow her down for a second. 

Her parents approached her disability with a sense of strength and optimism. Sports weren’t off-limits—they were encouraged. From a young age, Bethany was active, curious, and competitive. Her family made it clear: she could do anything anyone else could do. 

Discovering Sitting Volleyball—and Her Olympic Dream 

In high school, Bethany was introduced to sitting volleyball. It was the perfect match—fast-paced, strategic, and team-centered. Her passion grew quickly, and so did her skills. Bethany joined the U.S. National Sitting Volleyball Team, and within a few years, she was headed to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

That year, she and her teammates made history by bringing home the first gold medal ever for U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball. 

Gold Again in Tokyo—and Training Beyond the Court 

Bethany didn’t stop there. She kept training, mentoring younger athletes, and expanding her impact. Thanks to a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Bethany received an Össur prosthetic leg that allowed her to cross-train in beach volleyball—adding even more dimension to her athletic routine. 

In 2021, her hard work paid off again. At the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, she won her second gold medal as part of Team USA. 

A CAF Moment to Remember: Drew Brees, Meet Bethany Zummo 

Bethany recently visited CAF headquarters to bring her story full circle. With her Paralympic medals in hand, she joined CAF athletes for a day of adaptive sports—this time, alongside retired NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion Drew Brees. 

Bethany lit up when she saw Drew walk through the doors. She had grown up watching him on TV with her dad. She never imagined she’d teach him her sport one day. 

The two sat on the gym floor and shared a friendly competition in sitting volleyball. Drew, always the athlete, quickly got the hang of it—but not without some coaching from Bethany. After a few rallies, he was bumping, setting, and even spiking from a seated position. 

“I love athletics and sports, especially when it’s something new. I had so much fun learning the techniques of sitting volleyball from Bethany,” said Brees. 

Bethany laughed and said her dad would never believe it—so Drew recorded a personal video message: “She beat me at sitting volleyball… really bad… so my ego is hurt a little bit.” It was a moment of full-circle joy, laughter, and the shared respect between elite athletes. 

Champion, Mentor, and Advocate 

Bethany isn’t just an athlete. She’s a coach, a mentor, and a fierce advocate for inclusion. Through CAF clinics, she shares her knowledge with the next generation of adaptive athletes, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and push beyond perceived limitations. 

“Sitting volleyball puts everyone on a level playing field,” Bethany said. “It reminds us that sport is about connection, effort, and joy—whether you’re adaptive or not.” 

The Power of Sport—and the People Who Believe in You 

Bethany Zummo’s story is a testament to what happens when ability meets opportunity. With a strong foundation from her family, support from the adaptive community, and access to the right tools and training through organizations like CAF, she’s turned every challenge into a win. 

Her story reminds us that belief—especially when backed by action—can lead to gold.