Mikel Vandello: Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA (WASUSA) Hall of Fame Inductee

Who would have thought that square dancing would lead to becoming a Para-Olympian? Well for Mikel Vandello, square dancing opened the doors to a world of sports that she did not even know existed! Mikel Vandello will be inducted into the Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA (WASUSA) Hall of Fame on October 13th, an award that reflects her hard work and dedication as a distinguished athlete at national and international competitions. She is currently a coach with the Great Lake Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA), where she has provided support to many athletes, who have a physical or visual disability. Mikel has demonstrated her superior sportsmanship and performance throughout the many years she has played sports, but this award falls short of recognizing all that she has accomplished since she was 26 years old.

Mikel Vandello was struck with polio at the age of eight months old, which caused her to have leg paralysis, but this unfortunate disease did not stop her from pursuing her goals. Mikel was born into a family of ten children, whose lives revolved around sports. Although Mikel’s parents did include her in many family sport activities, they realized Mikel desired to do more. At a young age, Mikel had an urge to compete so she joined a competitive, local square dancing team. Through her fellow competitors, Mikel was introduced to other sports that she only dreamt of playing. Once Mikel realized how much she could do, she pursued basketball, track and field, and swimming. Joe Gomez, her square dancing coach from the Craig Hospital in Denver, provided Mikel unconditional support in undertaking these sports. He influenced her to surpass her boundaries and feel limitless with regards to sports. Joe Gomez also assisted Mikel in developing chair handling techniques used in basketball and field events.

As she continued with her sports career, Mikel evolved into a national and international winning athlete. She participated in competitive events such as: The Toronto Paralympics, Stoke-Mandeville Games, Pan Am Games-Brazil, Japan and France Expos. Mikel also established a Shot Put World Record! These competitions not only gave Mikel incredible opportunities to demonstrate her athletic ability, but also, unforgettable experiences. The adrenaline rushing through her veins at every competition was a feeling “I will never forget.” She remembers the excitement she felt each time she rolled on to the field and heard the USA’s National Anthem. She found herself surrounded by other disabled athletes who were just as capable as any able bodied competitor.

Mikel acknowledges that participating in the different competitive events opened her eyes to a disabled world she had yet to experience. “I was amazed by how people with various disabilities were allowed to compete and how these athletes performed flawlessly.” Mikel clearly recalls when they stopped the Paralympics in Toronto so that everyone’s eyes focused on the amputee who was about to break the long-jump world record. The Toronto Paralympics was not the only place that left Mikel with long-lasting memories. While competing in Brazil, Mikel gained a friend who would soon become her future husband. Together they accomplished many successes and have been each other’s number one cheerleader. In general, the competitions have left a mark in Mikel’s heart, and every time she watches the Paralympics her eyes fill with tears of joy and pride because she reminisces of the time she was once competing.

Mikel is still an active athlete and has been coaching for eight years. Mikel finds it most rewarding to coach because she loves working with GLASA’s kids and adult athletes and enjoys helping them find their own technique within their ability. She says that it is important to be patient and very understanding as a coach, and stresses that a coach should convey “fun is the main priority in any sport.” Mikel began her coaching career at The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) in 2004. She has coached basketball, swimming and field events. Mikel said, “I feel like I blend in with GLASA, and by being part of GLASA, I’ve become part of a big and supportive family.” The impact that Mikel has made on athletes and parents is reflected by the many “thank-yous” Mikel hears at practice and competitions. Mikel has made coaching a priority, and she makes time for any athlete even if it means that they have to practice in her backyard until the sun goes down.

This determination and drive to always do more, both as a coach and athlete, has led Mikel Vandello to where she is today. On October 13th, she will be inducted into The Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA (WASUSA) Hall of Fame, which makes GLASA even more honored to have her as part of their team. Mikel appreciates the support GLASA offers to disabled athletes because without an organization like GLASA, disabled athletes would not be able to play sports competitively or triumph as athletes. Receiving this award does not mean it’s the end of Mikel’s career. She will continue playing sports and hopes to complete a triathlon in the next few years. Mikel will also continue to coach at GLASA, where she hopes to motivate more disabled athletes to keep on going and never give up.