Growing up, Ana played basketball and softball through middle school and later competed in track and field while pursuing competitive horseback riding. Each sport demanded different strengths — determination, patience, trust, and discipline — and together they shaped her understanding of teamwork and resilience. After sustaining a cervical spinal cord injury in a diving accident, she faced the reality that the sports she once played would look different. Adaptive athletics became an essential part of her recovery, allowing her to rediscover confidence, community, and competition.

Adaptive sport has also become a platform for advocacy. She serves as an ambassador for the Kelly Brush Foundation and speaks to local clubs and schools about disability inclusion. Ana was recruited to join the wheelchair basketball team at the University of Michigan, where she’ll pursue a Master of Social Work. Competing at this level offers an opportunity to continue challenging herself while contributing to a team culture built on perseverance.

While researching scholarships for athletes with disabilities, she found SWM and its mission resonated deeply. As a scholar, she’ll pursue trauma‑informed care and disability advocacy, combining her athletic journey with service to others navigating life after injury.