Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, Peter never let size define his abilities or limit his love of sports. Throughout childhood, he played soccer, flag football, baseball, and basketball, finding roles that allowed him to contribute through intelligence, strategy, and toughness. Whether anticipating a charge in basketball, directing a defense in flag football, or using a smaller strike zone to his advantage in baseball, he learned early how to adapt and lead.

In high school, he joined the basketball team, and when given the chance to compete against athletes his size, he helped Team USA win multiple gold medals at the 2017 World Dwarf Games. His experience with dwarfism prepared him for the challenges ahead. During freshman year, spine surgery left him paralyzed from the knees down.

Recovery required years of physical therapy, time in a Chicago rehab center, and another major surgery. He re-learned how to walk and built adaptive techniques for independence. He stayed involved in his high school with student ambassador roles, and organizing retreats and accessible group activities. Both his parents attended USC, but he’ll leave CA for IN and Notre Dame to major in Accounting.