Miles

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

On the ice, Miles is free to be himself without judgment. He is supported be coaches and teammates who accept him completely, he has grown both physically and socially. His joy is so radiant it can be seen through his helmet all the way to the stands. Miles finds true fulfillment in the spirit of the game, especially through passing. He understands that a selfless assist is just as important as a goal, proving that his greatest love is helping his team succeed together.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Miles looks up most of all to his older brother, Parker, who plays goalie one level ahead of him. Growing up, Miles loved wearing Parker’s hand-me-down warm-ups and pretending he was already part of the team, even sneaking into the locker room just to listen in while their coaches taught the game. Though he and his brother are now on different teams, Miles plays defense to be closer to Parker, one day he will be able to protect him just like his big brother always protects him off the ice.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Miles’s hockey journey hasn’t always been easy, non-verbal until after age three and often unintelligible afterwards, his communication struggles invited unfair judgment harsh enough he quit entirely for over a year and a half until switching rink and organization which slowly rebuilt that trust with fresh coaches and a family like mentality, finally helping him rediscover his joy for the game again. I am not only proudest of his willingness to try hockey again but to trust people again.