ABOUT US

Aztec Adaptive Sports is an SDSU Recognized Student Organization (RSO). Our goal is to expand awareness of the adaptive sports movement to the SDSU and San Diego community. We have already helped build the first ever collegiate level adaptive sports program on the west coast: the SDSU Adapted Athletics.

Join our student organization as we listen to Paralympic Athletes’ stories, participate in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and track & field events, and volunteer at regional adaptive sports events. As a member, you can surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are passionate about providing competitive sports opportunities at SDSU for all athletes, as well as helping the surrounding San Diego community. Students of all abilities are welcome in our student organization!

CURRENT MISSION

To ensure that every student, regardless of physical ability, has access to fitness and athletic programming, from recreational to elite, at San Diego State University, and a community of support around them.

OUR HISTORY

The Aztec Adaptive Sports student organization was founded by Kathy McCarty, then instructor in the adaptive fitness clinic at SDSU, in the 2015-2016 academic school year. While attending an adaptive sports youth camp she realized that SDSU did not offer any adaptive sports to its students. She later teamed up with Dr. Antoinette Domingo, assistant professor in the DPT department at SDSU, and together wrote and won grants that helped jump start the program.

In fall of 2016, the duo came across their first adaptive athlete at SDSU, 2016 Track and Field Paralympian, Ahkeel Whitehead. With Ahkeel on the team, a new wave of passion and enthusiasm was infused into the program as he was the first athlete to compete for Aztec Adaptive Sports. In Spring 2017 the team put together the first adaptive sports colloquium in Montezuma Hall which introduced the idea of an adaptive sports program at SDSU. This event was organized by Ryan Lieu, head of operations of Aztec Adaptive Sports, and had 150 people in attendance. This event rippled throughout the community and has caused many to begin to look at SDSU as a place to house adaptive sports.

CURRENT OFFICERS

Introducing our 2023-2024 officers of Aztec Adaptive Sports!

Kalena Garcia

President

Hi Everyone! My name is Kalena Garcia and I'm this year's President. I'm a third year kinesiology pre-physical therapy major with a minor in interdisciplinary studies.

In my free time I like to run, read, and try recipes I find on Pinterest.

I got involved with AAS because I enjoy volunteering and for the opportunities to learn about different professions that fall under the kinesiology umbrella.

A fun fact about me is that I am ambidextrous.

Looking forward to seeing you all throughout the semester!

Leonardo Ibarra

Treasurer

Hey everyone! My name is Leonardo Ibarra, and I'm excited to serve as this year's Treasurer. I'm currently a fourth-year student majoring in Kinesiology with a focus on physical therapy.

In my free time, you'll find me kayaking, hiking, watching movies, or exercising.

I joined AAS because I'm truly passionate about sports, promoting inclusivity, and making a difference through volunteering.

A fun fact about me is that my all-time favorite movie is Interstellar

Elyssa

Event/Outreach Coordinator

Hello Everyone! My name is Elyssa Wolter and I'm excited to be this year's events and outreach coordinator! I'm a third year pre-PT kinesiology major.

In my free time I enjoy painting, playing soccer, and reading.

I'm involved in AAS because it's an amazing opportunity to volunteer and work more with adaptive sports, especially since I'm interested in pursuing a career in prosthetic rehabilitation.

A fun fact about me is that I got to experience and learn about physical therapy while in Thailand this summer.

Keiko Deguchi

Secretary

Hey everyone! My name is Keiko Deguchi and I am your Secretary for this school year! I am a third year studying kinesiology pre-physical therapy.

In my free time I like to go on hikes to the beach, play the ukulele (even though I'm not really good at it), and workout.

I joined AAS because I thought it was a super cool opportunity to volunteer and it is something a little different than what people normally do. I also joined because it was a great way to meet new people who are interested in similar things as I am.

A fun fact about me is that I got to hold a jellyfish in Puerto Rico this past summer.

Can't wait to meet you all soon :)

Sydney Moreno

Media and Marketing Officer

Hello Everyone! My name is Sydney Moreno and I have the pleasure of serving as your Media and Marketing Officer this year. I am a fourth-year student studying Child and Family Development with a minor in Counseling and Social Change.

In my free time I enjoying being outdoors, being creative, and trying new things.

I joined AAS so that I could help promote more inclusivity, have fun in my final year at SDSU, and make a difference on campus.

A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin sister that attends SDSU with me.

I can't wait to meet you all and have a great year! :)

OUR ADVISOR

Antoinette Domingo

Faculty Advisor