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.
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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.
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CURRENT OFFICERS
Introducing our 2023-2024 officers of Aztec Adaptive Sports!
Kalena Garcia
President
Hi! My name is Kalena and I am a fifth year kinesiology pre-pt major.
In my free time I like to run, read, and explore new places around San Diego.
I got involved in AAS because I am passionate about ensuring people of all abilities have access to sports and fitness programs.
A talent I wished I had is photographic memory.
Amanda Williams
Co - Secretary
Hi! My name is Amanda Williams and I’m so excited to be serving as AAS Secretary this year! I’m a fourth year Kinesiology Pre Physical Therapy major.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, running, spending time with friends, and finding new spots to explore around San Diego.
I joined AAS because I wanted to be part of something meaningful and unique. Supporting adaptive athletes and learning more about inclusive sports has been such an inspiring experience.
A talent I wish I had is public speaking. I tend to get shy and nervous in front of large groups, so I admire people who can speak with ease and confidence.
Can’t wait to meet you all and be part of an amazing year with AAS :)
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William Reszitnyk
Event/Outreach Coordinator
My name is William Reszitnyk, and I am one of the Event and Outreach Coordinators! I am currently a third-year Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy) major.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching soccer, and spending time with my friends.
I joined Aztec Adaptive Sports to contribute to an amazing community that encourages inclusivity and access to sports for athletes of all abilities. I have always loved sports, and I believe that all people should be able to play and compete. This unique organization has provided many great opportunities for me to support athletes with physical disabilities and learn more about the adaptive sports world.
If I could have any talent, it would be to learn any language quickly.
I’m looking forward to meeting all of you! :)
Emily Maddox
Treasurer
My name is Emily Maddox. I am a senior. My major is kinesiology pre-physical therapy.
I joined last year because I am very passionate about adapted athletics/Paralympics/disabled athletes.
A talent I wish I had is to be musically inclined.
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Matthew Cacayan
Co - Secretary
Hey everyone! My name is Matt Cacayan and I am your Co - Secretary for this school year! I am a Senior, Kinesiology
(Fitness Specialist).
I joined AAS last semester after going to an event hosted at the ARC. It seemed like a great opportunity to get involved with a community passionate about sports! It’s been a great experience to be a part of a club that supports those with disabilities who want to pursue athletics.
A talent I wish I had is that I could draw or paint .
Can't wait to meet you all soon :)
Allison Chraska
Co - Event/Outreach Coordinator
Hi! My name is Allison Chraska and I am one of the Co-Events Coordinators for AAS. My major is Kinesiology with an emphasis on Pre-PT. I am currently a 3rd year.
I joined AAS because I wanted to get more involved in the world of adaptive sports. It seemed like a great opportunity to learn more about the adaptive community. I enjoy volunteering with athletes and forming new connections within this club!
A talent that I wish I had is surfing. My roommates and I have made a goal to learn how to surf by the end of this school year.
Michael Villar
Media and Marketing Officer
Hello Everyone! My name is Michael Villar, and I have the pleasure of serving as your Media and Marketing Officer this year. I am a fifth-year student studying Kinesiology (Pre -PT) .
In my free time I like playing basketball, weight lifting, and chilling with the homies.
I joined AAS last year and I stayed in AAS because I loved what they stood for. Advocating for every student, regardless of physical ability, to have access to fitness and athletic programming.
A talent I wish I had is to be able to dunk a basketball.
I can't wait to meet you all and have a great year! :)
OUR ADVISOR
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Antoinette Domingo
Faculty Advisor