Sports have been an important part of Sam’s (they/them) life since they were a kid competing in every track and field event they could. Attending the Invictus Games—an international sports event for wounded soldiers and veterans—and volunteering in adaptive sports solidified in their mind that POP was the perfect career choice.

Sam completed their master’s in orthotics and prosthetics at California State University Dominguez Hills. As an orthotic resident in Bakersfield, California, they are eager to connect with and support people with disabilities, inside and outside the clinic’s walls.

Sam hopes to combine their clinical and nonprofit work by making adaptive sports a key part of their POP career. They are most excited to establish strong relationships with patients and see the tangible results of their efforts and care.