June 5-11, 2022 | Orlando, FL
Team Minnesota
PRESENTED BY
During the week of USA Games, we shared daily updates highlighting Team Minnesota’s time in Orlando. Read our daily newsletters and learn more about this incredible experience!
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest multi-sport sporting event in Florida history. The Games will offer 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports, including athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, open water swimming, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon and volleyball. Keep scrolling to learn more about Special Olympics Minnesota’s journey to USA Games including our full roster, athlete highlights and information about how to get connected!
Team Minnesota Roster
HALF COURT BASKETBALL
Michelle Alvord
Kendra Busch
Mia Camp
Amber Feigh
Tasha Feigh
Kari Groebner
Amber Leith
Peyton Libby
Chelsey Stevens
Tammy Suess
Wanda Welch
Katie Young
Coaches
Jodi Beuch
Liz Hvidsten
Aimee Libby
Helena Way
UNIFIED BASKETBALL – HIGH SCHOOL
Mercedes Burmeister
Ethan Domjahn
Joe Engeldinger
Landon Ensign
Brianna Hall
Cole Matter
Zack Miller
Julia Otto
Cayden Stucchi
Dennis VonHunsen
Coaches
Joe Perez
Shawn Perez
UNIFIED BASKETBALL – COLLEGE
John Conway
Nora Coughlan
Josh Hayes
Mariana Hughes
Michael Grace
Ryan Johnson
Will Larson
Nikoli Marr
Michael Rowe
James Thompson
Coaches
Jordaan Boxer
Drew DeVore
UNIFIED BOCCE
Nicole Anderson
Stephanie Anderson
Logan Dupey
Patrick Helders
Abby Neeser
Bruce Parker
Joe Parker
Bekah Thom
Coaches
Mike Miesen
Nancy Schwindel
INDIVIDUAL BOWLING
Susie Baumgartner
Karen Elden
Brandon Gangl
Tyler Sarff
Coaches
Paul Gangl
Josh Moss
Tammy Swart
UNIFIED BOWLING
Kelsey Boegel
Daniel Hayes
John Hayes
Ann Krause
Tyler Kurkowski
Chelsey Roesner
Maria Roesner
Chad Schmitz
EQUESTRIAN
Coach
Sue Hancock
UNIFIED GOLF
Erik Anderson
Dana Elofson
Donna Elofson
Alex Hanson
Darrel Knauss
Matt Monicatti
Barb Northway
Laura Northway
Coaches
Sheila Hanson
Wayne Hanson
GYMNASTICS
Lucy Haugland
Pierce Pennaz
Joshua Skordahl
Anna Stankevitz
Coach
Fisher Eiss
Megan Johnski
POWERLIFTING
Bradley Biersdorf
Daniel Boyd
Austin Ewing
Darius Sirek
Coach
Andy Cameron
UNIFIED SOFTBALL
Joseph Carlstrom
Joshua Clark
Marcellus Dees
Matthew Dorow
Carlos Jackson
Afton Jutila
Dominique McCleary
Lucas Petrich
Ryan Petrich
Dakota Rawley
Natalya Rawley
Annika Schmillen
Abigail Schrick
CJ Weydert
Jackson Woolems
Coaches
Brian Petrich
Ruth Petrich
Don Schmillen
Jim Weydert
SWIMMING
Eric Anderson
Brittany Beaulieu
Shelby Eisenschenk
Park Gilmer
Bethany Mussell
Biza Peterson
Jacob Reisnour
Sydney Sexton
Coaches
Lisa Edelbrock
Dale Nelson
Kristin Nelson
TRACK & FIELD
Jack Anderson
Michelle Bodurtha
Anna Hilborn
Andrea Howlett
Eric Jarvis
Hannah Krafft
Sidney Kuechle
Jerad Magnuson
Charlie Rea
Elizabeth Thorn
Cassy Wheeler
Chris Wheeler
Coaches
Becky Bartz
Chad Blank
Jim Chalmers
Lori Folk
UNIFIED YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Coach
Steve Giddings
Staff & team support
Kelly Monicatti, Head of Delegation (HOD)
[email protected]
Melissa Holmes, Assistant HOD
[email protected]
Zak Armstrong, Families Coordinator
[email protected]
Kaylee Shields, Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
Kelly Rogers, Team Nurse
Kelly’s fundraising page
SPONSORED BY
Interested in sponsoring Team Minnesota?
Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to learn more!
Emily Ward
Sport: Equestrian
Hometown: North Branch, MN
Age: 32
Emily Ward began her journey with Special Olympics when she was young, participating in bowling, softball, track and swimming. But in high school, Emily found a love for horseback riding. She quickly began participating in equestrian events with Mission Creek and eventually joined her current team, Cloverdale Farm.
“I try not to let anything get in my way with having a disability,” says Emily. “I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. Special Olympics has taught me about good sportsmanship and being able to congratulate others.”
Emily has been training hard for the 2022 USA Games. She’s excited to travel to Orlando with Team Minnesota and do her best in the equestrian events.
“Attending the 2022 USA Games means hard work and dedication and knowing how far I’ve come. This will be my first time ever to represent Minnesota at USA Games. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends. And of course, going to Orlando because I’ve never been there before!”
Beyond her involvement with Special Olympics, Emily loves listening to music, reading, swimming, coloring, going to church and hanging out with her family and friends.
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