When Kendra Busch was 12-years-old, her family moved from the Twin Cities area to Milaca, a small town of around 3,000 people. The central Minnesotan town offered more acreage and a fresh start for the six members of the Busch family. The move also meant that Kendra would have to change schools and find a new support system as she started middle school.
“I was excited and nervous about the move,” remembers Kendra. “It’s not easy being the new person in town and it took me a while to adjust.”
Kendra had her family to depend on. She is the youngest of four siblings close in age, and she remembers it being hard to find her own friends when she was younger because she was shy and hesitant to put herself out there. “My siblings always included me and brought me along on their outings with friends,” says Kendra. “I also loved watching my two brothers and sister play sports and I looked up to them. I wanted to play just like them.” Kendra tried finding community through softball. She played on the school team from seventh through tenth grade. “I played softball for four years before joining Special Olympics, but I just didn’t like it that much. It just didn’t feel like the right place for me,” says Kendra.
Then, when she turned 16, Kendra found what eventually became her second family. She switched from the school softball team to a local Special Olympics Minnesota team, and everything changed. “I feel like when I joined Special Olympics softball I got to experience it in a better way. I got more playing time, and I was able to try different positions. I also liked that it was slow pitch, so it was easier to play and know the rules. I played fast pitch in high school, so it was a big difference,” says Kendra.
Julie Erickson, Kendra’s mom, remembers when Kendra finally made the switch to Special Olympics Minnesota and how transformational it was for her daughter’s life. “After moving to a small town, there were many difficulties we faced. She wasn’t always being accepted due to her disabilities,” recalls Julie. “Special Olympics has truly been a life saver in her feeling accepted in the community. She loves sports so it was really the perfect match for her.”
Kendra never looked back and began to try everything Special Olympics Minnesota offered. Now, at the age of 26, she plays year-round sports, including basketball, track and field, bocce, softball, bowling and snowshoeing. In addition to athletics, Kenda serves as a Global Messenger and Health Messenger and attends public speaking engagements to advocate for Special Olympics Minnesota and her friends and fellow athletes. She also earned her level one coaching certification and helped coach the skills basketball athletes at the state competition in 2022.
I like that it’s not just sports, it’s so much more. With leadership, health programs and fundraisers like the Polar Plunge, it’s easy for anyone to find something to get involved in.
Kathy Fitschen, former Head of Delegation for the Milaca Community team, remembers when Kendra joined Special Olympics Minnesota and reflects on what she brought to the program: “Everyone in the delegation looks up to Kendra! She is a born leader to her teammates, and she has made the most out of all the programs Special Olympics offers,” says Kathy. “Kendra’s attitude is always good, and her enthusiasm is off the charts. She’s always willing to help with set up, take downs, giving the team pep talks or talking to teammates individually when necessary. It’s obvious that Special Olympics fills her body, mind and spirit!”
Kendra never imagined that joining a team in her small town of Milaca could open up so many possibilities, including a trip to Disney World. Kendra traveled with teammates to Orlando, Florida for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games where she competed in half-court basketball. “It was an experience that I’ll never forget being with my teammates and coaches there and meeting new friends. It inspired even bigger goals in me as an athlete,” says Kendra.
She hopes to compete at the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota but says if she does not qualify, she will be a volunteer. Beyond national competitions, her biggest goal is to qualify for a Special Olympics World Games in the future.
“I just hope to be involved in Special Olympics Minnesota for as long as I possibly can,” says Kendra. She also hopes to inspire others to join the movement and she thinks the programs outside of sports help grow Special Olympics Minnesota to new heights. “I like that it’s not just sports, it’s so much more. With leadership, health programs and fundraisers like the Polar Plunge, it’s easy for anyone to find something to get involved in.”
Kendra hopes her story shows how getting involved in Special Olympics Minnesota can transform a life. “My teammates are my extra siblings,” says Kendra. “We’re always there for each other. We all want to be better athletes and human beings and help each other succeed.”
From being a shy, small-town girl to competing on the national stage and giving speeches in front of large audiences, Kendra could not imagine life without her second family.
