Sheryl Denise Gordon

Nickname?: Sherry

Date of Birth: I am proud to say I am currently the oldest female player in the U.S.!

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Visual Classification: B1

Team(s) You Play For: Western Michigan University Broncos

Position(s) You Play: Right or left wing

Introduced/Started Playing: November 1986--just after I lost my sight and while I was a student at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center.

Awards/Achievements: 1996 bronze medal from the Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia. First, second and third place ribbons and medals, too numerous to count.

Most Memorable Goalball Experience(s): The Canadian goalball tournament used to be held in Ottawa. One year, the WMU women's Bronco team was in the final game against Saskatchewan--going for the gold medal. We were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation play. At the end of the first shoot out--the score was still 1-1. We went into a sudden death shoot out--I was thinking that one of my team members would score so I would not need to get out on the court again. Well, wrong Sherry! I blocked the shot thrown at me and then I scored when I returned the shot. We won the gold in Ottawa that year! Awesome!!

Most Embarrassing Goalball Experience: In the above mentioned Ottawa goalball tournament, we actually had the game won 1-0. Our coach was watching the time clock. There was no time showing on the clock so coach came running out onto the court. Oops--illegal coaching was called since the buzzer had not yet sounded. Team penalty so the last person to throw--yes, that was me--gets to defend the penalty. The shot thrown was a cross-court shot--right into the corner, so we tied the game at that point. Ugh!

Reason You Play: I love sports! I have always been a big sports enthusiast and losing my sight surely did not change that for me. I love goalball because it allows me to be as independent as possible--as a player--not depending on anyone to lead me. I also love the team concept of goalball--even when defending a penalty shot, I always have my teammates pulling for me!

Comments: Come out and see what goalball is all about. The game of goalball has done so much for me--in terms of self-assurance--so get involved!