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PARALYMPIC ATHLETES WITH LOCAL TIES TO COMPETE IN PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES TO QUALIFY FOR 2024 PARIS PARALYMPICS

Oct 17, 2023

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (October 17, 2023) — With the 2023 Parapan American Games representing the final chance for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games qualification, the United States will send an experienced roster of athletes to the event in Santiago, Chile. Among these athletes will be three athletes with local ties—Lisa Czechowski, Eliana Mason and Zach Buhler. The Parapan American games are set to take place from November 17-November 26, 2023.

The U.S. teams will need first-place finishes in Santiago to secure their respective berths at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. The U.S. men’s team can also qualify by finishing second to Brazil as the Brazil men’s team already achieved qualification for Paris by winning the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships. At the last Parapan American Games in 2019 in Lima, Peru, both U.S. teams earned silver medals finishing as runners-up to Brazil in their respective finals.

Five returning members from the silver-medal-winning women’s team that competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will lead the charge in Santiago. They include six-time Paralympians Lisa Czechowski and Asya Miller, three-time Paralympian Amanda Dennis, two-time Paralympian Eliana Mason and 2020 Paralympian Mindy Cook. They will be joined by Ali Lawson, a member of the 2019 Parapan American Games team that captured silver in Lima. The women’s team will be led by 2020 Paralympic Head Coach Jake Czechowski.

“Playing against the best teams in the Americas region is a great challenge in itself,” Jake Czechowski stated. “The added excitement of playing for a Paralympic bid only enhances the highest levels of anticipation. Our team thrives in the biggest moments so I believe it will be a huge advantage for us. “

The U.S. men’s team is comprised of four Paralympians, including two Paralympic medalists. The roster includes four-time Paralympian Tyler Merren, two-time Paralympian Matt Simpson and their 2020 Paralympic teammates Zach Buhler and Calahan Young. Rounding out the men’s roster are Tre’Shaun Faison and Christian King. At the helm of the U.S. men’s team in Santiago will be 2020 Paralympic Head Coach Keith Young.

“Going into the 2023 Parapan American Games, I’m confident that this team understands what competition means for the Paris Paralympic Games qualification,” said Keith Young. “We are ramping up our preparation and are looking forward to the competition.”

The goalball competition at the 2023 Parapan Am Games will be held at the Centro de Deportes Paralímpicos from Nov. 18-24.

USA Women’s Goalball Team for the 2023 Parapan American Games

Mindy Cook

Lisa Czechowski

Amanda Dennis

Ali Lawson

Eliana Mason

Asya Miller

Head Coach: Jake Czechowski

Assistant Coach: John Potts

Athletic Trainer: Jennifer Brown

USA Men’s Goalball Team for the 2023 Parapan American Games