Q and A with SOAZ Athlete Nick Mayberry

Multi Sport Athlete was named Special Olympics Unified Athlete of the Year

Nick (age 17) was diagnosed with Autism and has trouble communicating sometimes, but that doesn’t stop him from doing anything he sets his mind too.  He tries his hardest at everything he does, is a very compassionate young man and he’s very active in Special Olympics Arizona.

A senior at Valley Vista High School, Nick was recently honored at the 2020 AZCentral High School Sports awards, being named the Special Olympics Unified Sports Boys Athlete of the Year Award.

Nick was nominated for the award by Valley Vista coach Rebecca Milobar, for being an outstanding leader, role model, and team player. Nick has been a key member of the Valley Vista High School Unified Sports Team for the last three years, and is highly respected among his teachers and peers.

Over the last three years, Nick has been a part of the 2018 Valley Vista State Champion Unified Basketball Team, the Gold Winning Valley Vista Unified Soccer Team and the Silver Award Winning Floorball Team.

Q and A with Nick Mayberry:

Congratulations on winning the Boys Unified Athlete of the Year Award by AZCentral – what does that mean to you?

“I’m really happy about it and I’m glad I was good enough to win the award.  Thanks to Coach Milobar for nominating me.”

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics Arizona?

“I have been involved with Special Olympics for three years now.”

How did you get started with Special Olympics Arizona and what activities have you done with SOAZ?

“My teachers encouraged me and helped me to get involved and I’ve played basketball, football, soccer, track, and badminton.”

What keeps you involved with Special Olympics?

“I love all the people I’m on a team with and it’s really fun.  I like it because it’s like family.”

What has been your favorite experience(s) while involved with Special Olympics?

“I loved finishing in first place and I really love all of the friends I make.”

What does it mean to you to be a part of a Unified team?

“I enjoy spending time with my coaches and friends and I really like meeting new people.  It is so much fun!”

What is one thing you want people to know about persons with disabilities?

“They can do anything they put their mind to.”

Any memories of a special moment you had with an SOAZ athlete?

“Yes, I love hanging out with my friend Steven.  We are on the same team and we have so much fun together.

Hobbies, interests?

“I love playing basketball, playing Xbox (Fortnite) and I really enjoy talking to my friends.”

What do you want to do when you graduate from High School?

“I want to get a job and try to continue participating with Special Olympics Arizona.”

Thank you for your time Nick and congrats again on being named Boys Unified Athlete of the Year!