Trashaun Willis is a 6’5” 235 lb. junior at Washington High School in Washington, Iowa. He was the starting middle linebacker in football, recording the most tackles for loss on the team. He was also the backup quarterback, and is expected to be the starter as a senior. On the basketball court, he dunks, hits three pointers, defends and dives for loose balls. Trashaun is good – good enough to be recruited by several universities. “The ultimate goal is to make it to college and then hopefully the next level,” Trashaun says. “Whether it’s football or basketball, it doesn’t matter to me as long as I’m playing. I feel like I can compete with anyone on the court or on the field as long as I continue to push myself hard enough.”
With that type of size, one might expect Trashaun to dominate in athletics. The difference, however in this story, is that Trashaun only has one arm. You see, while in the womb, strands from his mother’s amniotic sack wrapped around his left elbow and stunted further growth. This rare event is called amniotic band syndrome.
So, from day one, Trashaun just found a way. “I refuse to say that I am disabled,” he said. “Because I’m not.” He learned how to tie his shoe and he learned how to shoot a basketball. No big deal. He just had to learn a little differently than most. In the 8th grade, Trashaun gained notoriety on the court when he dunked a basketball during a game. Chris Paul, an NBA superstar, also saw that video and visited him in the corn fields of Iowa. Pretty cool.
Joe’s Perspective: I’ve written about Jim Abbott, the one-handed pitcher who pitched a perfect game for the New York Yankees. I’ve written about Shaquem Griffin https://characterandleadership.com/shaquem-griffin-stuns/, who currently plays with the Seattle Seahawks. I’ve written about Bethany Hamilton who became a professional surfer, despite the loss of her left arm. Let’s not forget Kyle Maynard, who wrestled in high school, despite not having arms or legs.
Still, the story of Trashaun Willis should not be taken lightly. He found a way when others did not even try. Can you imagine how long it took him to tie his shoes? Can you imagine how long it took him to shoot a quality jump shot? This isn’t a story about his disability or his abilities. This is really a classic example of positive attitude, determination and perseverance. Just like Shaquem Griffin was a role model for Trashaun, Trashaun should be a role model for us. Everyone has challenges. Everyone struggles. Trashaun teaches us that we can never use excuses as reasons for not succeeding. The key in athletics and in life is to never stop trying.
Your Turn: How does the story of Trashaun Willis inspire you to be a better person and role model?
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This helps me realize that even if you have a disability, you can still do amazing things.
Oh my god I am amazed
It totally agree. It shows you can always overcome a mental or physical disability and achieve something great.
Be better
It enspires me to never give up.
i AM happy for him
he the best person who try to make something happen instead not
It inspires me because even if you have a disability you can do anything as a person without disabilites
He shows us that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
This article allowed me to see that even with a disability you can still dominate. All you need is an amazing work ethic and determination and you can achieve anything you put your mind towards.
be better
He is the Shaquim Griffin of basketball.
this shows me that even when something puts you down you can always get back up.
I agree. It shows that with the right mental attitude, you can overcome anything.
It inspires me to keep going even if there is a bump in the road. To have determination, perseverance, and grit.
I agree with that because even tho he has a disability he is doing stuff other people can do without disabilities and shows what you can do even how your body is.
This shows me that no matter how hard something hits you, no matter how sad you get, no matter how negative you feel, you have the choice to fight back. He pushed through a disadvantage and made it great.
i feel the same way because i be feeling down and sad but these type of things really help me understand that it doesn’t always gotta be that way
It inspires me to never give up and build through challenges or obstacles.
It inspires me because it shows that you can do anything you want to. Nothing can really stop you from accomplishing your goals as long as you believe in yourself and work hard to get there. You should always have a positive attitude because then it makes life go much better, even if you are having a bad day having a positive attitude can make it better.
To make more of what I have and not complain.
I thought that he was very positive even when here were issues
He is really inspiring to people because this shows that you can do anything if you don’t give up and try your best.
How this story inspires me to be a better person is to be stronger and more confident and never let anything get in the way of a dream, and never give up
This inspires me because everyone else has an advantage in being a role model yet Trashaun has one arm and he still is a role model to most
it inspires me by saying nothing is inpossible
It inspires me to try harder even though I don’t like sports
he is very inspirational to anyone who wants to succeed in life, as you need to try and never give up
its hard to move a ball around whit only one hand its an advantage that god gave him to succeed.
THis story inspires me to be a better person and a role model because it shows me that you can achieve any thing with determination and perseverance.
he is very inspirational to anyone who wants to succeed in life, as you need to try and never give up.
He inspires me because even if you have a disability, you can do inspiring things
It inspires me to not give up and look on the positive side of things.
He inspires me to be a better person because all though you may have differences that may make it harder it is never impossible with enough effort and enough persistence.
Yes
It inspires me because if you have a disability you can still accomplish things that other people might think that you can’t do.
It inspires me to be a better person because it shows that people can have it worse and yet pull through and how we should realizes how lucky we are and try to meet their level of amazingness.
Trashaun Willis inspires me to be a better person because his story showed me the power of persistence. His story also showed me that with enough practice and grind, you can achieve anything.
This is a very determined person and never gives up
Good for him
because he is so brave to play with one arm. so for me to have 2 arms I should be decent player
I largely agree with the sentiment proposed. With a positive attitude and simply trying, one can accomplish many a difficult task, and grow as a person.
His story inspires me to be a better person and recognize the struggles of other people.
when stuff happens to you. You can still achieve your goals.
It inspires me to keep going even if there is a problem in the way.
It inspires me to keep going and to never give up on my dreams.
Trashaun’s story motivates and inspires me to always persevere and to never let anything get in the way of your dreams.
it inspires me to push myself harder
His story shows that anything is possible even if you have disabilities.
It inspires me because to work harder and not be so down when other people in the world could have it worst.
It lets me see that even with disabilities you can still pursue the goals and dreams that you have
It makes you want to work harder if he can do it you can to
It is inspiring me by that even if you have disability you have to keep trying and never give up.
Trashaun Willis inspired me to go hard on what i wanna do he has one hand and still plays basketball and is still going for his goal.
Trashaun Willis’ story inspires me to be a better person, not take things for granted, and to always persevere in the face of struggle.
This story inspires me to not consider people as disabled because they can do great things.
He shows that anything is possible and you can be anything, also your dreams can come true
This taught me to never give up and always have perseverance
He inspires me because if your different from others that doesn’t stop him from doing what he wants he wants to. He inspires others to do things they want to.
He inspires me to see that other people have it worse and when you think you’ve done your sport wrong keep trying and have perseverance.
This story is inspiring because it shows that as long as you stay positive, work, and overcome the obstacles that face you, you can accomplish almost anything. Trashaun Willis is a great role model and example of what people should be able to do as long as they work hard.
It inspires me to be positive and to not give up on your goals
It inspires me to continue to keep on going even when times are tough. It also is a reminder of how fortunate I am.
This helps me realize that no matter what happens to you, you can do anything.
It inspired me because it shows that nothing is impossible
It inspires me to work harder and to be the best that I can be going forward.
This person is inspiring because he pushes forward despite his hardships.
Now I know that you can do anything you set your mind to.
This is a good story
Treshaun inspires me to push harder to be a better player, and to have a positive mindset when doing things.
you should never give up no matter what you go through in your life.
Teaches people to keep going even if something is holding you back
It’s very inspiring and I think encourages people that they can do anything
This article inspires me to remember that nothing is an impossible and if we try our best we can achieve anything.
Thats really interesting
This kid keeps a positive attitude so that he can make his own day better and does not let his disabilty stop him
This tells me that I need to keep on pushing and don’t stop even when life gets hard.
It inspires me because I know that I can be a leader because there are some people out there that aren’t as lucky but are still super happy.
He inspires me because if he can do it and he only has one arm than I can do it.
Even with a disability, nothing is stopping him. It’s a good inspiration for everyone to see that.
It shows that we should keep going and find a way to do things we love even though we may have issues like his.
This article helps me realize that anything is possible and if he can work through it so can you.
This is a really good story, one that shows how having a positive attitude can help you succeed in life. Trashaun only had one arm, yet he managed to learn to tie his shoes, and live a normal life. All while having a positive attitude. He is a great influence on younger people, as he can show them that a positive attitude is awesome and helpful. This story is really inspiring.
It shows me anything is possible.
wow i can not belive you can still play basketball keep on going dude you rock
he is a inspiration to people
This is inspiring
this is a good story to show a positive attitude and succeed in life.
This tells me no matter what you can always achieve something or at least try.
This is an awe-inspiring story that a boy with limitations can be limitless in anything he works hard for.
hes a mazing
I realized that when you try really hard, you receive what you deserve.
It makes me inspired to achieve things even when there’s a struggle i can overcome it.
I believe he has overcome a lot of obstacles he strives to be the best at basketball
He inspires me to be strong and be positive.
this is good story cause it lets me know that even if you have a disability and you really wanna do it just do it no matter what people say or what you have.
Even if you have a disability you can still do great things
i AM happy for him and that hes doing well
I realize disabled people can make great achievements.
you get what you get in return
Trashaun Willis inspires me to be a better person by showing me that even when all the odds are against you, anything is possible. It makes me try even harder.
Reading this made me realize how fortunate i am for having both of my arms but even when he only has 1 he found a way to concour through and do what he wants to do.
this is a good story it shows positive attitude and success.
It inspires me to keep working for my dreams.
When you try really hard you receive what you deserve.
He inspires me to push forward no matter what.
thats cool
This really inspires me by showing me that anything is possible even if you have challenges along the way.
He is very inspirational and proves that if you have a dream you can succeed no matter what.
He inspires me.
he inspires me to play harder
He inspired me with how much is stacked against him he still has a positive attitude through any mental or physical disability or even a bad day.
He inspires me because he shows where perseverance and grit can get you no matter what obstacles you run in to.
This inspires me because it shows that really no matter how difficult your situation is if you believe in yourself and try you can accomplish a lot
This is cool because he persevered even though he did not have a arm.
this shows me that you can push through anything
this inspired me because if you are handicapped u don’t have to let that get in the way.
Think that no matter what happens in you life you can still keep going and dont let anything get in your way of that
He really inspires people. he shows people not to make fun of someone they way they were born or how they look
he pushes through anything
He is really inspiring because he is playing a sport with only one hand and I know that is difficult
It shows that even when you have something to bring you down you get back up.
he shows where perseverance and grit can get you no matter what obstacles. and this proves people can do anything.
He inspires me to play more sports.
dang diss mann makin big boy moves
Trashuan Willis’s story inspired me because even though you have problems you could beat them and accomplish your dreams.
he is really good
its insane that he turned his physical condition into something good and never stopped at what he wanted
I think its cool because he has one hand and he works a round that problem.
trashaun inspires me because he makes the very best out of his situation
Even if you are going towards hard obstacles, or something seems impossible, because of disability or otherwise, you can still do amazing things.
It helps me become a better role model by letting me know that even though I think that I don’t have great grades, or I say that I’m not a good person, I know that there are people that feel the same as me, and that helps me get through it and help other when help is needed for them.
This showed me that there is no excuse for being lazy, and it doesn’t matter what your situation is, you can always succeed if you try hard enough.
Even when i think im having a bad day someone else has it worse than me .
i watch a football game of kids
Even if you are going towards hard obstacles, or something seems impossible, because of disability or otherwise, you can still do amazing things….
This inspires me to do things that might seem impossible.
He is an aspiring role model that anyone could look up to.
This inspires me because it shows everyone not to give up and even though it might be hard it makes you work harder.
I think this inspires other kids and people that only have one arm , and lets them know just because they only haven only one arm they can still participate in activities.
He is a good role model, because even though he has obstacles, he powers through them and is an even greater player than people who may not have such large obstacles.
It inspired me because even though he has one arm, he is still able to excel in basketball & football.
that is amazing
He turned a disadvantage to a strenght
I agree because it shows that even if u have a disability u can still do anything u put your mind to.
This really shows that people can overcome challenges.
He inspires me by making me appreciate who I am.
he must be a role model to younger kids
it inspires me to try harder because of him being really good with one arm which pushes me to do better because anything is possible
it’s cool how someone can play sports.
he is a good role model
It inspires me to be greatful for what i have. 🙂
it inspires me to try harder because of him being really good with one arm which pushes me to do better because anything is possible.
having a disability doesn’t mean anything
He is definitely a role model because he overcomes obstacles that he faces. He shows that just because he has a ‘disability’ doesn’t mean he can’t excel.
AM AMAZED BY THE THING HE CAN DO WITH ONE ARM
This is very inspiration
It made me realize that we can do things that seem impossible by practising, it also made me be grateful for what i have. 🙂 :v
His story inspires me to continue no matter what. He never gave up any sports, and that amazes me and makes me think that I can do it also.
that i can accomplish anything if i put my kind to it
His story inspires me to be grateful and also not think differently of a person if they are different than me in life in general or in sports
what inspires me is how he kept trying even though he is different then his peers
What inspired me about his story is that even though he has one arm he still tried to play sports and didn’t give up
Stories such as this one are very inspiring because it reminds us that there are no excuses. We have it much easier than others but we tend to forget this and give up due to our difficult circumstances. But this reminds us that anyone can make it with hard work.
Shows that anything is achievable if you believe in yourself
You should never give up and you can accomplish anything
Shows that anything is achievable if you believe in yourself. Using passion in your actions can help motivate you to the next level
Anything is possible if you work hard enough.
This story shows how no matter what the circumstances are you can do anything you set your mind to. If you are determined enough you can achieve your personal goal in life.
This shows me that I never should complain about what I don’t or do have, just take what I have and give all I have with my given ability. I also should never take advantage of the things that are given to me, and be the best person I can be everyday.
This article is a good example of how it’s possible to accomplish the same goals as other even when you don’t have the same circumstances.
This is inspiring. We tend to take for granted the things that we have. Sometimes we even feel sorry for ourselves. Trashaun’s story is a good reminder to make the best of the situation that has been handed to us.
This inspires me because it makes me realize that I may have it tough at sometimes but for some others they have it way harder than I’ll always have it so this makes me wanna try and be a role model for others that may have a more difficult time at doing some things.
Trashaun’s story inspires me to stop making excuses and not take my life for granted. Trashaun inspires me to push my limits and out work most.
This article shows me that no matter what your circumstances are you can accomplish amazing things.
He is an inspiration to all, and has high potential. Shaquiem Griffin must be a huge inspiration to him due to his loss of a hand.
it’s inspiring you can do anything you put your mind to
It is inspiring that even if you have a disability, you can still reach your goals. He never gave up and now he is very successful in his life.
Willis has been through a lot with his arm being gone. For him to strive and keep playing sports and continue his dream says a lot about his character. He shows leadership because he didn’t give up and is a great role model to many kids.
Even if you have disabilities anything is still possible. Even though he has one arm he still excels in the sports and activities he does.
to push myself harder
He helps me boosts self- esstem.
Amazing even with a disability.
good job
helps me to think I can do better.
This helps me realize that even if you have a disability, you can still do amazing things
this inspires me because it shows that you can still do amazing things with a disability
You have to get better do play better .
this makes me believe no matter what if you try hard enough you can do it
He is really good even with a dissability
anything is possible
This video made me realize that even if you have a disability you can do anything you just have to try and work hard .
this helps me feel that I can do anything because if trashaun Willis can be so good at sports and he’s disabled that means that I can good at sports
I think that no matter what disability you have you can do whatever your goal is
I feel like it doesn’t matter what disability you have, you can accomplish your goals
I feel like it doesn’t matter what disability you have, you can accomplish your goals , and no one should be able to tell you, you can’t
If u never give up and work hard at something, even with a disability, you will succeed and do great things.
This is a super inspiring story and really motivates me to try harder in everything I do.
This shows me if you have a disability you can still achieve anything.
this shows that you can do amazing things if you haVE A DISABILITY
i think no matter what you can still accomplish your dreams.
i think no matter what you can still accomplish your dreams even with a disability
never give up
it inspires me a lot and it makes me want to do the same thing he didd
he proved that he can play basketball even though he has one arm, he shows confidence in what he loves.
It empire’s me to not take anything for granted to be grateful
this story inspires me by teaching me that we are the ones limiting our success by putting excuses instead of trying hard
That nothing can stop you from being the best that you can be.
I think this is awsome it shows that if you have a disability you can still do great things.
It shows me that with hard work and perseverance that anything is possible.
this inspires me to work hard to accomplish my goals even though there may be challenges you can over come them
no matter who you are you can achieve great things.
His story inspired me to be a better person and to push myself harder. It inspired me to be a better role model because often if you work hard others will often follow and accept the challenge.
Even with a disability if you don’t give up and push through the hard times you can achieve amazing things
His story inspired me because even though he only had one arm, he wouldn’t let that define him
He’s showing us that setbacks don’t always have to hold us back. Make the best of the situations you’re dealt with and continue to follow your passion
Minor setbacks, or if something isn’t going your way there is no excuse to give up because if u look at a story like treshaun then it really makes u appreciate yourself and your health
It really helps me to be thankful and realize everyone has things they must overcome.
His story inspires me to be a better person because he makes me realize that when life gets tough, you have to push through it. He never lets anything get in front of him. He has true dedication and is following his passion, no matter what the situation is!
He always kept a positive attitude which helped him succeed.
Although there may be bumps in the road, never give up.