Meet Adaptive Athlete: Carla Best

Carla Best grew up in Blythe, California where she played multiple sports, drawn to the competitive nature of the game. Upon graduating from high school she pursued a college degree but ultimately decided to pursue a career serving her country as a member of the Army. 

 

She enlisted in 2000 and served in a number of capacities until her retirement in 2006. In 2004, during a deployment to Iraq, Carla was riding in a convoy of vehicles when they were attacked and hit by multiple IEDs. Carla’s vehicle struck one of these explosives and both of her legs were damaged in the blast which resulted in an amputation of her left leg above the knee. 

 

Carla wants to help her para-hockey club reach as many people as possible, including disabled children and veterans in order to raise awareness for the many opportunities the adaptive population has.