Meet Adaptive Athlete: Kaci Myers

Kaci Myers was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. From a young age, she thrived outdoors and in sports, starting with T-ball and basketball as a child and continuing through age 14. She added volleyball in junior high and still jumps into pickup games whenever possible. Those experiences built a competitive edge, a growth mindset, stronger independence, and deep appreciation for the camaraderie that came with every team and game.

 

After graduating high school in 2001, Kaci attended Texas Tech University (2001-2002) and later Central Texas College (2010-2013), earning an Associate of Arts degree. She enlisted in the Navy on September 7, 2004, serving until February 28, 2025, and advancing to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) / Boatswain Mate Chief (BMC). Her career was rewarding, offering unique opportunities to travel and serve, deploying six times in her career.

 

Two traumatic events during service left lasting marks. In summer 2006, while deployed in the Middle East protecting oil wells, an oil platform explosion required her team to recover and preserve the bodies of the deceased - a devastating task that still haunts her with vivid images. Then in 2014, while on quarterdeck watch aboard ship, she witnessed a fellow watchstander and coworker take his own life right in front of her. Kaci initially coped by leaning on others who shared those experiences, but she has recently sought therapy to address the resulting PTSD and process these memories more fully.

 

Today, Kaci is building toward a stronger, more balanced future. She is focused on growing mental strength and learning to connect better with civilians while fostering a supportive community around her. Physically, she aims to gain lean muscle, drop fat, and regain a healthy, maintainable weight. Mentally, she wants practical coping skills to avoid snapping under pressure, build mental toughness, and move forward without the past events pulling her back—creating space for greater resilience and presence in everyday life.