Meet Adaptive Athlete: Kristen Heffern

Kristen is from Granite Falls, Minnesota and participated in just about every sport you can imagine throughout her youth. Kristen grew up playing basketball, volleyball, softball, swimming, running track, and horseback riding. She excelled in volleyball and basketball throughout high school and received a scholarship to play both at the next level in college.  

 

One week before leaving for college, Kristen attended a party with some friends and left on a motorcycle. As they were riding down the road, they were struck by a car, impacting Kristen’s left leg and nearly amputated it on site. She suffered a fractured pelvis and an open femur fracture as well. She was hospitalized for four months, during which time, she underwent multiple surgeries, attempting to save her leg, until they made the decision to amputate. Despite her injuries, she recovered and then went on to complete a bachelors and masters degree, pursuing a career in biology as well as a nurse practitioner. 

 

She got married, started a family, and then focused on being a loving wife and mother. In 2023, she met a few amputees that inspired her to get into adaptive sports and explore that side of life, something she never gave herself the time to do. She is looking forward to truly dedicating these nine weeks to her growth and soaking up all that ATF has to offer.