Meet Adaptive Athlete: Will Whitten

Will grew up in Patterson and Haughton, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, where sports played a big role in his early life. He was passionate about baseball and football, competing all the way through his junior year of high school until a back injury from a car accident sidelined him. Despite the setback, Will remained focused on his goals and had plans to attend technical school after graduation.

 

In January 2025, Will’s life changed dramatically when he was involved in a severe car accident on a rainy morning while returning from a hunting camp. The car flipped three times after missing a curve, leaving him conscious but unable to move. Rescuers used the jaws of life to free him, and he was rushed to LSU Ochsner Trauma Center, where doctors discovered a broken neck at C5/C6 and a bruised spinal cord. In the ICU, the uncertainty of his condition and the fear of losing independence led him to a dark place mentally—but with the support of his mother, friends, and faith, he found the strength to fight. A breakthrough came during rehab at TIRR when, after days of mental and physical struggle, he moved his leg for the first time—reigniting his hope and shifting his mindset.

 

Since then, Will has remained dedicated to his recovery, working hard to improve both physically and mentally. He now walks with assistance and is determined to walk - and run - independently in the future. His goals include finishing college, starting a career, and one day building a family of his own. Will also hopes to mentor others by sharing his story, just as others inspired him during his toughest moments. At ATF, he wants to focus on rebuilding his confidence, pushing his physical limits, and continuing the journey toward a stronger, more grounded version of himself.