Meet Adaptive Athlete: Zooey Nguyen

Zooey was born in Quang Ngai province, Vietnam. Growing up as the only girl in her neighborhood, she spent her childhood playing soccer with the boys, swimming in the river, and staying active through running, badminton, and games. From an early age, she developed a deep love for teamwork and movement, finding joy in the connection and coordination that sports brought into her life.

 

In August 2007, while visiting family in Vietnam during a college trip, Zooey was involved in a serious motorbike accident that left her unconscious for days and hospitalized for over two weeks. As a result, she developed chronic vestibular dysfunction, causing persistent vertigo, balance impairment, visual tracking issues, and cognitive fatigue - challenges that have significantly impacted her daily life both physically and mentally.

 

Despite these obstacles, Zooey went on to serve in the Army from 2017 to 2021 as an Aircraft Structural Repairer. During her service, she was stationed in Fort Hood, TX and had a rotational deployment in Germany. She navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated field with limited support from her family.

 

Through it all, Zooey has remained connected to her lifelong passion for soccer and staying active. She is now seeking to build consistent habits, develop long-term athletic capabilities, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals through the Hyper program. By doing so, she hopes to regain confidence, reduce isolation, and continue pushing forward in both her physical and mental journey.