Karen Smith spent her career in human and veterinary medicine and was a competitive athlete. After developing multiple sclerosis, she became involved in adaptive sports through Gaylord Sports Association.
A former starting goalie for a U.S. sled hockey team, she now manages the Gaylord Wolfpack sled hockey team in the Northeast Sled Hockey League.
What makes you a Healthcare Hero?
Working with Gaylord Sports to develop competitive teams both in wheelchair tennis, handcycling and then sled hockey, I was able to compete at national levels and bring that excitement back to Gaylord to encourage more individuals with disabilities and show them that they could do the same.
I was able to show them that they could be true athletes, not just “trying out a sport.” I could show them medals won in competing in Arthur Ashe stadium, or winning the first ever gold medal in women’s sled hockey.
And I could show them how it was done in a sled and at the age of 62, two things most people experiencing new disabilities think will never be possible.
Tell us about a challenge in your role that you were able to overcome.
One of the biggest challenges is getting people to recognize my players as athletes. They see a wheelchair, crutches or prosthetic limbs and only see altered ability. Then we have them sit down and watch as players remove these mobility aides and get in their sleds and start playing full check, competitive ice hockey. Just sit and watch my athletes as they are allowed the “Dignity of Risk!”
What’s your next major goal?
We just started a recreational level of hockey with the Wolfpack to build up a recruitment base of players to keep our travel team roster filled. My goal is always to get the word out and show people what is possible with just some equipment changes and to expand our rec team.
