Nathaniel has dealt with the effects of a genetic blood disorder his whole life. Though he has suffered through episodes of intense pain and rounds of burdensome treatments, Nathaniel has never let it stop him from playing his favorite sport and staying active.

Nathaniel has loved playing soccer for a long time now. He plays for his middle school’s soccer team but has wondered what it would be like to play his favorite sport on a bigger scale. With the help of FAU Athletics, Nathaniel got to experience soccer at the collegiate level!

Nathaniel’s wish day fell on a game day for the team, so Nathaniel got to live the day as a true student athlete. He ate lunch with the whole team, got an exclusive tour of FAU’s athletic facilities, listened in on the coach’s pre-game pep talk, warmed up with the team, played a scrimmage, and shot penalty kicks!

Throughout the process, he got to ask the team all of his burning questions about their experience playing the sport. By the end of this action-packed day, he only wanted more. Nathaniel did not want to leave the soccer field of his new teammates he now looked up to.

Vaughn, Nathaniel’s dad, claims Nathaniel’s wish day is one he will always remember. He believes this access to the team’s schedule and advice will encourage the teenager in achieving his long-term goals.

Nathaniel has shared feeling underestimated and excluded among peers at school for factors out of his control, such as his size. To be included by older boys in the position he wishes to be in one day will surely make a positive impact on his self-esteem.

Thank you to Florida Atlantic University Athletics and Roofing Contractors Association of America for helping make Nathaniel’s wish reality!

Referred by his social worker, Melissa Stachowiak

Wish granted by Jeff P. Cohen & Fiona Elizabeth Cohen

Sponsored by Roofing Contractors Association of America