Overcoming Adversity Speakers

Jake Olson was the first completely blind football player to ever play in a Division I college football game. His story has been documented by ever major media outlet and he has been motivationally speaking since the age of 12.

Maja Kazazic's life changed after surviving a grenade explosion, during the Bosnian War when she was 16 years old. Despite the challenges presented to her as a below-the-knee amputee, Maja was able to build a new life beyond anyone’s expectations.

John Register, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), is a two-time Paralympian, Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, Persian Gulf War veteran, and TEDx Motivational Speaker. He is the founder of the U.S. Olympic Committee Military Sports Program.

2-time national and regional Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster who joined ESPN and SEC Network in 2016 as a sideline reporter for college football and gymnastics. As a freshman she unexpectedly lost both of her parents within hours of each other.

Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player. Drafted in 2017 by the Chicago Cubs, Chris played for several seasons before transitioning into Speaking.

Michael Oher is a former professional football player, Super Bowl champion, and the subject of the famous Michael Lewis' book and Academy Award-winning film of the same name, The Blind Side.

Jason's miraculous personal story is a reminder of the power of the human spirit. He shows us how we can find meaning even in our moments of greatest adversity – and how life and love can propel us forward when the next step seems beyond impossible.

At the age of 13, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, which seemed to end her career as a rising surf star. One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within two years had won her first national title.

Dave is an inspirational survivor, author, and nationally sought-out leadership speaker.

Aswad Thomas became the first male in his family to graduate from college and was weeks from going to Europe to play pro basketball when he became a victim of gun violence. He has dedicated his life to help elevate those voices by sharing his story.

Dave Dravecky is a former MLB pitcher who suffered from cancer in his throwing arm which resulted in having to amputate his arm, shoulder blade, and part of his left collar bone.

Adam Markel, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and resilience researcher, guides individuals and organizations to tap the power of resilience to master the challenges of constant change.

First American woman to win an Olympic gold at a fully attended Olympic Games (2004); Nominated for an ESPY Award in the “Best Olympic Performance” category. Expert on Resilience, Fearlessness, Dedication, Hard Work, & Redefining Success

Ryan Shazier is a former professional football player for the Steelers. Shazier was partially paralyzed when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury while making a tackle during a game in December 2017 and he has had a unique journey ever since.

Brian’s transformative approach cultivates perspective, motivation, and direction to help executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes align their life with their true purpose and defy their own expectations.

Trixy Castro is a seasoned female founder, and entrepreneur and has built and sold multiple companies. Trixy has a true gift, and it brings her great honor to inspire those in her community and across the globe. 

TEDx Speaker, Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, Nike Sponsored Athlete & Nationally Recognized Fitness Coach who overcame 34 surgeries to save her leg from amputation after a near-fatal accident.

In the first 27 years of his life, Austin Hatch survived two separate airplane crashes, which tragically took the lives of his immediate family and left him in a coma for 2 months. He made a miraculous recovery and played basketball for Michigan.