ABC Medical recently awarded one of our biannual $1,000 scholarships to high school junior Isabel Einwich. She’s a gifted student from Wichita, Kansas, and a multi-sport athlete in track, adaptive golf, archery and tennis.
Isabel was born with spina bifida and has undergone 26 surgeries during her 16 years. We were lucky to catch Isabel between classes and practice for a conversation about how she plans to use her scholarship, what it means to represent athletes living with disabilities, and where she’s headed next!
Exemplifying the ABC Medical motto: Adapt. Believe. Compete.
How did you get involved in adaptive sports?
Ever since I was little, my parents have worked hard to find different adaptive sports for me to try such as track, tennis, archery, golf, basketball, swimming, and pickleball.
I started track when I was 4 years old. I began to compete in a wheelchair as I got older and had more surgeries. Through Wichita Adaptive Sports, I’ve gotten really invested in track, archery, and especially tennis.
I started playing tennis during the summers when I was about 8 years old, with lessons once a week. I really liked it, and I kept improving summer after summer. Now I want to see how far I can go with it, with more lessons and playing more competitively—maybe even playing in college!
Related reading: The ABCs of Persistence: Spring 2024 Scholarship Winners!
What else do you love about competing in sports?
As I’ve gotten older, I have realized how much sports mean to me. Growing up as an athlete helped me to learn how far I can push myself to participate. It’s also allowed me to create a community of friends with disabilities as well—I met one of my best friends through tennis lessons.
Tennis has given me the opportunity to get better at something I love doing, and those summers of bonding really grew on me. We now have five girls in our tennis group, and we’ve all gotten really close.
My coaches see this potential not only in me but others my age. I have a friend who’s 11 years old who I met through track. Some of the other girls and I try to mentor her, and we’ve really seen her grow. I think it really shows the younger kids that yes, you’re in a chair, but look at all these awesome things you can do.
Related reading: ABC Medical Awards Scholarships in 'Make a Difference' Category to 3 Outstanding Individuals
What other activities are you involved with?
I love to participate in theatre and track for my school. When I’m not at extracurriculars or doing homework, I’m usually doing art or reading books. As far as college goals, I grew up speaking Spanish, so I’m considering a major or minor in Spanish along with a degree in either audiology or speech-language pathology.
Aside from school and sports, I have also been active with Little Miss Wheelchair Kansas and their organization as I helped advocate for accessible spaces during my reign as Little Miss 2020 and 2021. Since that time, I have been helping to volunteer and serve as their Youth Coordinator.
Through them I have been able to also connect with the organization God's Faithful Servants and their partnership with American Wheelchair Mission to raise money to help provide wheelchairs for those in need in Mexico.
I honestly don't know where I would be without any of these activities or sports. Staying active has helped me realize that even though I can't do everything the same way others can, I can do it better.
Related reading: Shawna's Passion to Help Others
Where will your scholarship from ABC Medical take you?
The scholarship will help my family pay for more continuous tennis lessons throughout the year. Playing tennis during the summers brings me so much joy, and I’m thrilled to finally have the chance to feel what it’s like to get to play all year round.
I have big goals for my future in tennis, and my coaches think I show promise and want me to improve. This scholarship will help me get places that little 8-year-old me never even dreamed of when she showed up to her first day of wheelchair tennis.
What advice do you have for others who might be thinking about applying for a scholarship?
I’d tell them to make sure you’re passionate about what you’re applying for, and that passion will sometimes just fly right out of you when you write your essay. Your passion is going to be what makes you stand out.
Save the date: May 1, 2025
ABC Medical offers scholarship opportunities each spring and fall in the amount of $1000 with a focus on Adaptive Sports, Education, and those Making a Difference in their community or in the lives of those around them.
We’ll be accepting Spring 2025 scholarship applications through May 1, 2025. Recipients will be announced around May 15, 2025. We can’t wait to meet our future winners!
Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form or call 866-897-8588.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
