In this inspiring episode of the Wild Heart Athletics Podcast, Ben Kanzigg talks with Katie Bondy, a high school science teacher, coach, and athlete from Columbus, Ohio. Katie shares her powerful story of overcoming physical challenges, including spina bifida, scoliosis, and a below-the-knee amputation, to pursue a life filled with sports and teaching. Despite her adversities, Katie remains a dedicated coach in lacrosse and soccer and is a member of the inaugural U.S. Amputee Women’s Soccer Team. She dives deep into her journey through adaptive sports, the decision to amputate, and how the prosthetic gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to live with more freedom than ever before. Katie's passion for helping others, especially her students and athletes, reflects her resilient spirit.

Katie Bondy: https://www.instagram.com/kebondy52/

Key Points

• Introduction to Katie Bondy: Spina bifida, scoliosis, and amputation journey
• Living with leg braces, two-inch shoe lift, and MRSA leading to the decision for amputation
• Transitioning from leg-lengthening surgery to using a prosthetic and finding new freedom
• Becoming a high school science teacher and lacrosse/soccer coach
• Katie’s involvement with the U.S. Amputee Women’s Soccer Team
• Her journey from college lacrosse athlete to an advocate for adaptive sports
• The impact of teaching and coaching on her life and her approach to mentoring young athletes
• How Katie views amputation as a path to improved quality of life and physical freedom
• Reflections on overcoming physical challenges and maintaining a positive mindset through adversity

Podcast Merchandise: https://wild-heart-athletics.printify.me/products ($1 from every order will be donated to a nonprofit)

Hashtags:

#WildHeartAthletics #KatieBondy #AdaptiveAthlete #SpinaBifida #AmputationJourney #LacrosseCoach #USAmputeeSoccer #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #FreedomThroughAmputation