Driving forward: UW-Platteville student Kyle Quinn’s adapted golf and teaching journey

As students traverse the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, each arrives with a unique story and background all their own. Many come seeking skills and experiences to launch them into a world beyond the university. Yet there are students who, simply by their presence, impart profound lessons themselves. This is the story known to teachers and colleagues alike of 21-year-old Kyle Quinn.

"A phrase I live by is 'Defy the odds, do what you can do, not what others say you cannot,'" said Quinn.

Quinn, a senior from East Dubuque, Illinois, is earning a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance with an emphasis on K-12 physical education. His understanding of the physical form and its vulnerabilities, shaped by his own experiences, is what sets him apart both in the classroom and in the field. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 5 - a condition that causes muscles to weaken and degenerate over time - Quinn exemplifies resilience and determination in pursuing his educational and personal goals.

Quinn is working toward becoming a physical education teacher for middle school students. He possesses both compassion and the ability to connect with those who may feel marginalized.

"When I was a kid, I remember seeing classmates who were not engaged or sat in the corner. I want to make PE exciting for everyone because if people are sitting out, what's the point?" questioned Quinn. "I want to be the best PE teacher I can be and inspire students who may not enjoy or excel at sports. I want to help them recognize its value and find enjoyment in physical activity."

That's just the philosophy that distinguishes a student and underscores their potential impact as a future PE teacher.

"I wouldn't have even known by looking at him that he had any type of disability," said Dr. Timothy Swenson, chair of the Health and Human Performance Department at UW-Platteville and associate professor. "We talked about how he plans to use his platform as a teacher to inform his future students about how a disability should not define a person."

Swenson teaches adapted physical education, creating a unique bond with Quinn. He invited Quinn to deliver a presentation to his classmates, ensuring that they not only become aware of his condition but also understand how Quinn's experiences relate to what they discuss in class.

"Show me, don't tell me," said Swenson. "That's what I tell my students and my own children. Kyle is out there demonstrating that having a disability doesn't limit you. He's showing others the possibilities. That's truly remarkable."

Quinn talked to the class about his experience with adapted golf and how he's found purpose and strength through the sport. He's been an avid golfer since high school and has worked at Lacoma Golf Club in East Dubuque for four years. However, the journey that led Quinn to adapted golf was born out of struggle.

"Last year, I volunteered at a summer camp for children with muscular dystrophy. It was tough for me emotionally and I didn't expect that," recalled Quinn. "When I returned home, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. I kept praying, and that's when adapted golf popped into my head. I searched on Google and found the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance. I don't believe in coincidences; I was led to it."

The U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance offers programs, clinics and tournaments since its inception in 2014. Quinn played in a tournament in Indiana this summer and stressed the transformative impact it's made on his life.

"Many golfers out there are better than most I see at the golf course where I work. They're crazy good," exclaimed Quinn. "There was a guy in my tournament with two prosthetic legs who shot five or six under par over two days. It's incredibly impressive. It shows me that with enough hard work and passion, anything is possible."

Even while working at Lacoma Golf Club, Quinn continues to apply his gift for teaching and share his love for the sport.

"Kyle is such an inspiration to us and the children, especially with our junior golf lessons," said Joe Evans, assistant manager of golf operations at Lacoma Golf Club. "He's out there teaching them, and you can see his devotion. He's also active in the community and works with other local sports teams as a baseball coach. He's a great guy to have around; anytime he's on the schedule, I know we're in for a good time."

Quinn faces the reality of muscular dystrophy with a blend of acceptance and courage, understanding it may alter his path, but never his determination.

"I don't know what the future holds," said Quinn. "But I see myself always doing what I can. If I can't teach anymore, then I can't teach anymore. I will find something else. My goal is to do this as long as I possibly can."

Even those at UW-Platteville whose job it is to inspire others, find themselves deeply inspired by being in Quinn's orbit.

"He knows the magnitude that a teacher can have on students," said Swenson. "Kyle will show his future students, especially those with disabilities, that when someone tells you that you can't do something, not to listen to that. He's a great testimony to that."

Today, Quinn believes that golf has not only been physical and mental therapy for him, but a way to spread his message - a message he's carried with him through the years.

"My mother always used to tell me to make someone smile whenever she dropped me off at school. That's something I plan on continuing by bringing smiles to my students' faces."

For more information on the Health and Human Performance Department visit:www.uwplatt.edu/department/health-human-performance

For more information on the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance visit: www.usaga.org

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