Unstoppable Adaptive Sports Team Fields Big Changes

The Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka adapted softball team is coming off a stellar undefeated season—its third state title in as many years. Next year, however, there will be some big changes to the team as outgoing seniors leave the team without some star players.  

Both Erin Nickell and Harrison Lerner were instrumental in the team’s stellar season. They both provided strong leadership and stellar skills to the team.  

“Sometimes (Nickell's) vocalness can set some of the kids off, but they know she has experience, and has experienced everything there is to do with the team,” coach Marcus Onsum said. “(Lerner) just came in from day one and said—aside from Erin—‘This is my team.’”  

The 2011 season were nothing short of great. Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka team collected three state championship trophies—one for each adapted sport the team plays: hockey, soccer and softball. 

The Robins didn’t score fewer than 10 runs in a regular-season game. The Robins even reached 20 runs in one game and notched three 17-run blowouts during the season. Onsum makes a point to give every player meaningful field time, and the team's leaders called the lopsided victories unfortunate.

“You still kind of have that soft spot for, you know, you lose to a team 18-0. But it’s what we're trained to do,” said Nickell.  

“We earned our keep, we played to win, we played our hearts out,” said Lerner. 

Coach Marcus Onsum said the adaptive sports league gives his players a great chance to do something they couldn’t do 20 years ago.  

“The biggest thing is the friendships they make, developing a sense of belonging and leadership skills," Onsum said. "They build those skills doing something they otherwise might not have.”

Lerner, who said he will continue playing sports on local recreational leagues, hopes to enlist in the Navy.    

“I think this team opened up a lot of opportunities for me—really helped me grow as a person,” said Lerner.

Nickell is heading to Principia college in Illinois, where she is already assured a spot on the varsity college soccer team. 

“It’s such a big highlight for my life, its pretty much one of the greatest things I’ve done in my life,” said Nickell. “I’ve really come to accept my disability. Without the Robins, that never would have happened.”