Big Things Come In Small Packages

Spondyloepephyseal Dysplasias is one of many forms of dwarfism, a condition that usually doesn’t allow an individual to grow beyond the height of 4 feet 10 inches. Woonsocket’s Paige Houle is one individual that has been afflicted by the medical condition, but she doesn’t let it bother her.

At 4’ 8” the Villa Novan sophomore enjoys sports including, ironically enough, basketball. Houle currently holds a roster spot on the junior varsity basketball team.

“Growing up I had always wondered why I was so short and when I found out, I didn’t let it get to me,” Houle said. “I liked basketball and decided to try out for the team and here I am today.”

Although not that much shorter than a lot of her teammates at this age, she is the smallest athlete on the court, but the Woonsocket point guard doesn’t back down to anyone.

“I’m going out there to give it everything that I’ve got,” she said. “My only problem is that while I start fast, I eventually slow down due to my dwarfism.”

According to her mother, Donna, Spondyloephyseal Dysplasias is a form of dwarfism that affects the bones, joints and spine. Paige also has Stickler’s Syndrome, a connected tissue disorder and has already had a detached retina that required corrective surgery.

“It’s the pain in her joints that cause most of her problems,” Houle's mother said. “It’s never stopped her though. She’s tough and will fight for whatever she wants. No one is going to tell her what she can and can not do.”

Houle is aware of her limitations in a sport dominated by larger athletes. Try as she might, she knows she’s never going to be able to accomplish certain things on the court.

“There’s no way that I’m going to be any good at scoring, everyone else is bigger than me. However, my heart is toatally in it and I'm going to give everything I have when I play the game,” Houle said. “My ultimate goal would be to make the varsity team. Who knows, but I’m going to keep on trying and be the best that I can be while I’m on the court.”

In addition to playing basketball on the high school level, Houle also plays on the softball team and plays soccer for the Woonsocket recreational leagues. Houle is also a member of the National Honor Society.