Avery Short

Retired Spc. Avery Short is from Lincoln, Nebraska and served as a Combat Medic with the National Guard from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, Spc. Short arrived at the Fort Carson SRU after experiencing a series
of sexual assaults and domestic violence. Initially her PTSD diagnosis filled her with a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness. She struggled with thoughts of suicide and an inability to connect with
others. This all changed for her when she stepped into the nurturing environment of the SRU and discovered adaptive sports. Spc. Short fell in love with wheelchair basketball and the sport helped rekindle her fire and passion for life.

Through it all, she learned to view her struggles not as weaknesses, but as testaments to her resilience and strength. She credits the Fort Carson SRU and adaptive sports for pulling her out of the darkness
and into the light. Spc. Short previously competed for Team Army at the 2024 Warrior Games in Orlando. She is honored to have the opportunity to compete again at the Warrior Games as it symbolizes
her continued healing and service despite being retired. She looks forward to drawing inspiration from her fellow competitors.

Quote:
“I fell in love with wheelchair basketball and the sport helped rekindle my fire and passion for life. Through it all, I learned to view my struggles not as weaknesses, but as testaments to my resilience and strength. I would have to credit the Fort Carson SRU and adaptive sports for pulling me out of the darkness and into the light.”

– Spc. (Ret.) Avery Short