USABA Names Team USA Rosters for 2026 IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships

Next Generation of Goalball Athletes to Represent the United States on the World Stage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.

August 4, 2026- The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) today announced the rosters of athletes who will represent Team USA at the 2026 IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships, set for Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov 27 -Dec 5, 2026

The Youth World Championships bring together some of the world’s most promising young goalball talent, giving the next generation of athletes their first taste of elite international competition. For USABA, the event provides an important opportunity for young athletes to gain international experience and continue their development in the sport.

“Competing at a world championship is an incredible opportunity for these young athletes to challenge themselves, grow through international competition, and represent the United States with pride. We are proud of everything they have accomplished and look forward to supporting them as they compete in Kazakhstan,” said Michael Holmes, Interim Executive Director, USABA.

Team USA Rosters

USA Goalball Women’s Youth National Team

Reece Branch, (Tremonton, Utah)

Aspen Henderson, (Apollo Beach, Fla.)

Lily James, (New Port Richey, Fla.)

Miriam Larson, (Buda, Tex.)

Tayler Moses, (Fountain, Colo.)

Sarabeth Tate, (Grovetown, Ga.)

Alternates

Evy Kizzia, (Fort Gibson, Okla.)

Ellashea Maddox, (Atlanta, Ga.)

USA Goalball Men’s Youth National Team

Dequan Hunt-Bowman, (Garden City, Mich.) 

Hussam Itani, (Jacksonville, Fla.)  

Dino Jeudy, (Tavares, Fla.)

Khayree Lofton, (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Christopher Morgan, (Douglasville, Ga.)

Edwin Vidals, (New York, N.Y.)

Alternates

Terry Smith, (Roswell, Ga.)

Andrew Torres, (Holland, Mich.)

Team Lead 

Karen Zabel

Women’s Coaches

Nicole Kirk

Karen Zabel

Men’s Coaches

Bailey Buhler 

Nick Reynolds 

Team Doctor

Mindy Siegel MD 

Supporting the Future of Goalball

As a nonprofit organization that operates without government funding, USABA relies on the generosity of donors and partners to give athletes every opportunity to compete and grow. While USABA works to provide the highest level of support, families of our youth athletes currently shoulder a portion of the costs of competing on the world stage. These young athletes are the future of goalball, and experiences like the Youth World Championships are essential to their development as competitors and as people.

Every contribution helps lighten that load and keeps the pathway open for the next generation of Team USA. Donations are tax-deductible, and gifts of any size make a direct difference for these athletes. To support our Youth World Championship athletes, you can donate through this link or contact Karen Zabel at khzabel@gmail.com

About USABA

For 50 years, the United States Association of Blind Athletes has empowered Americans who are blind and visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation, and physical activity, educating and inspiring the nation along the way. Founded in 1976, USABA breaks down barriers and challenges perceptions of disability through sport, offering pathways from grassroots participation to international competition, including the Paralympic Games. USABA is certified as the National Governing Body for both Goalball and Blind Soccer. As part of its 50th anniversary, USABA continues to lead the adaptive sports movement on the Road to LA28 . Learn more at usaba.org.

About the IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships

The IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships is the premier international competition for the sport’s emerging athletes, organized by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).

The event gives the world’s top young goalball players a platform to showcase their talents and gain the elite-level experience that fuels long-term success.

Media Contact: Kelly Fox kfox@usaba.org | 203-506-2448

United States Association of Blind Athletes 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

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