Deb’s Journey: From the Sidelines to the Summer Games 

Deb was struggling to get into the pool. 

It was her first competitive race, and the pool had no stairs — only a ladder. As Little City coach Katlyn Schute watched Deb struggle for nearly 10 minutes to get into the water, she wondered if her swimmer’s journey to competitive sports would end before it ever started. 

“I was so worried she was going to feel embarrassed or that she was a bother and just say it wasn’t worth it,” Katlyn said. “But she never gave up. I always tell her I’ve seen her do hard things and know she can do it, and I just feel honored she trusts me in those moments and pushes through.” 

Deb went on to become one of the biggest success stories of Little City’s Special Olympics season, going from never competing in a sport to qualifying for the state Summer Games as a swimmer. 

Her journey began with small steps — trying a recreational bowling class and attending open swim during the day program. Those experiences gave her the confidence to take on a new challenge and join Special Olympics. 

Katlyn watched Deb transform from struggling in her early swim races to competing at the state level. Even more inspiring, Deb kept pushing herself, signing up for track and bocce ball while continuing to step outside her comfort zone. 

“I’m just so proud to see her confidence grow and all the effort she puts in. I can’t wait to see what she does next,” Katlyn said.