Alyssa is a Special Olympics Virginia athlete who competes in volleyball, softball, and basketball. She has also played golf and soccer and participates in the Polar Plunge each year in Virginia Beach to raise money for Special Olympics. Alyssa says Special Olympics has helped her stay active and make many friends, and she’s become much more outgoing because of it. One of her proudest moments was competing at the 2023 Softball Nationals in Pittsburgh. Alyssa works at Food Lion in Ruther Glen, where she stocks shelves and helps organize the store. She’s excited to represent Virginia at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in her parents’ home state of Minnesota, and is training hard by practicing and staying hydrated.