Lexi Heer, a 27‑year‑old power‑soccer standout from Fishers, Indiana, is set to represent the United States on the world stage this fall.
Her upcoming schedule includes the Conference Cup in Fort Wayne later this week and the Power Soccer World Cup in Argentina in October, where she will join the U.S. Power National Team as one of its most seasoned players.
Power soccer, a fast‑paced adaptation of the sport for athletes with physical disabilities, is played on a regulation‑size basketball court using specially designed wheelchairs and a raised ball. The game’s rules mirror traditional soccer, emphasizing teamwork, strategy and skill.
Heer was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age, a genetic condition that weakens muscles but has not deterred her from mastering the sport since she first stepped onto the court at five years old.
Teammates and coaches alike describe her as a versatile force, capable of filling any position with a level of maturity that belies her years of competition.
A Voice from the Wheelchair Wizard
Brett Passmore, executive vice president of the United States Power Soccer Association and known on the circuit as “The Wheelchair Wizard,” highlighted Heer’s impact, noting that her experience and adaptability elevate the entire squad.
Passmore’s praise underscores a broader narrative: the sport is not only a competition but a community that fosters lifelong friendships and mentorship for its participants.
As the national team prepares for the World Cup, the organization behind the effort, the United States Power Soccer Association, continues to expand its reach through US Soccer’s extended national teams program, aiming to bring more visibility to athletes like Heer.