Kiana Glanton stepped onto the baseball diamond with a bronze medal around her neck, a testament to a journey that began long before the sport ever entered her life.
Born with sarcoidosis at the tender age of four, Glanton faced a cascade of health challenges that culminated in severe vision loss, including no sight in her left eye and a visual acuity of 20/800 in her right.
For a decade she endured chemotherapy, a regimen that stretched from her late teens into early adulthood, before her eyesight unexpectedly stabilized during a pregnancy.
Finding a New Pitch
A mentor from the Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit that supports the visually impaired, introduced her to the US Blind Baseball Association (USBBA). Initially resistant, Glanton was swayed by the confidence of fellow players and the promise of a supportive community.
She adopted a personal style on the field — lipstick, earrings, and a fierce competitive spirit — that set her apart and signaled her commitment to the game.
From Player to Captain
Three years after joining the USBBA, Glanton earned a spot on the team that traveled to Europe, where she helped secure a bronze medal for the association.
Today she captains the New York‑based squad sponsored by Lighthouse Guild, a team that now comprises 30 members who share her passion for sport and camaraderie.
Beyond the scores, Glanton urges anyone coping with visual impairment to seek out community programs and athletic outlets, emphasizing that confidence grows when individuals step into spaces that celebrate their abilities.
Her story illustrates how resilience, combined with a nurturing community, can transform adversity into a platform for inspiration.