At 28, Scott Weisbrot is set to make his mark on the global stage of Para Hockey as a member of Team USA for the first ever Para Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in Belgium from August 20 to 24. Diagnosed with autism, Weisbrot has turned his passion for field hockey into a platform for advocacy, blending personal resilience with a drive to broaden inclusion in the sport.
The tournament, organized by USA Field Hockey after a successful bid, will feature athletes from across the United States and sixteen foreign nations, underscoring a growing commitment to adaptive sports on an international scale.
The Long Island All Starz Story
The journey begins with the Long Island All Starz, a nonprofit initiative founded in 2021 by former field hockey player and nurse Alexa Bracco. Inspired by her volunteer work at Camp HorseAbility and recognition from USA Field Hockey, Bracco created a program that offers structured field hockey opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Since its inception, All Starz has grown from a single chapter on Long Island to active hubs in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, with ambitious plans to launch new sites in Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts and California. The program’s expansion reflects a broader vision of nationwide accessibility for athletes of all abilities.
From Draft to Debut
Weisbrot entered the All Starz system in 2021 and quickly became the first player from the program to be drafted onto Team USA’s Hockey ii side, the specialized roster for athletes with intellectual impairments. His selection marked a personal milestone and a symbolic breakthrough for a program that champions representation at the highest levels of adaptive competition.
Beyond competition, Weisbrot has embraced a role as an ambassador for inclusivity, participating in media outreach that highlights the missions of Special Olympics and the importance of inclusive sports pathways. His story resonates with families like that of his mother, Jane Weisbrot, who has been a constant source of encouragement.
The upcoming World Cup will not only showcase elite talent but also serve as a catalyst for dialogue around disability rights in athletics. With participants spanning the United States and sixteen countries, the event illustrates how sport can bridge communities and inspire policy change.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament approaches, the excitement within the All Starz network is palpable. Coaches, volunteers and partners such as Lindsay Jackson anticipate that the exposure will accelerate funding and awareness, paving the way for more inclusive programs worldwide.