VIDEO FEATURE: Fearless Innovation with Katie Holloway Bridge >>>
As Katie Holloway Bridge stepped onto the court at the Paris Paralympics this past summer, the CSUN alumna was fueled by the tenacity and fearlessness that have been the hallmarks of her illustrious career
As a five-time Paralympic medalist, including three golds, Holloway Bridge knows how to channel her inner warrior when the stakes are the highest.
But the journey to reaching the pinnacle of adaptive sports has been anything but straightforward.
From overcoming the challenges of fibular hemimelia and amputation to transitioning from able-bodied sports to adaptive ones, Katie’s path to success has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. A competitive force on the basketball court in college and as a Team USA sitting volleyball player now, Holloway-Bridge uses the platform to raise awareness about adaptive sports and advocate for inclusivity in the athletic community. As a Big West alumna, Katie’s impact extends far beyond the hardwood and teraflex, inspiring countless athletes to embrace their differences, redefine their limitations and pursue their dreams with unyielding courage.
While the road less traveled may present its fair share of obstacles, Katie’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the transformative impact of sports in our lives.
A DIFFERENT ROAD
When Katie was born, she was diagnosed with fibular hemimelia, a rare congenital condition characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the fibula bone in the leg. At ten months old, her parents noticed that her foot was turned out to the side, and she was struggling to walk. A visit to the doctor revealed the severity of her condition, and her parents were faced with a difficult decision.
They had to choose between a limb-lengthening procedure and amputation, knowing that the sooner they made a decision, the better it would be for Katie to adapt. Ultimately, amputation was deemed the best option for for Holloway Bridge, and at the age of two, Katie underwent a Symes amputation, which resulted in the removal of her foot and ankle.
In the face of such adversity, many would have succumbed to despair, but for Katie, it was the beginning of a journey that would shape her into the remarkable woman she is today.
“I was fit with a prosthetic and had several surgeries related to the amputation to help correct my growth along the way,” Holloway Bridge shared. “It was important for my success on and off the field of play.”
At a time when most kids are just beginning to explore the world around them, Katie was forced to confront the harsh realities of her condition. Holloway Bridge endured multiple surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy, all in the pursuit of leading a normal and fulfilling life. And while the physical pain and emotional struggles were undoubtedly difficult, Katie’s indomitable spirit and unyielding resilience helped her overcome every obstacle in her path.
Holloway Bridge refused to be defined by a disability, choosing instead to focus on what could be accomplished, rather than what couldn’t.
THE POWER OF SPORTS
Throughout Katie's formative years, sports became a refuge - a happy place where the limitations of the disability faded into the background. As Holloway Bridge excelled on the court, she was able to shed the label of “amputee” and simply be an athlete, no different from able-bodied counterparts.
“It made me feel like I was just a part of everyone else,” Katie said. “Despite not being exactly on par with the rest of my teammates that were able-bodied, I still found comfort in it, and it was my happy place.”
Sports taught Holloway Bridge the values of hard work, commitment, and the importance of teamwork. It instilled an unshakable sense of confidence and a belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. In high school, Holloway Bridge was a standout basketball and volleyball player, earning numerous accolades and awards for her exceptional skills on the court.
Despite being an amputee, Katie was determined to prove that she could compete at the highest level, and that hard work and dedication paid off by earning a Division I scholarship to play basketball at CSUN, her dream school.
It was at Northridge that Katie faced some of the toughest challenges of her career. Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete at the Division I level was grueling, both physically and mentally. There were days when Holloway Bridge wanted to quit, to give in to the exhaustion and the doubt that crept into her mind.
But it was in those moments of weakness that she discovered her greatest strength – the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
With the unwavering support of family, teammates, and coaches, Holloway Bridge pushed through the pain and the doubt, and emerged as a dominant force on the court, and is recognized as the first amputee to play NCAA Division I women's basketball. Holloways Bridge was the team’s leading scorer and twice earned All-Big West honors while solidifying her status as one of the best players in the conference.
Her time at CSUN was instrumental in shaping her into the fearless competitor she is today, and she credits her coaches, teammates, and athletic trainers for helping her discover her full potential as a player.
EMPOWERING OTHERS
Throughout her collegiate career, Katie was also making a name for herself on the international stage as a Paralympic athlete. She competed in wheelchair basketball and volleyball, earning numerous medals and accolades for her exceptional skills and competitive spirit.
In 2021's Tokyo Games, Holloway Bridge was the most valuable player of the tournament. Then, at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Katie secured a third consecutive gold medal, further cementing the legacy as one of the most accomplished Paralympic athletes of all time.
But for Katie, the success on as part of Team USA is just one part of the journey.
Off the sitting volleyball court, Holloway Bridge uses the public platform to raise awareness about adaptive sports and advocate for inclusivity in the athletic community. The transition from able-bodied sports to adaptive ones was a challenging one, and Katie had to overcome numerous obstacles and misconceptions along the way. But through tireless efforts and unwavering determination, Holloway-Bridge has shattered stereotypes and inspired countless athletes to embrace their differences and redefine their limitations.
As a Paralympic gold medalist and a proud amputee, Katie is a living testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Through this remarkable journey through sport, Holloway Bridge has shown the world that our differences are our greatest strengths, and that with the right mindset and the unwavering support of others, we can overcome any obstacle in our path.
Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to change the world, one fearless step at a time.