Shopper Blog: Joni and Friends connects people with disabilities, and those who love them
BEARDEN
Bearden girls soccer handled every challenge
John Shearer, Shopper News
Bearden girls soccer coach Ryan Radcliffe is not afraid to try to put together a tough schedule, with this past season’s slate being extremely challenging.
Despite that – and maybe because of it – his Lady Bulldogs in late October won their third straight Division I-AAA state title.
“It was by far the toughest schedule we had to battle through, but we managed to go undefeated,” he said over the phone during a recent interview recapping the season in which Bearden finished 22-0-1.
He jokingly said the schedule difficulty was due to both him and forces beyond his control. He said he wanted to play some of the other top teams in Tennessee and in other states to help Bearden get better. But on the other hand, some teams did not want to play Bearden because they'd likely lose.
However, one team he did not seek out contacted him, and it proved fruitful for both teams in helping their preparation. Radcliffe said Albertus Magnus – a defending state champion from New York – came down for a September match at Bearden that ended in a 1-1 tie, the only blemish on the nationally ranked Lady Bulldogs’ record.
The Lady Bulldogs also defeated defending Kentucky state champion Assumption, 6-0, in an August match in Chattanooga, and beat 2023 Division II-AA state champion Baylor, 3-1, in Bearden in early October. They also easily defeated Briarcrest Christian of Memphis, another usually solid program, as well as their district rivals.
In the state tournament in Chattanooga, the Lady Bulldogs beat previously undefeated Houston of Memphis, 2-1, in the quarterfinals in what turned out to be their toughest match of the postseason. They then beat Franklin, 3-1, in the semifinals before beating Ravenwood of the metro Nashville area, 4-0, in the finals on Oct. 28 at the professional CHI Memorial Stadium.
Another feature of the program – and one that really jumps out to an observer – is that Bearden has become a reloading program instead of a rebuilding one. This year, it managed to repeat as state champion despite losing several key seniors from last year’s team, including current South Carolina Gamecock player Brinley Murphy.
This year’s team also featured several senior standouts, including two – midfielder Nyla Blue and forward and multi-position player Alivia Stott – who received the honor of getting to sign with hometown Tennessee. Other key seniors to sign scholarships were Bre Mendoza with the University of Dayton and Rylie Lucas with McKendree University in Illinois.
Radcliffe said the players who go on to play major college soccer usually come from places like California and Texas, but Bearden and some other schools have increased the number from East Tennessee in recent years. And that has given the coach some extra fun during his down time trying to catch these former players on TV.
“That’s a humbling experience to see,” he said. “People are starting to take notice of the good talent around here. And seeing two of your own players sign with Tennessee is awesome.”
Regarding his secret to success − the 2023 Bearden team become the first girls’ soccer team in school history to win three consecutive state championships − he said his emphasis is on both culture and youth.
“Our culture is never going to change,” he said. “I challenge our group every year to rewrite the legacy before them.”
He has also tried to keep developing the younger players and has placed emphasis on the JV program, with assistant Peyton Berry being helpful in that realm.
His recent players are a little naïve, he said with a laugh, in that they do not know how to lose. It is an attitude that he hopes continues and that they can build even more on the past accomplishments.
“We definitely have a talented group coming back, and each year we try to get them to leave Bearden in a better place than they found it,” he said.
KARNS
Joni and Friends connects people with disabilities, and those who love them
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
Joni and Friends hosted a Dancing Through the Decades event at Fellowship Church on 8000 Middlebrook Pike for families and individuals affected by disabilities, whether they be intellectual or physical.
The event was a great opportunity for these families to connect with each other and enjoy a little fun over crafts, ice cream sodas, a photo booth, and the most popular attraction – karaoke.
About 60 people attended the event, most dressed in attire indicating their favorite decade. A number of people dressed in tie-dye T-shirts and beads, while others dressed in ’50s poodle skirts.
The staff of Joni and Friends wore pink jackets adorned with “Pink Lady.”
There were about 15 volunteers, some from area churches with worship programs for those with disabilities, as well as other disability service providers like the Challenger League and Autism Breakthrough.
“This is a great opportunity for families who deal with disabilities to get together and connect with others. Many have already met at other Joni and Friends events,” said Lauren Richardson, area director of Joni and Friends.
Richardson explained how Joni and Friends began. In 1967, 17-year-old Joni Eareckson-Tada dove into shallow water in the Chesapeake Bay, severing her spinal cord at the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae, permanently paralyzing her from the shoulders down.
“Joni (pronounced Johnny) became desperately depressed – even to the point of suicide – but was unable to because she couldn’t move. Finally, she said ‘God, if I can’t die then show me how to live,’” explained Richardson.
Tada became an author, artist, singer, radio personality, and disability rights advocate.
She formed Joni and Friends in California in 1979. Now there are more than 20 offices in the U.S., one of which is in Knoxville at 410 S. Northshore Drive.
“She started with family retreats,” said Richardson. “They are just a regular weeklong camping experience, but everything is accessible. These retreats feature programs for the whole family, not just those with disabilities.
“There are marriage retreats, spa days, and a number of events throughout the year where people can come connect and belong. We just want to create community and a sense of belonging for not only those with disabilities but their caregivers as well.
“Joni said ‘I want to give hope to people, I want to help people with disabilities and those who care for them.’ That is our hope.”
There is a movie about Tada’s life and experiences on Prime video.
Info: tennessee@JoniandFriends.org.
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