Junior Jada Cano’s definition of ‘normal” is unlike anyone else’s. 

At the age of 2, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), but she doesn’t let that stop her. 

“You don’t know it until you’re in it,” Cano said. “You can judge people all you want, but really, you don’t know what they’re like.”

Cano is captain of the South Texas Regional Adaptive Paralympic Sports (STRAPS) Scorpion power soccer team.

“Power soccer is played on a basketball court in power wheelchairs with guards on the front,” Jada’s coach Jennifer Weatherford said. “Players dribble, kick, pass and score by hitting the ball with their wheelchair.”

Two players on the team, including Cano, have SMA.

SMA is a rare genetic disease that is the result of the motor neuron gene not working properly. Motor neuron cells are responsible for transmitting impulses from the spinal cord to control muscles. Having SMA means one does not have enough of these neurons, which in turn leads to muscles not receiving signals. 

“The simple way of putting it is, I don’t have a certain protein in my spinal cord, and when I’m missing that, it atrophies the muscles quicker,” Cano said, “so if I work too hard, it leads to weakening in muscles. I can’t build muscle up as fast as other people, but if i build it up too fast I’ll lose my muscles”

There are four types of SMA and they all depend on what age the person started showing symptoms. Cano has type three, meaning she was able to walk as a toddler, but at the age of 2 she started falling more. Once her parents took her to the doctor, they didn’t know to test for SMA at first because of its rarity. 

“Both parents have to have the gene, but they don’t have to be affected by it,” Cano said, “so it’s like a 1-4% chance that you will have it if both parents have the gene.”

The organization, Cure SMA, is a non-profit that is trying to open people’s eyes to the considerable amount of genetic diseases that are out there, specifically focusing on SMA. With early testing for SMA, newborns can receive the help and treatment early on, which can lengthen their lives significantly.

Growing up with SMA, Cano has a different point of view on life. Although it’s all been hard, elementary school was the worst for her because of the pronounced nastiness of kids at that age. Once Cano was able to gain a voice for herself in middle school, the bullying slowed as she was able to speak up for herself.

“Jada has overcome so many obstacles through always having a positive outlook on life,” junior Hannah Pape said. “I have never heard her say anything negative or complain.” 

Even though Cano faced hardships within this disease, she hasn’t let that stop her from being a normal teenage girl. She began playing power soccer in 2013.

“Power soccer is for anybody with any type of disability, whether it’s physical or even mental,” Cano said.

Cano’s team is a part of the United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) in San Antonio. She received the title of team captain after years of work and dedication. 

“Jada has made the All Tournament team and received awards such as Most Valuable Player and the Sportsmanship award.” Weatherford said.

Weatherford has known Cano for almost 10 years. 

“I have been coaching the team since 2013,” Weatherford said, “and Jada has been a key player since the beginning.”

Discovering a sport that was adapted and made for Cano was one of the best things to happen to her. 

“As a kid, you want to be normal, you want to play during recess,” Cano said. “You can’t climb the monkey bars, but you find a sport you can play. It was such an amazing opportunity that I had.”

The power soccer club Cano is in plays teams from all over North America, and in 2019, they took on Mexico.

“Playing against them, because everyone and their neighbor showed up to their games, that was the biggest crowd we ever had,” Cano said. “It was stressful, fun, and nerve racking. You’re mad at the same time that you’re happy, because you want to win. Just to feel that sense of  ‘I’m doing something that other people are doing’ is amazing.”

Her team won that game and plans to play them again this year.

“We will play them again in November 2022 at the Houston tournament, ” Weatherford said. “We are very excited as they bring a whole other level of competition and energy.”

Because power soccer is a paralympic sport, players have a chance to get selected for team USA. Every four years players get tried for the team. Cano has never tried out, however, she plans to in 2024.

“Jada absolutely has Team USA potential,” Weatherford said. “She is already being looked at by Team USA coaches, athletes and referees.”

Practices start up on Oct. 4 at 5:30 at Morgan’s Wonderland for people interested in seeing Cano and these athletes in action.

“When people tell me I can’t do something, it makes me want to do the exact opposite and say, ‘Watch me,’” Cano said. “There’s a lot of people who have shaped me, but people who are in my situation inspire me the most.”