Kelsey's Dream

Meet Kelsey

Meet Kelsey, a 17-year-old from Harrisburg, NC! Kelsey is a very kind and loving teen and everyone around town knows who she is because of her friendliness and smile. However, due to her Down syndrome, it can be difficult for her to have authentic friendships, and she does not get to experience typical teenage girl things like going to the mall or going to high school sports games. This doesn’t stop Kelsey from being involved though! She runs track and field and plays soccer with the Special Olympics in her county. Kelsey also enjoys CrossFit, baking, and playing video games.

Kelsey started following the United States Women’s National Team a few years ago and she has faithfully watched every game. Her favorite player has always been the team’s forward, Alex Morgan, and Kelsey was so excited when the USWNT won the 2019 IFA Women’s World Cup and Alex won the coveted Silver Boot Award. Now that Alex plays for the San Diego Wave FC, Kelsey would love to head West to meet her. (A trip to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo would be a bonus!)

Kelsey’s sports dream is to meet Alex Morgan in person. The Hickory Ridge High School Jr. Dream Team is excited to help make Kelsey’s Dream come true!

Kelsey's Dream

Meet Dream Kid, Kelsey! Kelsey is a 17-year-old Hickory Ridge HS student living with Down syndrome. According to everyone who knows her, Kelsey lights up every room she walks into with her big personality and kind smile.

Kelsey had a Dream to meet soccer superstar, and her idol, Alex Morgan. Thanks to the Hickory Ridge HS Jr. Dream Team, Kelsey did just that! Last week, Kelsey was surprised with a pep rally at school where she was surrounded by family, friends, students, and teachers for a surprise send-off to San Diego. She was also met by previous Dream Kid and Hickory Ridge HS alum, Ne’Quan who “passed the crown” to her as the next HRHS Dream Kid.

On Friday, Kelsey spent the day at the San Diego Wave FC practice where she met Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper, two members of the USWNT and Kelsey’s two favorite soccer players! She gifted Alex and Abby Dream On 3 scarves and t-shirts, spent time kicking the ball around the field with both players, and even enjoyed a birthday cookie cake with Abby. She was met with nothing but love from everyone who was part of the San Diego Wave FC.

On Sunday, Kelsey and her family returned to Torrero Stadium to watch the San Diego Wave take on the Chicago Red Stars where they watched warmups from the field. The players, including Alex and Abby, recognized Kelsey on the sidelines and ran over to say hi. Kelsey even got to participate in the coin toss with Alex! The day was made even sweeter with a Wave FC win, including a PK from Alex.

While in San Diego, Kelsey and her family also enjoyed time at the San Diego Safari Park where they participated in a private safari tour. Big thanks to the team at the San Diego Safari Park who gave Kelsey and her family VIP access to the elephants, Kelsey’s favorite animal!

A huge thank you to Alex Morgan, Abby Dahlkemper, the San Diego Wave FC front office staff and players, and the Hickory Ridge HS Dream Team for making Kelsey’s Dream come true! We also want to thank InterContinental San Diego, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Richard Walker’s Pancake House, Brigantine Seafood Restaurants, Seaport Fudge, Ketch Grill & Taps, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Lastly, thank you to our Dream photographer, Emby Taylor Photography and our Dream videographer, Wheelhouse Media.

Dream Snapshots
View Full Photo Album

Dream Reels

DO3-Icon-03
Olympic_rings_without_rims.svg
167629e250ac1e6b9713375e40aa46b0
National_Football_League_logo.svg