Lily James Heads to Kazakhstan to Play Goalball for Team USA
The Pasco County athlete, born with limited vision, is one of six U.S. players selected for the world championship.
By Rebecca Foster ·
Lily James of Pasco County, Florida, will travel to Kazakhstan to compete in the Goalball World Championships. The teenager, who was born without vision in her right eye and has very limited sight in her left, has been selected for Team USA. This marks a major step for the athlete, who was previously active in several local sports.
Goalball is a team sport designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. The rules require every player to wear a blindfold to ensure equal competition regardless of individual visual ability. The ball contains bells, allowing players to track its movement by sound. Each team attempts to score by throwing the ball past opponents, who use their bodies to block it.
James described the physical demands of the game, noting that the ball travels at high speeds and players must get on the ground to stop it. She mentioned that tactile lines on the court help players orient themselves. The sport was developed after World War II to help rehabilitate veterans who had lost their sight. Today, athletes with visual impairments worldwide participate in the discipline.
James is one of only six athletes chosen from across the United States to represent the country at this tournament. Her father, Peter James, said the family did not anticipate reaching this level. He described her performance as exceeding expectations, stating that she has gone above and beyond their initial hopes.
Her family noted that doctors had previously cautioned against team sports where an injury could affect her remaining vision. Her mother, Jennifer James, said they decided to let Lily pursue her interests despite the medical advice. They wanted to see how far she could go. James has also participated in swimming, weightlifting, and cheerleading, and she serves as class president at her school.
The family is currently raising funds to cover travel costs so they can attend the championships in Kazakhstan to support her. James said the sport has increased her confidence and helped her understand her physical capabilities better. She described the experience as a flow state where she feels connected to her body in space.
The World Championships will take place in Kazakhstan in the coming months. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for their trip. James expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming competition, stating that she feels in tune with who she is while playing.
