Making a Difference On and Off the Field: Overberg and her Journey with the Special Olympics

Soccer is a team sport. It consists of 11 individuals working together in contrasting formations, passing styles, and using different forms of communication to achieve victory.

For Elizabeth Overberg, a senior captain for the University of Minnesota soccer program, the skills she's learned from playing this beautiful game has also fueled a passion off the field. A passion for volunteering with the Special Olympics.

Overberg has been involved with the Special Olympics for as long as she can remember. Growing up, her best friend from kindergarten was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. From that moment on, she always sought out opportunities for them to play sports together.

When she got to middle school, she found her answer: volunteering with the Special Olympics. There, she could play with her friend and create opportunities for everyone; to learn how to work together while playing a game they love.

"I've been volunteering with the Special Olympics since middle school," said Overberg. "In high school, I used to run our adaptive social program and knew that I wanted to stay involved when I got to college."

Now in her senior year, she's continued her volunteer work through the University of Minnesota Special Olympics. It's an organization that she keeps close to her heart, which also helps her receive and give multiple opportunities. Opportunities that she can apply to captaining the Golden Gophers.

"Volunteering with such an incredible organization has taught me that everyone needs something different," said Overberg. "On my team, each teammate needs a different type of support or motivation to be their best. I can take that to the Special Olympics to make sure everyone has the support and positivity they need from me."

Competing at the collegiate level, individuals meet and compete with many different people, players, and personalities. It can also help you learn skills that can help for the rest of your life and make the lives of others around you better.

"My experiences at the University of Minnesota will help my career in the future because it helps me develop a grateful perspective and understand that everyone has their own challenges," said Overberg. "We may need different support, but we can all achieve the same things."

Overberg is excited to cap off her senior year leading the Gophers, but also continuing her relationship with the Special Olympics on campus. Over the years, she's had the opportunity to watch everyone grow as athletes, but also grow together as individuals, and as friends.

"One of my favorite events is the Special Olympics track meet in the spring," said Overberg. "All of the athletes get to participate in any event they want and we get to cheer them on all day. At the end, there's an athlete and peer relay that is super fun to watch."

Overberg has also recruited other members of the Gopher soccer team to volunteer with the Special Olympics. Seeing her two passions come together, it motivates her to continue being a leader. At the end of every event, she feels a sense of gratitude.

"It means a lot when my teammates take time out of their schedule to join me," said Overberg. "They're always hooked and leave with a smile on their face. In the past, large numbers of our team have helped with the track meet. They always tell me it's one of their favorite experiences and how grateful they are to embrace the joy of the Special Olympics."

Her roots to joining the organization are still true to this day. From a kid who wanted to help her bestfriend have the same experiences, to a student-athlete who is leading the way on campus, Overberg is grateful to see everyone participate in sports with their friends.

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Elizabeth Overberg