Rainier Adaptive Sports advocates for access and equity, finding partnership with PLU
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
One of professor Charlie Katica’s favorite memories is walking into a gym buzzing with energy — 20 kids in sport chairs practicing basketball, surrounded by more than 100 parents, coaches, and volunteers. “These athletes are a part of my family, and I am part of theirs,” says Katica. “I have learned so much from the players, and I am eternally grateful for all the memories and experiences I’ve had with the Titans.”
Rainier Adaptive Sports (RAS) is a community nonprofit Katica co-founded in 2020 after local adaptive recreation programs dissolved during the pandemic. A kinesiology professor at Pacific Lutheran University with 15 years of experience coaching wheelchair basketball, Katica partnered with others to build RAS to provide athletes with physical disabilities with more opportunities to play, grow, and compete.
Now, RAS offers programs in wheelchair basketball, track and field, beep baseball, and more. The nonprofit is perhaps best known for the Tacoma Titans, a Division III wheelchair basketball team that recently made back-to-back appearances at the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
PLU’s support is strengthening our programming, providing life-changing opportunities for our students and better experiences for our participants. I’m so thankful to work at an institution that truly embraces its mission of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.
One of the basketball players, Matt Mickunas, describes the impact of joining the team: “I love RAS. It has helped me regain a lot of my self-confidence and has helped me reintegrate into an exciting organization that is safe and inclusive for all.”
That same spirit of belonging and service is a natural match with PLU. More than 60 PLU students volunteered with RAS during the 2024-25 academic year, supporting practices and tournaments as part of their coursework or personal interest. “PLU’s support is strengthening our programming, providing life-changing opportunities for our students and better experiences for our participants,” says Katica. “I’m so thankful to work at an institution that truly embraces its mission of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.”
Lutes making a difference at RAS
Students in Katica’s Adapted Physical Activity class complete at least 10 hours of service, and many choose to continue beyond the requirement.
Current student Salena Hansel ’26 (kinesiology major with a minor in sport psychology) is one such volunteer; she assists during practices, facilitates activities, and is an unofficial cheerleader for the athletes. “This experience has shown me the importance of creating spaces that are not only physically accessible but emotionally safe and empowering. It’s fueled my passion for adaptive sports and disability advocacy, and I fully intend to carry this commitment with me into the future — both professionally and personally,” she shares.
Kim Stanley ’24 is an alum who found her calling through time with RAS. Stanley was a kinesiology major who first encountered RAS through Katica’s class and quickly became a regular volunteer. Now, she’s on staff.
“From the very first experience I was hooked,” Stanley recalls. “The energy, the athletes, the mission — it all just clicked. It’s more than just sports or recreation — it’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.”
Stanley credits PLU with giving her both the academic foundation and the personal confidence to pursue this work. “Courses like Adapted Physical Activity weren’t just educational — they were purpose-giving. They introduced me to the kind of work that aligns with my values.”
That blend of passion and purpose is exactly what drives RAS forward, and what draws so many from the PLU community.
“I have learned so much from the players,” Katica says. “I am eternally grateful for all the memories and experiences I have had with our athletes. They truly mean the world to me and have made me a better person working with them and getting to know them.”
The ongoing collaboration between RAS and PLU is a testament to their shared mission: building inclusive, empowering environments where amazing athletes can thrive through sports and community.
