Campus Connection

Chris Finn, ’96, dreamed about becoming a soccer star when he was little, hoping one day to be as great as Pelé. In his own way, he has become a star in the soccer world. Finn led the U.S.A. Power Soccer team to a pair of World Cup victories as a head coach. He had the opportunity because he never gave up, even after he was paralyzed in an accident. “People with disabilities don’t want sympathy to get what they want,” says Finn. “They’re humans and want to be part of the community just like everyone else.” Before getting there, Finn was a student on campus, who was involved in several organizations like the Residence Hall Association Council, ROTC, Intramural sports and National Residence Hall Honorary. “All of my on-campus involvement gave me experience as a leader to help myself and to help develop other people.” The Therapeutic Recreation alum is sharing his story with the La Crosse area this week. He speaks on campus Tuesday night. “The biggest message I’d like to get across is: You are able,” says Finn. “To reach your dreams, you just need to have hope, believe in yourself and work together to make a difference and achieve your goal.” Finn will also be out in the community, speaking with the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and two local high schools before being featured at Leadershape, a leadership development program for young adults. “No matter what community you’re in, the community will benefit by being open and accepting of different people,” he says. His visit means he has several opportunities to do one of his favorite things outside of soccer: speaking. “We need people around the world to stop tearing people down and trying to one up everyone,” says Finn. “We need to instill hope and encourage people to support each other.”