UNION CITY, Ga. – May 19, 2026 - With the 2026 Warrior Games happening June 13-20, Team Army competitors attended Army Team Sports Camp in San Antonio May 5-7.
The Army Team Sports Camp brings together competitors in the team-based events wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby. Through structured practices and game-focused drills, competitors work alongside coaches to refine skills, improve communication and build cohesion ahead of the 2026 Warrior Games.
For first-time competitor Spc. Adrian Saenz, the Army Team Sports Camp represents an opportunity to continue pushing forward in his recovery journey following an above-the-knee amputation. Training alongside fellow competitors has helped reinforce both confidence and purpose as he prepares for his first Warrior Games.
“Being here means a lot, especially knowing where I started,” said Saenz. “Now I’m here, training with the team and getting ready to compete.”
Training together is a key part of preparation for team sports competition. Competitors arrive with different levels of experience, but through repetition and shared time on the court, they’re learning how to communicate, anticipate movement and rely on one another during competition.
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Joel Rodriguez, Team Army wheelchair rugby coach and Team USA wheelchair rugby athlete, said the sports camp is designed to prepare competitors for the pace and physical demands they will face during the Warrior Games.
“This camp is helping them with the demands of the games, especially the physical demands, because they’re putting their bodies through quite a bit in a short amount of time,” said Rodriguez. “This is going to get them mentally prepared for what to expect at the games.”
Over the course of three days, Rodriguez, along with the coaches for wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, observe, guide and make adjustments that strengthen communication, execution and trust among teammates. Rodriguez said one of the biggest things he noticed during camp is how competitors continue uplifting one another through both successes and setbacks.
“When you have teammates that uplift you, you go into your next competition refreshed with a good mindset,” said Rodriguez. “Whatever happened, happened, but there’s still more to accomplish.”
Rodriguez’s mindset reflects the Warrior Ethos in action. Throughout sports camp, competitors are encouraged to remain disciplined, push through challenges and stay focused on improving each day.
Staff Sgt. Chelsey Scott, also a first-time competitor, shifted her focus toward recovery and rehabilitation at the Soldier Recovery Unit in Hawaii following a training accident at Pohakuloa Training Area. Adaptive sports have since become an important part of her recovery, helping her rebuild strength, track progress and regain confidence as she prepares for the Warrior Games.
“This is part of getting back to who I know I am,” said Scott. “The time I spend here allows me to keep learning, growing and building stronger connections with my teammates.”
For many competitors, adaptive sports provide more than physical training. Rodriguez said the experience helps create a positive outlet and support system that extends beyond competition.
“A lot of veterans find a negative outlet before they find a positive one,” said Rodriguez. “If we can help steer them toward something positive first, we can help lower the number of negative experiences.”
As the Warrior Games approach, Team Army continues building momentum through each practice, drill and moment of progress during team sports camp.
“Whether we’re training alone or with our teammates, the goal is to get better every day,” said Saenz. “The other goal is to be ready when it’s time.”