Since she was 6 years old, Tara Denzik, senior first base for the IUS softball team, has played and loved the game of softball. She said she enjoys the time spent with her team and said softball helps her to keep in shape.

Denzik said she attributes her accomplishments to her parents because they have helped her a lot along the way.

“I was adopted and my parents are great,” Denzik said. “I probably wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t [adopted].”

Denzik’s mom is a special education teacher at Butler High School in Louisville. When Denzik was in the fourth grade, her mom took her to school with her where she first interacted with the special education students. Since then, Denzik has made it a love of her own to work with special needs people. Denzik said this is a passion in her life.

Currently, Denzik works for Seven Counties and is involved in a program called Respite. For 15 hours a week, she spends time with Kristen, a 22-year-old woman with Down syndrome. Denzik takes her shopping, teaches her how to cook and how to do laundry. This experience has enabled them to become friends.

“I have gone to school with her since middle school, but I just started working with her in January,” Denzik said. “I feel like I have some kind of gift. A lot of people don’t get them, but I do.”

During the summer, Denzik works for Dreams with Wings, a summer camp that works with people with Down syndrome and Autism. The camp runs five days a week for eight weeks.

“It gives them a chance to get out of their homes,” Denzik said. “We take them out into the community and it helps for the community to get used to them. It’s amazing.”

Denzik also coaches the Louisville Wizards, a Special Olympics team, in basketball and softball. Last season, the softball team she coaches was the state runner-up. This proved to be a rewarding experience for her and her team.

“It’s my way of giving back to the sports that I love,” Denzik said.

In December, Denzik will graduate with her degree in special education.

She said she plans to attend the University of Louisville to start on her master’s degree in moderate-to-severe special education. She said she hopes to teach elementary or high school special education.

“I should use my gift,” Denzik said. “I know that kids with special needs can be somebody and I want to help them reach that potential.”