Memphis Native Kevin Hensley Called into US Paralympic National Team
Sep. 5, 2014 by Bryan Flanagan
After seeing that a Memphis soccer player/coach was called into the Paralympic National team
for their camp in August, I reached out to Kevin to get some insight as to his career thus far for
the National Team and with TSSA. Huge thanks to Kevin for taking the time to answer some
questions for us. If you have any other questions for him feel free to reach him on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/kevhensley.
When did you first get interested in soccer?
I first started playing soccer when I was age 4. I made my first competitive team at age 6. My birth year
was 1992, but I played with the 1991’s half of my life. I remember watching old MLS games believe it or
not. Then my youth coach at the time, Tony Posner, showed me Manchester United. I have been hooked
ever since.
Any highlights of your soccer career in Tennessee?
I won the Disney Showcase Tournament guest playing with a bunch of my ODP buddies playing for FC
Alliance. Gordon Heins, of Knoxville, was our coach. I am very thankful to him for giving me that
opportunity. It was a tournament I will never forget.
Future Aspirations?
I am coaching for Midsouth Futbol Club now, in Memphis, Tennessee. I can't imagine not being around
the game. I just love it too much!!
What obstacles have you had in your career thus far and how did you deal with them?
I had a stroke in 2006. I was 14 years old. This is what qualifies me to play for the US Paralympic
Team. It was easily the hardest thing I had to deal with. I had full right side paralysis and I struggled with
short term memory problems, so school was a struggle. I had tutors over at my house twice a week. This
was difficult because I was previously an honor student. Many people doubted me following my stroke.
This drove me to keep pushing and playing. I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I wanted to make sure
everyone knew that I could still play.
How do you balance your time with sports/jobs/school? What have you found works well for you, can
you relate it to youth soccer players balancing their time?
It’s tough. Luckily other coaches cover for me when I am traveling with the national team. I have to use
my time wisely. Whether it is waking up early to train, or going to the gym late at night following
coaching, it just has to get done. I work hard to schedule my day wisely.
Describe your typical day of training at the US MNT Camp. Do you have any routines that you have
always relied on for eating/training/practicing?
Typical day at camp: Wake up early for breakfast, train after that, have lunch, train after that, have
dinner, a team meeting and then bed. I am normally in bed by 9:30 every day. I have to get my rest at
camp or I am a zombie the next day. You have to give your muscles time to rest and relax. I always want
to be better than the day before. I push myself a little bit more each day.
What have you learned about teamwork from playing with the US MNT? Have you had difficulties
with any teammates and how did you handle them?
Paralympic soccer is 7v7 on a massive field. If everyone on the field is not doing their job your team is
going to get punished for it. I have learned to trust my teammates. Trusting that they will get their job
done is very important. I also want to note that some of my teammates are some of the most
extraordinary people I have ever met. What some of these players can do with their body, even with
their disability, is absolutely incredible.
What is the role of your parents, have they always been supportive of your decisions regarding
soccer?
My parents have been incredible. They have traveled the world to see me play and honestly have only
missed a handful of games my entire life. They have always been so supportive. They love the game just
as much as I do. They actually met one another playing soccer.
What words of advice or encouragement do you have to share with younger athletes?
Respect the game! Never take it for granted. It can be taken from you at any time. One more thing,
never quit. I’m sure everyone has heard this before, but I have been through some pretty harsh things in
my life and I am still playing at a high level. It just takes hard work and dedication.
Favorite player of all time? Paul Scholes. No one could control a game like Scholesy could.
Favorite team (any sport)? Manchester United
Best soccer memory/moment? I scored twice against Portugal in a tournament in Barcelona in June of
2014. I also got to captain the team against England in what was essentially the final of that tournament.
Anything else interesting about yourself?
I just want to thank everyone that has played their part in helping me get to where I am today. I could
not have done it without any of y’all. To all of my doctors, friends, family I want to say, “thank you so
very much.”