Hometown: Pittsburg
Sport: Powerlifting
Hope Baker is headed to the Special Olympics USA Games this year, and she’s bringing strength, heart, and confidence with her. A Special Olympics athlete for more than five years, Hope has competed in many sports including football, basketball, and bocce, but her true passion is powerlifting.
Special Olympics has helped Hope accomplish goals she once thought were impossible. Being part of a team has given her a strong sense of belonging and helped her grow in confidence. Naturally shy, Hope worked hard to come out of her shell. Now she’s ready to step onto any stage and give it everything she has.
Hope is most proud of her team, making her coach proud, and coming home with medals. She is also a leader off the competition floor, serving on the Special Olympics Southeast Kansas Leadership Team, where she meets monthly to help plan dances, events, and activities for fellow athletes.
Outside of competition, Hope loves spreading joy in simple ways like smiling at people and watching them smile back. She recently started cheerleading and hopes to bring those amazing cheers out into the community. She also loves anime and enjoys dressing up in anime costumes.
Hope says her biggest inspiration is her coach, along with her entire team. Their support, encouragement, and “never give up” attitude make them feel like family and help her keep pushing forward.
Competing at the USA Games means everything to Hope. It shows her that she is confident enough to stand on that stage and give her absolute best. She trains hard—five days a week—balancing cardio, strength training, and practice in multiple sports including powerlifting, football, basketball, bocce, and cornhole.
This will be Hope’s first time competing at the USA Games. With her determination, leadership, and love for sport, she is ready to represent Kansas with pride and show the world just how strong she truly is.
