St. Mary’s student strives through power soccer and perseverance

by Jenna Niederkrom (M.B.A. ’26)

Jada Cano’s schedule moves at full speed. After finishing her classes for the day at St. Mary’s University, the 20-year-old Political Science major heads to power soccer practice with the team she co-captains.

A few hours later, she’s back on campus, meeting with mock trial members as vice president of the University’s Mock Trial Association. Some weekends mean tournaments in other states. Others mean national team training camps.

“It’s always something,” Cano said. “But I thrive when I’m busy.”

A junior with plans to attend the St. Mary’s University School of Law, Cano is currently vying for a spot on the U.S. National Power Soccer Team and a chance to compete in the Powerchair Football World Cup in Argentina this fall. In 2025, she traveled to England with the national team — the first person in her family to leave the country.

“Nobody expects the person who’s disabled to get to go play a sport outside of their country,” she said. “That was huge for me.”

At age 2, Cano was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. Growing up, she learned quickly that the world was not always built with her in mind.

But she also learned not to let that define her limits.

“Never let it stop you,” Cano said. “It’s just an extra thing to do — not something I can’t handle. A different ability.”

Rather than viewing her disability as something that restricts her, Cano described it as something that shaped her independence. From navigating school to traveling for tournaments, she approaches each challenge with the same mindset: adapt and move forward.

That independence helped draw her to both power soccer and student organizations on campus. In each space, she found not only opportunity, but leadership.

“Power soccer was empowering,” she said. “It showed me I could do things on my own.”

Today, Cano speaks openly about accessibility and the importance of designing spaces that include everyone.

She points to simple features on campus — automatic door push buttons and elevators — as examples. While they are essential for students like her, they also make life easier for someone carrying a stack of books, walking with crutches or rushing to class with coffee in hand.

“Accessibility benefits everyone,” she said. “Sometimes people just don’t realize it.”

Cano discovered power soccer at age 5 during a trip to the grocery store. A woman approached her family and mentioned a local adaptive sports clinic, encouraging them to give it a try.

They did — and Cano never looked back.

“Power soccer gave me independence. Mock trial gave me confidence. Political science gives me perspective. They all connect.”

Jada Cano

From the first moment playing power soccer, Cano was hooked.

“It just opened up this whole world,” she said. “I could play a sport just like the kid next to me. It was something I could do independently; it was my autonomy. That meant a lot to me.”

Traveling to England with the national team last year marked a milestone for her and her family.

“It showed me how far this sport can take you,” she said.

As vice president of the Rattler Mock Trial Association, Cano helps coordinate practices, prepare case strategy and build confidence in new members. Competitions place students in simulated courtroom settings where they argue cases before practicing attorneys and judges.

“Mock trial teaches you to think on your feet,” she said. “You have to adapt quickly.”

Her interest in law stems from a broader passion for justice and advocacy.

Arturo Vega, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science at St. Mary’s, said Cano stands out in the classroom for the same drive she brings to athletics and leadership.

“Cano is an exceptionally bright student — the kind every professor wants in their class,” Vega said. “She comes prepared, asks thoughtful questions and isn’t afraid to challenge ideas. She sets the tone for others to engage, which makes the classroom environment stronger.”

Balancing leadership, athletics and academics requires careful planning and her trademark adaptability.

“Power soccer gave me independence. Mock trial gave me confidence. Political science gives me perspective,” she said. “They all connect.”