The U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team is preparing to compete in the Paralympics, hoping to bring home gold for the third time, and a key player comes from Green Country.

Volleyball is a constant in Tia Edwards’ life.

“That’s all I do,” she said.

The Skiatook native grew up playing the sport and played at Skiatook High School… all without a left hand.

But Edwards says she won’t let her birth defect slow her down.

“I’ve just learned to adapt and try things my whole life. Sometimes you fail and sometimes you just find something else that works better. So it’s very simple,” she said.

She says she doesn’t let that stop her on the court either. Her dedication earned her a spot on the U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team and a spot on the squad for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this summer.

However, it is not her first competition on the world stage.

“I just turned 21 and was new to the game. At the time, I had only been playing it for two years,” she said.

She was also part of the winning team at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

“Playing on such a high pitch was completely different from anything I was used to. It was a unique and cool experience and I hope I can do it again,” she said.

Now that she has a gold medal in her pocket, Edwards is confident she can lead her team to another victory.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think if we play our game and we’re in it, I don’t think anyone can really play at our level,” she said.

And she says nothing will stop Team USA from winning its third straight championship.

“We are back and we are better and we will get through this,” she said.

The opening ceremony of the Paralympics will take place on August 28. The U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team will begin competition on August 30.