Visually impaired coach inspires Coastal Bend communities


In 2004, Ryan Garcia began his coaching career for youth basketball and baseball leagues in the Calallen and Robstown area.

Twenty years later, he’s continuing to live the dream of impacting the community and the kids he’s coached throughout the years.

“When I stepped on the sideline it’s like I knew that I was doing what I was meant to do and nothing can go wrong in that moment,” Grant said.

Over the course of his career, Grant has won over 250 basketball games, 12 basketball league championships, and multiple baseball championships as well.

He’s been able to accomplish all of this, with one minor challenge.

“So here to my left perfectly fine, my right is fine, up here and down below fine,” Grant said, describing his vision. “However when I’m looking right at you, it’s just a blurry spot. I’d have to turn my head to the right to see you out of my left eye, which is my better eye,” Grant said.

Grant was diagnosed with Bilateral Optic Neuritis in 2002, causing him to be partially blind and only allowing him to see out of his peripheral vision.

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