As a former college softball player and college coach, I love that my kids — all under age 3 — are showing curiosity about sports. They’re in good company: Sixty-five percent of youth tried sports in 2024.

As we reach the midpoint of summer, my three future athletes are outside and active as much as the weather allows. From family walks to swimming, all three kids love to be as active as possible. My oldest daughter, interested in hockey, gets compliments for coordination. She and my son are tall. People suggest he might play basketball or baseball someday. I’ve dressed him, at 4 months old, in baseball-footed pajamas and a Yankees hat.

But I haven’t noticed anyone giving an athletic analysis of his twin sister. Perhaps they don’t see her as a future athlete because she was born with Down syndrome. For her and the 5,700 babies born with the condition in the U.S. each year, sports enthusiasts must think bigger about what sports and recreation can be.

Sports have always been in my DNA. From a young age, my parents signed me up for sports, from ballet to basketball. I found my true niche in baseball and softball.

When we found out we were having twins, aside from praying for healthy babies, I daydreamed what their athletics futures could look like.

Then in April 2025, we learned that one twin would most likely have Trisomy 21. Some excitement became worry, and my athletics dreams were the least of my concerns. How........

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