From left: Rachel Shupp, Cole Randolph, Zach Miller, Scott Wendt
ROCKWALL, TX (May 2026) — Four inspiring Rockwall County athletes are preparing to represent Team Texas on one of the nation’s biggest stages as they head to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 20-26.
Selected last summer following a competitive qualification process, Rachel Shupp and Cole Randolph will compete in swimming, while Scott Wendt and Zach Miller will represent Rockwall County in unified soccer. The USA Games, held every four years, will welcome nearly 4,000 athletes from all 50 states competing in a variety of sports.
For these athletes and their families, the road to Minneapolis represents years of hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and heart.
Rachel Shupp, 38, graduated from Rockwall High School in 2006 after attending Rockwall ISD schools since kindergarten. A lifelong athlete, Rachel competes in swimming, bowling, track and field, soccer, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. Competing at the USA Games has long been a dream for her.
“This is Rachel’s first trip to the USA Games,” her family shared. “To be able to represent her hometown at the USA Games is a dream come true for her.”
Rachel earned her place after winning gold at the state level and being selected as one of only four female swimmers from Texas chosen to compete nationally. She has spent months training with Coach Jelia Bell at the RISD Aquatic Center while also working out five days a week at a local gym.
Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Rachel battled a serious illness in late 2025 that temporarily sidelined her from sports and required months of recovery.
“There were difficult days, setbacks and uncertainty, but she never gave up,” her family said. “She is incredibly proud to represent her hometown and Team Texas.”
Coach Bell described Rachel as an inspiration both in and out of the pool.
“Rachel doesn’t just compete in swimming; she inspires everyone watching with her strength and progress,” Bell said. “Every lap she swims is more than progress in the pool; it’s proof of her courage, determination, and refusal to let limits define her.”
Cole Randolph, 40, is also a 2006 Rockwall High School graduate and has been involved in Special Olympics since childhood. He trains year-round at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, where he competes locally, regionally, and statewide in swimming.
“To Cole, going to the next level is everything,” his family shared. “Everyone has put in a lot of effort to train to make this happen.”
Cole recently added private coaching to fine-tune his technique and says one of the things he loves most about Special Olympics is the camaraderie among teammates.
“My best friends are my teammates,” Cole said. “We all support each other and cheer each other on in sports and life.”
His family says one of the things they admire most is his love for life and his willingness to try new things and embrace new experiences. His latest “Cole-ism” is simply, “I love my life!” They also describe him as someone who sees the best in everyone and brings positivity and encouragement to his teammates both in and out of the pool.
Rockwall County Head of Delegation Coach Rose Antony has watched Cole grow as an athlete for more than 30 years.
“He has always been an enthusiastic competitor regardless of the sport,” Antony said. “Cole has trained hard over the years, learned several different strokes and is primed to show off his skills in the pool.”
Scott Wendt, 36, has participated in Special Olympics since 2002 and has competed in more than 15 different sports over the years. A Rockwall High School graduate, Scott will serve as the sole goalie for Team Texas’ Unified 7-on-7 soccer team.
When Scott learned he had been selected following a statewide tryout process, his family said he was “almost brought to tears of joy.”
Scott previously competed at the 2022 USA Games in swimming and says he especially loves the atmosphere and friendships formed during the event.
“He loves the excitement of all the pomp and celebration going on during the games,” his family shared. “Opening Ceremonies is a big experience, and the athletes can truly see a bigger picture of the impact they make.”
Scott has spent years sharpening his soccer skills, including playing goalie for the FC Dallas Unified Special Olympics Soccer Team. Local coaches Elizabeth Seba in Allen and Mike Godfrey in Rockwall have also helped him grow his skills and confidence in his ability to play goalie. Despite recently suffering a dislocated thumb during practice, he remained determined not to let the injury derail his opportunity.
“He hangs in there knowing it will be worth all his hard work,” his family said.
Outside of sports, Scott has worked at Tom Thumb for more than 15 years and continues volunteering with the Rockwall High School football program, where he first became involved during high school.
Eighteen-year-old Zach Miller, a graduating senior at Rockwall High School, will also compete in Unified soccer. Zach fell in love with the sport despite being told earlier in life that he would likely never play competitive team sports.
“He practiced relentlessly and began to learn the game,” his family shared. “He went on to play competitive select soccer in the Plano Premier League, two seasons at Utley Middle School, and currently plays for FC Dallas Unified Soccer.”
Zach trains intensely, completing solo workouts five to seven times each week in addition to team practices and tournaments. His hard work has already paid off, with his Team Texas squad bringing home gold medals in two warm-up tournaments ahead of nationals.
“Zach is the definition of ‘hard work pays off,’” his family said. “He is a silent leader who models hard work and a team-first mentality.”
The athletes say Special Olympics has given them far more than athletic competition. It has created lifelong friendships, built confidence, and fostered a strong sense of belonging and community.
“The most important thing Rachel has learned is that ‘she belongs,’” her family shared. “She has found friendships, support, and a community that celebrates her for exactly who she is.”
As the athletes prepare to travel to Minneapolis — some aboard privately donated jets arranged through supporting organizations — the Rockwall community is encouraged to cheer them on by watching the nationally televised coverage on ESPN and ABC.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place June 20-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News. Photo submitted by Betty Shupp.
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