Sam’s Story
Sam Kuhnert was born with one hand, but that has never stopped him from embracing God’s purpose for him.
The Sam Kuhnert Story
Sam Kuhnert was born with one hand, but that has never stopped him from embracing God’s purpose for him. When people used to ask Sam about his limb-difference, he’d smile and answer, “Because God said I didn’t need an ‘extra’ hand!” Owning his difference made all the difference in his ability to move forward with confidence in sports, even after many said he’d never play outside of rec level.
For years, Sam dreamed of playing professional baseball. He trained hard, took extra lessons, and practiced pitching year-round, even when coaches told him he’d never make it, even when he was cut from his school team every year of middle school, and even when players on other teams mocked him relentlessly. His hard work paid off when he landed a college scholarship for his pitching. Sam knew he was on his way to becoming a baseball star, just as he had always prayed. But then a life-threatening illness and a bad injury ended his college career before Sam’s graduation. Feeling lost, Sam turned to God in prayer and trusted as God walked him into his true purpose—a purpose God had planted in his heart years earlier.
At only 17 years old, Sam had a vision from God to create sports camps for kids like him. After his pro dreams were dashed, Sam poured himself into becoming the best possible head coach for NubAbility Athletics Foundation, the sports camp organization he founded. NubAbility Athletics Foundation has exploded into a global non-profit charity that helps him teach thousands of children who have differences that they too can overcome challenges and live a triumphant purpose.
As the founder and coach of NubAbility Athletics Foundation and speaker, Sam spends every single day working with kids and making real changes in their lives. God is using him to reach and encourage more kids in this capacity than he ever could have as a pro baseball player. His goal is to show kids how they can tap into God’s purpose for them and become game changers for God too.
“I will not let your perception of my limits, limit my determination to crush your pity and replace it with your respect for my ability to compete.” – Sam Kuhnert