Athlete Spotlight on youth goalball champion ZaNyiah Bell: ‘Stay true to yourself’

June 27, 2025
ZaNyiah and her teammates on the Eagles are dressed in black, their team color, and pose with their gold medals in front of the scoreboard displaying the final score (10-3) of the championship game of MWABA's Youth Goalball Tournament held in June.
ZaNyiah and her teammates on the Eagles are dressed in black, their team color, and pose with their gold medals after the championship game of MWABA’s Youth Goalball Tournament held in June.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m from Silver Spring, MD. I’m 14. I used to do dance; ballet, tap, and hip-hop. I lost my vision at age 7.

What do you like to do?

I like to shop and burn money.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

I want to become a lawyer, probably a criminal justice lawyer. Since I was younger, I have always been told I’m a great debater. So, I think it’s cool that I’d get to argue and earn money for it. I’ve wanted to be a lawyer ever since that. I also believe in principles of fairness and seeing things from different angles.

What MWABA sports or activities have you participated in?

Beep Kickball and Goalball.

Can you tell us about your experience with the Youth Goalball Tournament that you participated in June?

My team, the Eagles, won the championship. We made a great comeback from our first game which we lost. By the time we got to the championship game, we were really intensified and used great teamwork.

Do you see yourself wanting to continue playing Goalball? Are there any other sports or activities you are interested in?

As a hobby probably. I want to do track.

Do you have any goals for yourself that you would like to share?

I want to become more active. I think I have an athletic build and think I could be a good athlete if I put more effort into it. I eat pretty well already and drink a lot of water. I want to be more motivated to try new things.

If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?

I would tell younger me everything that is happening to you right now is happening for a reason. It’s okay for you to go through the emotions and feelings. Stay true to yourself. Don’t be scared to try new things or feel like you can’t try new things just because of what other people might think about you. Just go out there and live your best life girl.