Adaptive golfer Jared Stancil excelling on the course and inspiring others along the way

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - This week’s ABC7 Athlete of the Week is Braden River High School’s Jared Stancil. He’s a student athlete and adaptive golfer for the Pirates.

This season is in its final stages, but Jared couldn’t be happier about how his season gone. He’s been the program’s number one golfer during 2025. He says he couldn’t do much of this without the support of his teammates.

“I just love playing with my teammates,” Jared said. I’m the number one seed on the team, and I am so impressed with how many accomplishments I’ve had."

The golf course is the place that Jared truly considers his happy place, with someone he loves very much. “It’s terrific man. This nice, bright sun, I love it. I just love golfing with my dad. He opens up a world to me.”

Jared was born with Down Syndrome, and his mother, Michele Stancil, says there are some days that are harder than others, but Jared finds a way to always overcome.

“Jared’s one of the strongest people I know,” Michele said. “The things that they have to overcome, the surgeries, the medical appointments, etc. He does persevere.”

When it comes to golf, this is where Jared is at his best. His head coach, Paul Krueger, at Braden River tells me that his teammates feed off of that energy too.

“The first question he always asks is not did you see that shot,” Krueger said. “Look at me. It’s what’s so and so doing on the golf course and how’s my 2 seed? How’s my 3 seed? How’s my 4 seed?”

On social media, Jared is becoming quite the sensation, especially on TikTok (@downsyndromegolfer). “Jared played in the Ohio Adaptive Open,” Michele said. “ZIRE Golf reposted his opening tee shot, and it just kind have blew up.”

Jared loves the popularity too, but not just for himself. He tells me it’s just nice to see people being positive about something. “Be you,” Jared said. “Have fun. Be positive and socialize. Talk to people and have a good experience.”