College of Education leadership power race dreams for athletes with disabilities

July 30, 2026 - 22:29

Dr. Meredith Critchfield, Dean of Grand Canyon University's College of Education, and Faculty Chair Alicia Kozimor recently pedaled the equivalent of a 140-mile journey from Phoenix to Flagstaff without ever leaving campus. The two educators completed a 12-hour indoor cycling marathon to raise awareness and funds for adaptive sports programs serving athletes with disabilities.

The challenge, held inside GCU's fitness center, required both women to maintain a steady pace on stationary bikes while rotating through short breaks. Critchfield and Kozimor covered the distance in segments, pushing through fatigue and muscle strain to symbolize the endurance required by para-athletes who train without access to specialized equipment or facilities.

"We wanted to show that leadership is not just about sitting in meetings or writing policy," Critchfield said after the ride. "It is about putting in the work, feeling the burn, and standing alongside those who face real barriers to participation."

The event was part of a broader university effort to expand adaptive sports offerings, including wheelchair basketball, track events, and swimming. Kozimor noted that many students with disabilities lack the same opportunities for competition and camaraderie as their peers. "A bike ride is a small thing compared to what these athletes overcome every day," she said. "But if this shows one kid that they belong on a team, it was worth every mile."

Money raised from the challenge will go toward purchasing racing wheelchairs, handcycles, and other adaptive gear. The College of Education also plans to develop training modules for future teachers and coaches on inclusive physical education.

Critchfield, who has a background in special education, said the ride was a reminder that dreams for athletes with disabilities should be no different from those for any other competitor. "We dream of podiums, of personal records, of being part of something bigger than ourselves," she said. "And we will keep pedaling until those dreams are within reach."