# @tylerisd on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CyolQBSOK5C
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9450634-tylerisd-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b3e76bcb5f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-10-20T20:30:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Tyler ISD (@tylerisd) — https://gondola.cc/tylerisd

## Caption

Meet Samuel Blas. This is his comeback story. ⚽️ 

In 2021, Samuel Blas was a standout soccer player at @threelakestylerisd, earning a reputation as "one to watch" by coaches from his feeder school, Tyler Legacy @tlredraiders. But Samuel's life took a tragic turn when, as a bystander at a local soccer field, he became the victim of a drive-by shooting, resulting in a life-changing injury that left him paralyzed.

For a while, Samuel had to face the challenges of adapting to a new reality. He was confined to a homebound program, away from the school environment.

Fast forward to 2023, when the Tyler Legacy High School teachers and coaches received the news that Samuel would be returning to in-person classes. Soccer Coach Marty Germany remembered that Samuel was a soccer player and knew that he should be back on the soccer field and among his teammates, enjoying the sport he loved so much. Coach Germany and his team extended an open invitation to Samuel, offering him the chance to join the soccer team and embrace the sport he loves once more.

However, their support extended far beyond words. Coach Germany and his team went above and beyond to ensure that Samuel's return to the soccer field would be a memorable one. They created a designated locker for Samuel, provided him with a practice shirt, and collaborated closely with his physical therapist in Houston to tailor exercises that he could perform in the weight room alongside his fellow soccer teammates.

Friends Victor Banda and Jefferson Perez were with Samuel two years ago when the tragic incident happened, and today are with him as teammates once again.

Samuel's first visit to Legacy High School was an unforgettable moment. The joy on his face upon discovering that he would be part of the soccer team was immeasurable, symbolizing the culmination of his journey from tragedy to triumph.

Their actions exceeded their roles as educators and coaches, profoundly impacting Samuel's life, and his family. Coach Germany, humbly responded, "It's what we do."

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 593
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 7

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tyler ISD | @tylerisd | https://gondola.cc/tylerisd | School District |
| Skyler Hefley | @SkylerHefley | https://gondola.cc/SkylerHefley | Social Media Coordinator |

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