TEAM GIR ELITE
Alex Glenn-Camden
Alex Glenn-Camden served as an infantryman in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In March 2011, Alex was wounded by gunfire during an ambush while conducting a dismounted patrol. His military honors include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
After returning home, Alex discovered golf and found in the game a renewed sense of purpose, community, and connection. Wanting to provide that same experience for others, he co-founded Loops Fore Troops, a nonprofit that brings veterans together through golf and caddying. Alex is also an alumnus of Team 43 Sports and was featured in President George W. Bush’s Portraits of Courage. Today, he continues to use golf to create camaraderie, opportunity, and meaningful connections within the veteran community.
Dawson Thompson
Dawson Thompson is an adaptive golfer from Pascagoula, Mississippi, who competes in the short stature category. Born with achondroplasia—the most common form of dwarfism—Thompson grew up playing varsity high school golf and baseball, developing a relentless work ethic that earned him high respect across Mississippi athletics.
Despite undergoing multiple leg surgeries throughout his youth, Thompson earned a spot in the USGA U.S. Adaptive Open, showcasing his ability to manage demanding championship setups. Known for his humble demeanor and strong community roots, Thompson uses his platform to show young people with physical differences that they can compete at the highest level.
Mike Pappas
CAPTAIN
Mike Pappas is a retired U.S. Army Ranger who served 14 years on active duty, including multiple overseas deployments. After retiring from the military in 2022, Mike found golf to be an important part of building his next chapter, providing the camaraderie, competition, and sense of purpose he valued throughout his military career. His connection to the game eventually led him into professional caddying at destinations including Streamsong, Bandon Dunes, and Pinehurst, as well as opportunities within professional golf.
Inspired by that experience, Mike co-founded Loops Fore Troops, a nonprofit organization that introduces fellow veterans to careers in professional caddying and the community surrounding the game. Through the organization, Mike has worked to create opportunities for veterans to rediscover the camaraderie, purpose, and connection that golf provided him after leaving the military. He is honored to join fellow veterans, adaptive golfers, and Special Olympics athletes at the Storm King Invitational.
Annmarie D’Hondt
AnnMarie Dhondt is an active participant in adaptive and Special Olympics golf programs, known for her sportsmanship and passion for the game. Her training centers around developingconsistent course management and mastering fundamental golf mechanics.
As a vocal participant in inclusive athletics, Dhondt highlights the transformative power of sport in building self-confidence. She regularly participates in unified events that bring together players of all abilities.
STACEY JOHNSTON-GLEASON
Stacy Johnston-Gleason, hailing from Ronan, Montana, is a decorated multi-sport Special Olympics veteran with over four decades of involvement in adaptive athletics. Boasting nearly a single-digit handicap, she has earned national recognition for her long game and remarkable milestones, including an incredible 211-yard hole-in-one double-eagle (albatross) on a par 4 during the State Summer Games.
Johnston-Gleason's influence extends far beyond her accomplishments on the leaderboard. She serves on the United States Athlete Leadership Council and the Special Olympics International Golf Committee, leveraging her platform to mentor the next generation of athletes and advocate for greater representation in competitive golf.
Jared Stancil
Jared Stancil, from Bradenton, Florida, gained national attention as a young phenom in Special Olympics golf. Born with Down syndrome, Stancil picked up his first club at age three and developed a swing capable of hitting 180-yard drives down the fairway.
Teaming up with his father, Chad, Stancil won a national title in Unified Golf at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. His fearless approach, exceptional short game, and infectious joy on the course have made him an inspirational favorite among fans and fellow athletes.