Katelyn Pavey’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Born with one arm, she faced countless challenges but refused to let her circumstances define her—ultimately playing college softball against all odds.
Her journey is captured in the film “I Can,” which highlights God’s grace through life’s toughest moments. For years, Pavey resisted having her story made into a movie, feeling she didn’t have anything extraordinary to share.
“I didn’t want to be put on a pedestal,” she said. “I thought others in our congregation needed their stories told more than me. Plus, my dad wasn’t keen on it either.”
But her pastor, Tyler Sansom, who also directed the film, convinced her to share their story. The family was initially reluctant, worried about revealing unflattering parts of their past. Yet, they realized the impact their story could have.
“He said, ‘If you can inspire just one person to find and follow Jesus, would you do it?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Pavey recalled.
At the heart of her story is a complicated beginning.
“I was conceived out of wedlock, the result of an affair,” Pavey explained. “Both my parents had been married before, and when they got together, they had me.”
Her parents even felt her birth with one arm might be a punishment for their past mistakes. But Pavey’s grandmother reminded them: “God doesn’t make mistakes.”
Though Eric, her dad, wrestled with guilt, he came to see the importance of telling their story—showcasing Katelyn’s extraordinary ability to overcome adversity.
Raised in a Christian home and attending church regularly, Pavey faced real obstacles growing up with one arm.
“I encountered a lot of challenges that I had to learn to adapt to,” she said. Her parents encouraged her that she could achieve anything, even if it looked different from others’ paths.
Even in kindergarten, she faced skepticism—a teacher suggested she wear Velcro shoes because tying laces was “too difficult.” Refusing to accept that, Pavey learned to tie her own shoes.
“I walked up to the teacher and said, ‘Look, I can tie my shoes,’” she said. Those small “I can’t moments” became fuel for her determination.
Some parents wouldn’t let their kids play with her because she looked different. But Pavey learned to keep pushing forward.
“You adapt to adversity, overcome it, and become successful,” she said. “You don’t give up—you keep going, and that’s what I did, especially through softball.”
Pavey’s love for softball began at age three, with countless backyard practice sessions alongside her dad. By eight, she was playing competitively on a travel team.
But even then, she encountered harsh judgment.
“I remember a coach calling a timeout while I was up to bat and telling his players to move in because ‘She can’t hit,’” she said. Other parents complained about her presence on teams, and eventually a coach asked her to leave.
“I don’t like drama,” the coach told her. “Parents are upset that a girl with one arm is playing over their daughters.”
Despite the pain, Pavey used the negativity as motivation.
“Those words hurt, but I knew I had a greater purpose,” she said. “God gave me this talent, and I wanted to prove I deserved to be out there.”
After leaving that team, she kept training harder. She aimed for college softball but faced more roadblocks.
“Coaches liked my skills but always had a ‘but’: ‘I don’t know how to coach a girl with one arm,’ or ‘I don’t know how my players will react,’” she explained. “So, they never gave me a chance.”
Still, she persisted, becoming an all-state player in high school and eventually earning a full scholarship to play at Cincinnati Christian University.
Pavey’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and purpose—now shared in “I Can.” She hopes it inspires others to push beyond their struggles.
“God doesn’t make mistakes,” she said. “No matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from, God has a purpose for your life. He made you in His perfect image.”
“You just need to trust Him and His plan for you,” she added.
Her message is clear: don’t let adversity define you. Keep pushing forward, and you can reach your destiny.