Being Independent at College With an Intermittent Catheter

University of Alabama wheelchair basketball athletes Peter and Loeiza don’t let intermittent catheterization (IC) keep them from pursuing their goals. 

Learn how Loeiza and Peter manage college, sports, and IC

For many student athletes, balancing academics, training, and personal life is already a challenge. For University of Alabama adapted athletes Loeiza and Peter, managing intermittent catheterization (IC) adds another layer of complexity – but it has never stopped them from pursuing their goals. Through self-discipline, good time management, using the right continence products, and taking advantage of resources, they have excelled in college sports while maintaining their independence. 

Loeiza’s experience with IC  

Loeiza has been living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) since she was 15, when a tree that was being cut down fell in the wrong direction and landed on her back. She recalls the transition from high school to college as both exciting and overwhelming. In high school, she struggled to find places to self-catheterize. At the University of Alabama, she faced an even greater challenge: building a daily routine that worked around her classes and wheelchair basketball. 

“The beginning was challenging; I was focused on privacy, but over time, I learned to become more comfortable when I had to be around others,” says Loeiza. “Time management became key because I needed to make sure I scheduled catheterizing between practices." 

Although managing IC posed challenges, it didn’t prevent Loeiza from pursuing her sports career. “I needed to figure out when to go to the bathroom and make sure I stayed hydrated, but it didn't stop me," she shares. “Once I got comfortable with my IC routine, everything fell into place; I know I have to put my medical care and health first, and now that I have my system down, it's all good." 

Organization is another essential aspect of Loeiza’s college life. “Staying organized is key," she says. “I try not to stress when competitions come up; I communicate with my coaches if I need accommodations, and I know catheterizing is part of my routine." 

Loeiza has been using Hollister Infyna Chic™ Intermittent Catheters for a while, and she has never regretted her choice. “I love them because they're light, easy, and discreet, and no one else knows what they are – plus, they're pink, and I love that!" 

Peter’s experience with IC 

Peter, who was injured in an automobile accident at age nine, faced a different experience. His injury occurred during a family road trip when their car was struck head-on. By the time he arrived at the University of Alabama, he had been living with a SCI for many years and had already adjusted to managing his IC routine. 

“Since I was so young when it happened, and college was so much later, it didn't impact my transition into college," Peter explains. “I already knew I wanted to play wheelchair basketball, and Alabama has a lot of resources for adapted athletics." 

Despite his prior experience with IC, Peter still had to figure out which continence products would best meet his needs as a college student. After exploring his options, he decided to use the Onli™ Intermittent Catheter. “The biggest challenge was knowing my body and finding an intermittent catheter that works well with it, whether it's for cleanliness, convenience, or traveling,” he says. “It was tricky, but I was lucky to figure out a system before coming to Alabama; Hollister does an amazing job of meeting the customer where they're at." 

The right mindset + the right catheter + the right support = success 

Both Peter and Loeiza emphasize that self-discipline and time management are essential if you’re a college athlete managing a disability. “Living with a disability means there's a lot happening behind the scenes that people don't see,” says Peter. “Knowing when to say no and prioritizing your health are essential, because if my health is lagging I can't show up and do the things I need to do." Loeiza agrees 100%. “I’m always focused on balancing my medical needs with my athletic responsibilities,” she says. 

They are also thankful that they attend a college with many resources for disabled athletes, and that they have found continence care products that work well for them. Despite the challenges of managing IC, neither Loeiza nor Peter has let it hold them back. They both continue to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic and personal goals. “Once you find an IC routine that works for you, it makes everything else easier,” says Peter. “You just have to take control and keep moving forward."  

Through their experiences, Peter and Loeiza have proven that IC management doesn't have to be a barrier – it’s just another part of their journey to success.