Welcome to the Thunder Zone
  • Home
  • Athletes
  • Coaches
  • Sponsors
  • Fundraising
  • Photos
    • Pics With Kevin from Ireland
    • Vancouver Pics
  • CALENDAR
  • Links!
  • Contact Us!
  • Thunder Times

BEN "DA HAMMER" CARPENTER (CAPTAIN)

Picture
#12-Ben Carpenter
Ben has been with the Tampa Thunder since it began in 2004.  At the time he was the youngest player in the league.  #12 is currently the captain of the Thunder, and plays center for the team.  Ben began playing power wheelchair soccer because he wanted to experience a truly competitive sport that required the skill of the player, not the person controlling or pushing their wheelchair.  "I wanted to feel the independence of being in control of my own speed and movements on the court". 

DANNY "STORMIN' " GORMAN

Picture
#99-Danny Gorman
#99, "Stormin' Danny Gorman" was one of the founding members of the Tampa Thunder.  Having been on the team since 2004, Danny, now 19, joined the team simply to have fun.  Over the years, his dedication and skill have resulted in much more than fun.  In 2009 Danny was one of the members of the United States Power Soccer Team, competing in (and winning) the World Cup in Tokyo, Japan.  His game winning goal brought home the gold in 2009, and Danny will be once again representing the U.S. in 2011.

RYAN "BAD TO THE BONE" COTON

Picture
#14-Ryan Coton
 Ryan was one of 5 players that began the Tampa Thunder in 2004.  #14 has played every position on the Thunder, from goalie to forward.  This 22 year old athlete states that power soccer isn't just played on the field, but off as well.  "Bad to the Bone" Coton is credited as the team's "historian", religiously reviewing game tape and developing strategies to help the Thunder build on their strengths and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the competition.  Ryan said that he joined the Tampa Thunder to play the very first sport ever in his life.

ANDREW "COMMANDO" GAIEFSKI

Picture
#94-Andrew Gaiefski
Commandos are known not only for their stealth, but their ability to be "silent and deadly".  Make no mistake...the most important part of Andrew's well-earned nickname is "deadly".  This soft-spoken player joined the team in 2008, and has helped the Thunder earn every goal and every victory since then.  Andrew plays a variety of positions on the team, and is known for his ability to position himself so that the other team is left frustrated and confused.  "Commando" says that he joined the team to use his incredible gaming and strategy skills in a real-world environment.

DAVID "THE WALL" MASTERSON

Picture
#23-David Masterson
"The Wall" joined the team in 2008 and got his nickname from his amazing ability as goalie.  His signature moves have not only kept the goals scored against the Thunder to one of the lowest point spreads in the nation, but his ability to jump forward into the mix and call out opportunities to his teammates have made him an invaluable offensive player as well.   David joined the Thunder to have the ability to play a team sport.   How dedicated is he to defending "the box"?  Just ask one of the several goal posts that have been 'retired' due to his aggressive, no-holds barred defense.

AARON "SPARKPLUG" MASTERSON

Picture
#11-Aaron Masterson
At 13 years old, Aaron is the youngest of the Tampa Thunder players.  He's made quite an impact since he joined in the 2009 season, though, scoring the game-winning goal against the Arizona Heat at the 2010 National tournament.  Already a well-rounded player, Aaron earned the nickname "Sparkplug", as he brings a spark (more like a lightning bolt!) of energy and enthusiasm when he's called into action.  Aaron says he joined the Thunder to show his older brother (#23, David) "how it's done".

YASH "POINT O" RANGOLE

Picture
Yash Rangole is the newest addition to the Tampa Thunder team, having transferred in January 2013 when he moved to Tampa from Jacksonville where he had already made quite a name for himself with a team from that area.  Yash is a student at the University of South Florida, and he's ready, willing and more-than-able to lend his talents to the Thunder.  Why "point 0"?  Because that's how long it took for him to show that he's up to the challenge and ready to help the Thunder be the best!