Caiden is not your typical college senior. He has taken on his college experience with the kind of energy and focus you might expect from a wrestler who just stepped off the scale after making weight. He shows up ready, determined to make the most of every opportunity in front of him. As graduation approaches, Caiden is preparing to finish summa cum laude with a double major and three minors, all while spending four years as a dedicated member of the wrestling team.

Caiden navigates the world without sight, a reality he has known since early childhood.

At just 21 months old, he was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer. What followed was a long and difficult stretch that included more than three years of treatment, two rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and well over 100 medical procedures. In the end, both of his eyes had to be removed to save his life. By the time most kids are just beginning school, Caiden was already learning how to navigate the world in a completely different way.

He does not tell that part of his story for sympathy. It is simply where his story starts.
In 2008, his family moved from Michigan to Ohio so he could attend the Ohio State School for the Blind. There, he built independence, developed strong Braille skills, learned orientation and mobility, and gained confidence. He also began exploring sports, including goalball, track and field, swimming, and wrestling.

Wrestling stuck.

After middle school, Caiden transitioned into public school and became part of the first graduating class at Olentangy Berlin High School. He pushed himself in the classroom and on the mat. In 2021, he made history by becoming the first blind wrestler in Ohio to qualify for the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. His first match was against the top-ranked wrestler in the country at the time, future Ohio State Buckeyes wrestling athlete Paddy Gallagher. It was a tough draw, but for Caiden, it was another chance to compete and keep improving.
That mindset carried into college.

After graduating in 2022, Caiden earned a full-tuition scholarship at Otterbein University through a competitive academic essay. Since arriving on campus, he has balanced the demands of being a student athlete, a rigorous academic load, and an active campus life.

Behind the scenes, support from DCBDD has played a meaningful role in helping Caiden stay focused on his goals. Through coordination, resources, and guidance, DCBDD has ensured he has what he needs to navigate college life, build independence, and plan for the future. This support may not be in the spotlight, but it makes a difference in the day-to-day, allowing Caiden to pursue school, athletics, and his next steps.
If you spend any time around campus, there is a good chance you will run into him. He is often moving from one thing to the next. You might see him heading to class in wrestling gear, walking into practice, or supporting his teammates. You might hear him playing piano or singing with the Otterbein Christian Fellowship group. Sometimes, he is even performing the National Anthem before a sporting event, including matches for his own team.

His faith is an important part of his life. It shapes how he sees the world and approaches challenges, and he naturally shares it with the people around him.

Alongside everything else, Caiden has built a strong identity as a writer. His perspective shapes his storytelling. He does not rely on visual detail. Instead, he focuses on emotion, sound, and his characters’ inner experiences. The result is storytelling that feels personal and immersive. His strong imagination brings creativity and heart to his stories.

As he gets ready to graduate, Caiden will leave Otterbein with degrees in History and Political Science. He will also have minors in Creative Writing, Spanish, and Legal Studies. He plans to explore legal field internships as he works toward law school and continues to build on his accomplishments.

What stands out most about Caiden is not just what he has done, but how he carries himself. He doesn’t define himself by one part of his story—he focuses on what’s ahead and what he can do with it.