Aidan O'Neill is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Pinnacle High School for AZPreps365.com

On the sideline of Pinnacle High School’s football field, among the numerous players, coaches, and fans, one person stands out: Will DeMauvise.

His personality embodies unwavering love, cheer, resilience, and his constant happy mood lifts everyone around him. 

DeMauvise, a senior at Pinnacle High School, has been disabled since birth with cerebral palsy. He lacks mobility in his legs and uses a wheelchair. Despite his everyday challenges, sports were always intriguing to him. He played with a youth football team and later picked up wheelchair basketball in a local league and fell in love. 

The community lifted the teen, who was trying to overcome adversity and did nothing but spread unconditional joy. 

“Growing up watching sports with my dad, we would watch the games every week,” DeMauvise said.

The father-son connection was strong throughout DeMauvise’s childhood. In 2016, DeMauvise's father, Gerard, died in an accident, forcing DeMauvise to fight once again.

Entering high school, DeMauvise felt it was initially tough to fit in until he became familiar with the athletic department, which ultimately became his new home. The eager 15-year-old was all ears to the opportunity to become a team manager for the basketball and football teams. Once given the chance, he never looked back. 

“It makes me feel good that I have that community,” DeMauvise said. 

Players began to notice DeMauvise and his dedication to showing up each day with a smile on his face, something that is often much easier said than done. And it was that support that the players didn't realize they needed until DeMauvise arrived. 

“We’ve known him since freshman year,” Pinnacle wide receiver Keenan Johnson said. “He goes to all the games and he’s an inspiration to the team.”

Not only an inspiration on the field, but in life. 

Marlee Mauvis, Will's mother, has seen her son’s growth and could not be more proud of the young man her boy has become. Beyond sport, DeMauvise has laid the foundation for a career in any field imaginable, simply because of the smile on his face. 

“As a parent, watching him lean into what he loves so much and then embracing him just gives him a sense of independence, ” Mauvis said. 

In times of struggle, DeMauvise has not only leaned on the loved ones surrounding him, but on his faith. 

Above all, DeMauvise said he knows God has a plan for him to one day be rewarded for his sacrifices. 

“Life is bigger than yourself and I feel like people struggle to realize that at times,” DeMauvise said. 

Amid the adversity, DeMauvise still puts others ahead of himself. 

In addition to football, DeMauvise is the manager for the basketball team, growing close to players on and off the floor. His calming presence in the gym and in the classroom cannot be overstated.

“He’s big with the basketball team,” Johnson said. “All the guys love him and he’s always cracking jokes.”

Pinnacle sports would not be the same without Will DeMauvise. 

“I’m very thankful for the coaches that have taken me in.”

Looking toward his future, DeMauvise hopes to continue to work in sports and never let his burning passion leave him. Although he's just in his first chapter, DeMauvise views his “controllables” as just one thing: constant happiness.

“Wherever life takes me, I know that I’ll do it with a smile on my face,” he said.