Goalball catches on at Cal

Sophomore Julie Cabrera practices goalball. Cal recently played in a tournament -- the first of its kind in the nation -- against Portland State and Pennsylvania's Slippery Rock University.

Sophomore Julie Cabrera practices goalball. Cal recently played in a tournament -- the first of its kind in the nation -- against Portland State and Pennsylvania’s Slippery Rock University.   (David Butow / For The Times)

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Goalball was invented as rehabilitation for blinded military veterans in Europe after World War II and later became an event in the international Paralympics for disabled athletes. This year, UC Berkeley started what is thought to be the nation’s first competitive collegiate goalball team.

Goalball

Judith Lung relaxes with her service dog Van Dyke during goalball practice at UC Berkeley. “I never imagined myself playing college sports,” the senior English major said.   (David Butow / For The Times)

Goalball

Student Ann Kwong throws a ball during goalball practice at a gym on the UC Berkeley campus. The team is competing at the collegiate level as supporters are trying to get NCAA recognition for the sport.   (David Butow / For The Times)

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Freshman William Slason, left, and Erik Elvebak, with Judith Lang, place patches on their eyes, which are required during competition.   (David Butow / For The Times)

Goalball

UC Berkeley freshman William Slason stops a ball during goalball practice at a gym on the UC campus. Participants may be sight impaired or fully sighted, but all wear eye masks during competition.   (David Butow / For The Times)

Goalball

UC Berkeley goalball coach Jonathan Newman speaks with players and staff of practice.   (David Butow / For The Times)

Goalball

UC Berkeley goalball team founder Matt Grigorieff, left, speaks with school Chancellor Nicholas Dirks during practice. Part of goalball’s attraction is that “it flips the usual power relationship,” Grigorieff says. Instead of accommodating the disabled, it makes adjustments for the non-disabled.   (David Butow / For The Times)