Bend Teen Evangeline Crossman Wins 2nd Place at U.S. Para Climbing National Championships

KATY, Texas — Thirteen-year-old Bend climber Evangeline Crossman earned 2nd place in the nation at the USA ParaClimbing National Championships held in Katy, Texas, marking a major milestone for the young athlete and the growing community of adaptive sports competitors in Central Oregon.

Crossman, an 8th-grade student who is homeschooled and also attends Cascade Middle School, competed against the nation’s top adaptive climbers and delivered a standout performance throughout the competition. She finished first in the preliminary round, securing the top qualifying position before placing second overall in the finals.

Crossman trains with the competitive team at Bend Endurance Academy, one of the region’s leading youth endurance training programs.

Despite significant physical challenges—including dyslexia and 5/200 vision in one eye—Crossman has emerged as one of the country’s most promising young paraclimbers.

“I’m incredibly grateful just to be able to compete with such amazing athletes,” Crossman said after the competition. “Every climber here inspires me. My dream is to keep improving and someday represent the United States in the Paralympic Games.”

Paralympian, and executive director of Bend Endurance Academy, William Lister, praised Crossman’s determination and growth as an athlete.

“Evangeline’s performance this weekend was extraordinary,” Lister said. “To lead the field in prelims and then finish second in the nation at just 13 years old shows the kind of dedication and resilience she brings to training every day. As a Paralympian, I know how powerful para-sports can be for opening doors and building confidence, and Evangeline represents exactly what the future of the sport looks like.”

The USA ParaClimbing National Championship brings together the top adaptive climbers from across the United States and serves as a key pathway toward international competition and eventual Paralympic participation.

Crossman’s result places her among the country’s elite young adaptive climbers and signals a promising future in the rapidly growing sport of competitive paraclimbing.