Key Takeaways:
- Michael Auprince, an assistant coach for The University of Alabama men’s wheelchair basketball team, has overcome a congenital birth defect to achieve success in his career.
- Auprince collaborated with a student-led organization, Tikkun Olam Makers, to design a 3D-printed prosthetic leg cover that addresses the issue of clothing damage caused by his prosthetic.
- The prosthetic cover is lightweight, customizable, and cost-effective, and has improved Auprince’s confidence and ability to focus on coaching.
- The project demonstrates the potential of innovation and collaboration to solve everyday problems and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
- The design has the potential to impact amputees worldwide and is a reminder of the power of teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
Introduction to Michael Auprince
Michael Auprince has spent his life adapting, competing, and leading, first as an elite wheelchair basketball player and now as an assistant coach for The University of Alabama men’s wheelchair basketball team. Born with a congenital birth defect that left his leg extremely weak, Auprince underwent several procedures that left it nearly nonfunctional. Choosing amputation at a young age became a turning point, opening the door to international competition and collegiate athletics he might never have imagined. Representing Alabama carries deep meaning for Auprince, both as a former player and as an assistant coach, and he brings a global perspective to the program, shaped by years of competing at the highest levels and now applying that knowledge as an assistant coach.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Auprince’s journey to Alabama wasn’t easy, but he has used his experiences to guide the athletes he coaches. He tries to use all his experiences, including his Australian upbringing, Paralympics, and professional play, to develop athletes and share his knowledge. As a coach, Auprince blends his love for teaching and basketball, allowing him to share knowledge while developing athletes. Despite his success, Auprince faced a challenge many amputees know well: clothing damage caused by his prosthetic. This frustration led him to collaborate with Jesse Park, president of Tikkun Olam Makers, a student-led organization that designs practical assistive technology.
From Daily Frustration to Collaborative Innovation
The collaboration between Auprince and Tikkun Olam Makers led to the design of a 3D-printed prosthetic leg cover that addresses the issue of clothing damage caused by his prosthetic. The project relied on teamwork, both from engineers and non-technical members, and University resources like The Cube, which allowed them to produce larger, more complex parts than standard 3D printers. The team prioritized consulting with the end user, and Auprince suggested emulating his biological leg, which led to the design of a lightweight, two-shell leg cover that is now fully customizable for any prosthetic and biological leg measurements.
The Impact of the Prosthetic Cover
The prosthetic cover has had a significant impact on Auprince’s life, improving his confidence and allowing him to focus fully on coaching. The cover is simple, user-friendly, and cost-effective, something that is sorely needed for amputees. Auprince believes that the design could help amputees far beyond his own experience, and it has the potential to impact amputees worldwide. The prosthetic cover is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a reminder of how teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity can change lives. For Auprince, the project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration to solve everyday problems and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
The Power of Innovation and Collaboration
The project demonstrates the potential of innovation and collaboration to solve everyday problems and improve the lives of people with disabilities. By bringing together people with different skills and expertise, it is possible to design and develop solutions that can make a significant difference in people’s lives. The prosthetic cover is just one example of how innovation and collaboration can be used to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. As Auprince and Tikkun Olam Makers have shown, with the right mindset and resources, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities and create solutions that can improve the lives of people around the world.