Sports has the power to bring people together, create bonds, and inspire us to strive for excellence. And for the Springfield community, basketball and football star Mike Vaz was an inspiration to many. Vaz’s exceptional talents on the court and field won him numerous accolades, including induction into the Springfield Public High Schools Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. However, after being left paralyzed due to a 2013 shooting, Vaz’s life took a turn.
In this article, we will take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Mike Vaz and remember the impact he had on those around him. Keep reading more..
Who was Mike Vaz?
Mike Vaz was one of Springfield’s best high school athletes. During his senior year at Commerce, he was the only player to receive recognition as both the regional football and basketball player of the year, earning him The Republican’s 2002-03 Male High School Athlete of the Year award. His achievements did not stop there; Vaz also received the Norman Dagenais and Angelo Bertelli Honors for football, recognizing him as one of the most valuable and exceptional players in Western Massachusetts. Additionally, Vaz won the John “Honey” Lahovich Award for the region as the best basketball player during the 2002-03 season.
What was his Cause Of Death?
Mike Vaz’s stellar athletic career at Commerce was cut short by a terrible occurrence. He was shot and paralysed in 2013, altering the trajectory of his life. His tenacity, on the other hand, was a monument to his strength and resolve. He died today, at the age of 38, following an illness. He used his situation to excite and inspire others, speaking at events and raising awareness about gun violence. Many people were shocked to learn of his death, and the Springfield community is mourning the loss of a real hero.
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Shaunt Brace wrote:
Baystate Medical Center 2001. Our kitchen crew was lit. I was 20yrs old and pregnant with my second son Domar. Mike Vaz was a life saver throughout my whole pregnancy. Days I wasn’t able to work or just didn’t want to, all i had to do was text Mike and he would always say, ” I got you!.” Prayers to his family in this difficult time. R. I.P Mike Mike. You’ll never be forgotten. 🙏🏾😢🕊️
Mike Vaz Obituary
The Springfield community has lost a remarkable athlete, an inspiration, and a hero. Mike Vaz was a rare talent whose achievements on the court and in life were a testament to his outstanding character. His story is a powerful reminder that in the face of adversity, we must never give up. The loss of Mike Vaz is felt not only by his family but by the entire Springfield community, and we will all miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Mike Vaz, and may your legacy continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence.
Tributes Pours to Mike Vaz death
Ryan Ricardo Williams
We met in 3rd grade, the teacher brought you right over to my set of desks. We ended up becoming friends that day, took the bus home from school and I met your little brother. We found out that same ride we got off at the same bus stop and even lived 3 blocks apart. I remember going to birthday parties, summer camps and sleepovers with you. You were my best friend in the world, and my brother. I won’t forget the good times, although the bad times were what put us in different lanes. We hadn’t spoken in years when I saw you coaching NDL, I saw your mom for the first time in years and she showed me nothing but love, and we had a brief conversation where I got to tell you although it’ll never be the same I love you. Atleast we got that last conversation. R.I.P. Mike Vaz, 🤙🏾💪🏾✊🏾
Jeremy Ridriguez
To know you won’t be able to participate in Our Youth Support Group and inspire our kids this fall is one thing, to know I won’t be able to get my cup filled through our deep conversations is another thing but to know that your smile will no longer brighten up the world anymore is the most heartbreaking thing to have to accept! We had plans Michael Vaz we had plans brother! I’m so grateful to have been able to share the stage with you in multiple occasions both athletically and professionally! Hug your loved ones… Death has become too Normal! May this Man’s optimism and fight for life live in our hearts forever! This will be a void Springfield,Mass will never be able to fill! Someone said there should be a Mural of Mike in Commerce and I couldn’t agree more😩🥺🙏🫶🏼
Despite the challenges he faced, Vaz’s enduring spirit and legacy will continue to inspire generations. His remarkable achievements on and off the court have made a significant impact on the Springfield community, and we are all the better for having him in our lives. He was an exceptional athlete, but more than that, he was a person who showed tremendous courage and strength in the face of adversity.
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