Meet 
Corey

     Corey Borner was born on January 13th, 1993, in Dallas, Texas to Michael & Charlotte Borner. He also has two older brothers, Brandon and Daunte Borner. When Corey was in the fifth grade, he moved from Dallas to Desoto, Texas. 
 
     On May 6, 2009, Corey entered his sophomore year at DeSoto High School at the age of 16. Just as any normal day, Corey left home to his spring football practice after telling his mother he would soon return.   After Corey arrived at practice, he ran football drills and plays like any other player on the team. It wasn't until his coach noticed Corey's commitment and hard work during practice and wanted him to run a special play as cornerback. After the play was called, Corey immediately locked his focus on the receiver he was guarding. Once the receiver caught the ball, Corey rushed towards him with a powerful hit. Unfortunately, the impact of the hit was made with his head down too low and Corey was instantly injured. At this point, Corey's last memory was his teammates standing over him and congratulating him on a good tackle, not realizing what had happen to him physically. His last words before rushed to the hospital was " no matter how hard I tried to get up, I just could not move. "  

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     After several minutes of lying on the field, unable to move, the ambulance arrived and took Corey Parkland Hospital emergency room. The following morning, Corey immediately went into a nine hour surgery. Slightly disorientated, Corey did not know what had happened or why his face was on the news. Moments after, the doctor entered Corey's room to inform him that he suffered a C5-C6 spinal cord injury. Corey was not prepared to accept that he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

 

      Several weeks later, Corey was transported to Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. During his stay, he had professional athletes and coaches stop by to visit him like Deion Sanders, Terrell Owens, and Coach Mack Brown. After Corey completed rehabilitation and physical therapy, Corey was ready to return back to DeSoto High School. Things were challenging at first, but with a positive mind set and driven spirit, Corey tackled every obstacles in his path with good intentions. 

 

       Throughout  Corey's remaining high school years,  there were people who went above and beyond to make sure Corey was comfortable and equipped with whatever he needed.  Pam Deborde, former athletic director at DeSoto High School, went out her way and gifted Corey with special made wristbands. Once Corey saw the wristbands in person, he realized the black and white print that said "Find A Way" along with his football jersey number, 24. At this moment, it motivated Corey to start encouraging others, share his story, and to remind them that even during trials and tribulations, we should all approach life's adversities and persevere.  

      Corey believes God has a plan for everyone but for him, a specific assignment. After Corey’s injury,  he often wondered what his "Plan B" in life was going to be. Professional football player, Tim Brown once asked Corey, “Have you ever thought about being a motivational speaker?". That question sparked Corey's purpose in life and led him to ask God " Is motivational speaking my calling ?" In 2010, Corey begin speaking for little league football teams, youth groups, and schools in the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex.  In that same year he started taking college courses to better prepare for his new path. The following year after Corey graduated, the head coach, Claude Mathis and former athletic director, Pam Deborde, retired his football jersey (#24). 

       In 2012, Corey attended Cedar Valley College to further his education.  In 2017, Corey graduated with his Associates of Social Arts. The following year, Corey  attended University of North Texas at Dallas where he received his Bachelors in Communications/Technology. Today, Corey is a motivational speaker and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.