TAMPA, Fla. — Carlos Quintanilla Jr. is an athlete that uses a wheelchair but says he hasn't let it slow him down in accomplishing his lifelong dream to play professional basketball. 

Carlos was born with spina bifida and was introduced to adaptive sports at the age of 13. 

"I love adaptive sports so much," he said. "Being involved with so many people who also have disabilities, I feel included. I feel not different." 

In 2020 his team, the Tampa Bay Strong Dogs, won the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship. 

Scouts have since reached out to Carlos who was selected to play professionally for a team in Porto Torres, Sardinia, Italy. 

"It's always been my dream. I knew at some point that I was going to get it, just didnt know when," said Quintanilla. ''I think that I'm one of those people that was born different and I have the opportunity to make a difference and I'm grateful." 

During his day job at All People's Life Center, he works with children that are also living with disabilities. 

"Never give up, always look up" are inspirational words he tattoed on his arm and encourages his students to live by. 

"I'm going to miss the connection I have with these kids," said Carlos who will be moving to Italy in January. 

Wayne Boseman is a recreation therapist for Hillsborough Parks and Recreation and coaches both the Wheelchair Basketball and Football teams. He says this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Carlos to be paid to play professionally while in Italy. 

"If you want to be one of the best in the world you have to go over there and play against them," said Boseman.