Katelyn Pavey’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and undeniable courage. Born with just one arm, she faced skepticism, ridicule, and roadblocks that would have stopped many in their tracks. But instead of letting those challenges define her, she leaned on her faith and proved every critic wrong—ultimately earning a college scholarship to play softball.

Now, her inspiring journey is the subject of I Can, a powerful new film that showcases how God’s grace is present even in life’s toughest trials.

For years, Pavey resisted the idea of having her life turned into a movie. She didn’t want to be put on a pedestal and didn’t feel her story was unique. Even her father, Eric, was hesitant, worried that telling the full truth—including the difficult circumstances of her birth—would open wounds.

“I was conceived out of wedlock due to an affair,” Pavey candidly shared. “Both my parents were married previously, and then when they got together, they had me.”

Her parents initially wrestled with guilt, questioning whether her being born with one arm was some form of divine punishment. But her grandmother reminded them of a powerful truth: God doesn’t make mistakes.

That realization, combined with the encouragement of their pastor, Tyler Sansom—who also directed I Can—helped them see the greater purpose in sharing their testimony.

Pavey’s journey was never easy. From a young age, she faced adversity from people who doubted her abilities.

“I faced a lot of challenges that I had to overcome and adapt to,” she recalled.

One of those moments came in kindergarten, when Pavey’s teacher told her parents she wouldn’t tie her shoes and insisted she wear Velcro sneakers instead.

Instead of accepting limitations, Pavey went home, learned how to tie her shoes, and returned to school the next day to proudly prove she could do it.

But the roadblocks didn’t stop there.

As a young athlete, she encountered coaches and parents who didn’t believe she belonged on the field. Some coaches underestimated her, and others outright dismissed her. One even asked her to leave the team because parents were upset that a girl with one arm was outperforming their daughters.

“I don’t like drama on my team,” the coach told her. “You’re causing a lot of drama. … Parents are complaining that a girl with one arm is playing over their daughter with two, and they just don’t understand.”