Life presents each of us with a different set of challenges. How we navigate through them tells us a lot about ourselves. In this regard, we can definitely take a page or two from Steve Serio‘s book. This phenomenal athlete shows us how to step over monumental challenges and unlock greatness. His story is one of the most inspiring tales of modern sports.
Steve Serio is a wheelchair basketball player and a two-time gold medalist, having competed in five Paralympic Games with Team USA. This year, he’ll be the flag bearer for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Serio’s tale is one of determination, hard work and resilience. His life story is one that deserves to be told in full—let’s dive deeper into his journey.
Who is Steve Serio?
Early career
Born in New York, Steve had to undergo surgery at just 11 months old to remove a spinal tumor, which compressed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed. Classified as an incomplete paraplegic, Serio has paralysis in his legs and some of his lower body but retains some movement in those areas. Most of us might be devastated and lose our will to live in such a situation, but not Steve.
Growing up in Westbury, New York, Steve started playing wheelchair basketball during his sophomore year at Carle Place High School, and guess what? He was great at it. As a talented point guard, Steve led his high school team to the national championship in 2005 and was even named MVP.
Steve only got better during his tenure at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Here, he won the championship for a second time and was named MVP.
International career
During his college career, Steve joined the U.S. national team and continued to shine on the court. While the team initially struggled in the Paralympic Games, things gradually improved. By the 2012 Paralympics, Steve and Team USA made significant strides, earning a bronze medal. Although it wasn’t a top finish, it was a notable improvement from their first appearance, where they returned home empty-handed.
After that, Team USA really started to show what they’re made of. With more experience under their belts, they grabbed gold in the 2016 and 2021 Paralympic Games, and Steve was a big player for them. Now, as they gear up for the next Paralympics kicking off on August 24, 2024, they’re feeling pumped and aiming to snag gold again.
Professional career
Though Steve’s international career started much earlier than his professional one, it benefited him greatly. He brought years of experience and skills to the table when he joined pro teams.
He played most of his professional basketball in Germany, winning several championships. Right now, he’s absolutely crushing it with the New York Rolling Knicks in the NWBA Championship Division.
Steve Serio reveals how basketball provided freedom from his disability
“It was the first time in my life that I felt free from my disability.” Steve said. He expressed that basketball helped him accept and celebrate his differences instead of feeling ashamed. Growing up, he saw being different as a negative thing, but sports showed him how to rock his being different, turning him into a great athlete and a solid leader.
Five Paralympics, two gold medals, and now a flag bearer.
Steve Serio has done it all, but this is a first as he takes on his final Paralympic Games.@NWBA | #ParisParalympics pic.twitter.com/wBEFvCiCHE
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 23, 2024
With his leadership and impact, Steve has motivated many athletes facing similar challenges to stay hopeful and pursue greatness. “Being a good leader is a constant practice. It’s not like you wake up one day and all of a sudden you’re a good leader,” says Serio. According to him, leadership is about pushing people to achieve goals that are bigger than their own personal achievements and contribute to a greater purpose.
Will Steve and Team USA secure a hat-trick of gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.
Debate
Steve Serio as Team USA's flag bearer—does he embody the true spirit of American resilience?