Steve Serio is no stranger to the Pioneer Classic. A two-time Paralympic medalist and professional wheelchair basketball player, Serio is considered one of the best wheelchair basketball players in the world. This season he is playing for a new team, the New York Rolling Knicks, and aiming for a National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Division I national title. Learn more about Steve and his impressive career, and watch him compete this weekend at the 2017 Pioneer Classic.
Age: 29
Team: New York Rolling Knicks
Hometown/Current Residence: Westbury, NY/Brooklyn, NY
Classification: 3.5
Occupation: Professional Wheelchair Basketball Player
How many years have you played wheelchair basketball? 12
List teams and divisions you have played in:
- Long Island Lightning (Junior Division)
- Long Island Express (Championship Division)
- University of Illinois (Collegiate Division)
- RIC Pacers (Championship Division)
- RSV Lahn Dill (Bundesliga, Germany)
- U.S. Men’s U-23 National Team (IWBF)
- U.S. Men’s National Team (IWBF)
How many years have you competed at the Pioneer Classic? 3
What is your favorite Pioneer Classic memory? I played in the Pioneer Classic the last year Collegiate Division teams played against Division I teams. I remember losing each game, but it was a great learning experience for a young player.
Top athletic achievements: Winning a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and a bronze medal at the London 2012 Paralympics
How did you get involved with wheelchair basketball? When I was 15, I found the Junior Division team, Long Island Lightning, and fell in love with the sport.
How old were you when you began playing? 15
Favorite quote: “It’s important to not forget where you came from. Stay humble, keep improving, and use your losses as motivation.”
Favorite food/meal: NYC Pizza
Favorite athlete: Derek Jeter
Favorite band/musical artist: Myles Kennedy
