On December 15, BSM senior Grady Gordon announced his commitment to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Alabama.

At the BSM, Gordon is a well-known name. Gordon is very involved in the BSM community. Whether he is lending a hand in the Help Desk or recording stats for the football team, Gordon always has a good attitude and a smile on his face. Aside from his positive demeanor, one of Gordon’s most distinguished traits is his love of sports. He can frequently be spotted in the BSM hallways wearing jerseys from all four major sports: NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL. “I love watching and learning about sports whenever I can,” Gordon said.

Gordon’s love for sports began at a young age. He began playing basketball in fourth grade, which is where he learned not only the game of basketball but also that hard work really does pay off. Growing up, Gordon played the able-bodied sports of basketball and baseball, but eventually, his spina bifida made it difficult for him to continue. Due to this disease, he began attending the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation center to swim and work on feeling better. One day, Gordon was asked by Courage Center’s Athletic Director if he wanted to join wheelchair basketball. Gordon said yes, and the rest was history. “the Athletic Director mentioned wheelchair basketball. I went to a practice and fell in love with it,” Gordon said.

Since he started playing wheelchair basketball, Grady has had many opportunities to showcase his skill and was lucky enough to be selected to play on the USA National Team. He not only traveled all over the country, but he also traveled to Japan his sophomore year. “I love the opportunities I get to travel the country and rest of the world for the sport,” Gordon said.

Not only did Gordon get an offer from one of the country’s greatest sports school, but he also received offers from SMSU, Missouri, and Wisconsin-Whitewater. Aside from offers, Gordon is also a former nominee for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Player of the Month and a gold medalist in the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. “I decided with Alabama because they were just the overall best program,” Gordon said.

Gordon is excited for the opportunity to add to the University of Alabama’s rich sports history and to continue playing the sport he loves. Gordon has taken something that most people would see as a disadvantage and turned it into his own success. Gordon’s persistence and dedication to overcoming obstacles have shaped his ability to persevere on and off the court.