William Hernandez, Acceptance Speech- 2023 NWBA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony скачать в хорошем качестве

William Hernandez, Acceptance Speech- 2023 NWBA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Originally from El Salvador, William Hernandez’s family immigrated to Southern California for improved medical care and job opportunities when Hernandez was six years old. His outgoing personality opened up several opportunities and he was subsequently introduced to adaptive sports at the age of 12, where he excelled in multiple sports. His exceptional wheelchair skills led to several media opportunities, including a few McDonald's commercials and TV shows. Upon learning how to play wheelchair basketball at a young age, Hernandez went on to win four NWBA Varsity National Championships in the Junior Division. He continued his success within the NWBA in the Intercollegiate Division being twice named to the 1st Team All-Tournament and winning three NWBA Intercollegiate National Championships. He was the first student-athlete with a disability to receive a full scholarship at the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA). Later in 2014, he was inducted into the Collegiate Hall of Fame, where his College jersey was retired. Post-college, Hernandez became a member of the most feared NWBA team dynasty ever assembled, Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks. Hernandez helped lead the Mavericks to win 12 National Championships in Division I. Hernandez has amassed several achievements internationally playing wheelchair basketball. He won a gold medal at the International Club Championships in 1998; a gold medal at the 1999 Para-Pan American Games, in Mexico City; a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games; and a gold medal at the 2002 International Wheelchair Basketball Association (IWBF) World Championships in Japan. Hernandez was known for his agility and speed on the court throughout his career and later became one of the most consistent mid-range shooters within the NWBA. He was also one of the toughest defenders in the game, taking on the opponents’ best players. His mechanical engineering background matched with his love of the game led him to co-found PER4MAX Medical, a leading sports wheelchair manufacturing company with a global presence. His positive influence on his teammates, and younger players, and his team spirit have been attributed to Hernandez’s biggest and most important assets.