Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Katie W.

One of my heroes, Katie W., was born with one arm and of Asian decent. She grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, and her parents neglected her and did not show her the love she deserved and needed. She was on the first girl's basketball team that I coached. She joined us her 7th grade year and through her hard work and desire became a starter and played through her sophomore year. Between all the teasing she endured and her messed up family all she wanted to do was be normal. She would work on everything including trying to dribble the ball and shoot layups with a half of an arm. She played harder than anyone on the team. I am still coaching ten years later and no one has shown me more desire than Katie.

In her 8th grade year I coached her again and in a fierce game she made the winning shot with 2 seconds on the clock. This time, the opposing team wasn't upset—they actually cheered.

One of the opposing teams' parents came to me and thanked me for not cutting her in 7th or 8th grade because she said that Katie had inspired their whole team.

Story was submitted anonymously