Coral Springs Teen Overcomes Disability to Realize Basketball Dreams
February 22, 2024 •
Alex Gracia with members of the Coral Springs city commission on Wednesday. {Courtesy City of Coral Springs}
By Kevin Deutsch
Alex Gracia refuses to let hemiplegia stand in the way of his hoop dreams.
Unfazed by physical constraints imposed by a stroke shortly after birth, which limited mobility on one side of his body, the Coral Springs teen secured a spot on his middle school basketball team and is considered the heart of the Coral Springs Recreational Basketball Team. Gracia has garnered admiration from teammates and opponents alike for his impressive skills on the court and his unwavering spirit and strong work ethic.
The city recognized the 14-year-old with a proclamation and award for his accomplishments at Wednesday’s city commission meeting.
His message to others facing challenges was simple yet powerful: “Follow your dreams, do what you want,” Gracia said, according to city documents. “Even if you have a disability, it’s not stopping you from playing the game and doing what you want.”
Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, who choked back tears while speaking of Gracia’s accomplishments, said: “At 14 years old, Alex Gracia stands as a testament to determination and resilience.”
Gracia aspires to one day make it to the National Basketball Association and play for the Miami Heat.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.
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