From being a star college basketball player to a being confined to a wheelchair after a devastating drunk driving accident, Steve Emt knows what it's like to have his dreams dashed in an instant. Once the shock of his new circumstances wore off, Steve dug deep to remember who he really is - an athlete. So began his journey as a wheelchair curler, and his lightning fast climb to 6-time national champion and 2-time Paralympian.
Today Steve shares the story of his early successes, his crushing tragedy, and his inspiring comeback.
STEVE'S EARLY YEARS. Steve Emt was born and raised in Hebron, CT. In high school, he was a three-sport star in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Steve earned All State, All New England and 3rd Team All American honors in soccer. In basketball, he earned CT All State honors his junior and senior season and is still the all-time leading scorer in the history of his high school.
COLLEGE YEARS. After high school, Steve chose to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY playing both soccer and basketball. Steve also attended the University of Connecticut playing basketball for the legendary coach Jim Calhoun.
THE ACCIDENT. In March of 1995, Steve’s life took a dramatic turn when a car accident changed his life forever. After hours of surgery and days in a coma, he woke up to learn that he was paralyzed from the waist down and would never walk again. Confined to a wheelchair, Steve Emt was faced with the challenge of learning how to live again.
After nine months of hard work and determination, Steve was back at work full time. Realizing it was time to make the decision to change his life, Steve went back to school to get his teaching certificate and taught middle school math for the next twenty years. During that time, he also coached the same high school boys’ basketball team that he once starred for.
STEVE'S BIG COMEBACK. During the summer of 2013, a chance encounter introduced Steve to the sport of curling when he not only fell in love with the sport but realized that his dream of being an Olympian may still be attainable. Through hard work, commitment, and dedication, Steve earned a position on Team USA in the Winter of 2014 and has remained with the team ever since. To date, Steve is a 6- time National Champion, has competed in 5 World Championships and the 2018 Paralympic Games. He has since earned a spot on 2022 Paralympic Games team to be held in Beijing, China.
Through his presentations, Steve empowers men and women of all ages to make difficult decisions and ultimately reach their goals through perseverance and dedication. Despite his successes and accolades, Steve remains humble and a very engaging speaker.
In a nutshell, Steve Emt delivers!
"Steve Emt is an outstanding motivational speaker. As I looked around the auditorium, not one person was on their cell phone and everyone was engaged. This in itself is a testimony to his ability to capture his audience! His message was truly inspiring. Every day we encounter different situations, it’s how we respond that sets us apart. I would highly recommend everyone listen to his remarkable story!" - MaryJo Archambault, CTRS, EdD Southern CT State University
“Steve Emt gives a powerful, genuine and earnest message to all on the perils of youthful and carefree decision-making that can result in a profound lifelong outcome. Yet, he also messages on how his strength and magnificent intestinal fortitude which exemplifies how one can 'get knocked down and fight to get back-up’ in life, eventually earning a shot at the Paralympics.” - Ronnie Nunn 19-year NBA Official-NBA Official Advisor
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