Patty

Cisneros Prevo

Quick Facts

• Was a member of the U.S. Paralympics Women's Wheelchair Basketball National Team from 1999-2008
• Was named co-captain at the 2008 Paralympic Games, and helped lead Team USA to its second consecutive gold medal
• Received her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Valparaiso University with an endorsement in reading. She received a master's degree from the University of Illinois in education - curriculum & instruction with an emphasis in bilingual education and English as a second language
• Was inducted into the Valparaiso University Hall of Fame in 2006
• Works at the University of Wisconsin as the Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and is the author of children's picture books
• Received the Lee & Low Books New Voices Award Honor in 2019 for her book, "Tenacious: 15 Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes"
• Inducted into the USOPC Hall of Fame, Class of 2025

Biographical Information

The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team won its first gold medal in 22 years at the Paralympic Games Athens 2004. Christina (Ripp) Schwab and Stephanie Wheeler went on to coach future national teams, Wheeler in 2016, and Schwab in 2024. Both are members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Six members of the 2004 team (Emily Hoskins, Patty Cisneros Prevo, Carlee Hoffman-Schwarz, Wheeler, Schwab and Jennifer Warkins) returned to win gold again at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, marking the first back-to-back titles for the program. In 2004, the U.S. defeated five-time defending champion Canada in the semifinal and avenged a narrow group-stage loss to Australia with a 56–44 victory in the gold-medal game, setting the stage for continued success in future Paralympic Games.

Paralympic Experience

• 3-time Paralympian; 2-time Paralympic medalist (2 gold)
  • Paralympic Games Beijing 2008, gold (Team - Women)
  • Paralympic Games Athens 2004, gold (Team - Women)
  • Paralympic Games Sydney 2000, 5th (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2002 – silver (Team - Women)
• Years of participation: Team - Women 2002
• Medals: 1 (1 silver)
  • Silver – 2002 (Team - Women)