Education
University of Illinois
Quick Facts
- Susan Hagel is a pioneer for and abilities for disabled people, having competed in several Para sports across six Paralympic Games
- She became a therapist at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute after graduating from the University of Illinois
- She spent a 41-year career there before retiring
- Hagel credits the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRES) at Illinois and her Paralympic accomplishments to becoming the person she is today
- Inducted into the USOPC Hall of Fame, Class of 2025
Biographical Information
Susan Hagel is a trailblazer in adaptive sport, having competed in six Paralympic Games across three different sports where she earned four gold and two bronze medals. Over the course of her decorated career, she earned numerous honors, including the prestigious International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Triad Award in 1998. A 16-time All-Tournament Team selection, Hagel was a cornerstone of 14 U.S. national teams, representing her country at the Paralympic Games, Pan American Games and Gold Cup competitions.
As a member of the NWBA Hall of Fame committee, Hagel continues to champion opportunities in sport for individuals with disabilities. A role model to women and junior girls in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, she holds the distinction of having the longest playing career of any woman in her division. Hagel’s legacy is defined not only by her athletic achievements but also by her unwavering dedication to the growth and inclusivity of adaptive sport.
Paralympic Experience
- Six-time Paralympian; five-time Paralympic medalist (4 gold, 2 bronze)
- Paralympic Games Atlanta 1996, bronze (Women's Wheelchair Basketball Tournament)
- Paralympic Games Barcelona 1992, 11th (Women's Individual AR2)
- Paralympic Games Seoul 1988, gold (Women's Wheelchair Basketball Tournament)
- Paralympic Games Stoke Mandeville & New York 1984, gold (Women's Double FITA Round Paraplegic)
- Paralympic Games Arnhem 1980, bronze (Women's Wheelchair Basketball Tournament), 7th (Women's Double FITA Round Paraplegic)
- Paralympic Games Toronto 1976, gold (Women's FITA Round Team 2-5, Women's Pairs Open), 9th (Women's FITA Open)