Joe Reto - Former UNC Tar Heels All-ACC Baseball Player

Athletes, especially those at the top of their game, are generally regarded as physically gifted people that can perform feats that most of us only dream about. Running, jumping, catching and more are all common traits of the best athletes, and it’s how many of them define themselves and their lives.   So what happens when an athlete is stripped of their ability to walk?   In 1981, Joe Reto was coming off an All-ACC performance as a sophomore as a DH and first baseman for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. A star baseball player but a standout athlete in general, Joe had dreams of playing in the majors.    However, a late night car crash changed everything.   In this episode of The Rebound Podcast, Joe Reto shares his journey of resilience and finding new purpose in life. He discusses his successful baseball career, his hitting strategies, and his record-breaking performance. Joe also talks about his accident, the challenges he faced in adjusting to life in a wheelchair, and the importance of prioritizing needs over wants. He shares his perspective on forgiveness and staying in touch with the driver of the car involved in the accident.    Joe Reto’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and finding joy in life despite adversity. Joe talks to host Matt Doherty about his journey of acceptance and finding solutions after a life-changing injury. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective and taking the high road in the face of adversity. Joseph also discusses his retirement and involvement in speaking at basketball camps. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for better accessibility solutions.