Student Athlete of the Week – Tyler Grunnet

“I was born this way actually,” said Tyler Grunnet.

This is Tyler Grunnet. He’s a senior at Xavier Prep high school whose played for the school’s basketball team all four years.

“I can’t actually move my fingers,” said Grunnet.

Without his left hand.

“A lot of people look at me like, how do you play basketball? But to me, it’s normal, I just adapted to it,” said Grunnet.

Tyler started playing soccer at age 6 and continued through 8th grade. He says he’s always loved basketball but decided to make the switch to hoops in honor of his favorite baller.

“My favorite team is the Chicago Bulls. I grew up watching Derrick Rose and they made the playoffs in about 2010, 2011. I mean he was almost like my hero. I saw him bounce back from injuries and I thought I got one hand, I can do this thing,” said Grunnet.

And now he wants to take that lifelong passion for athletics to the professional world.

“I would love to work in the sports industry either do something like you as a broadcaster or up in the office.”

“He’s going to be very successful no matter what he does. He’s loved by everybody on campus, staff, students, teachers, teammates you know coaches, he’s just such a good kid,” said Saints head basketball coach Justin Sobczyk.

Xavier Prep head coach Justin Sobczyk says Tyler impacts the team on and off the court.

“He’s got great defensive timing, he rebounds really well, he’s extremely smart. As a basketball player, he’s extremely talented and he will play a big role in what we do. I mean he has through our first 10 games, he’s been a big part of it,” said Sobczyk.

Tyler considers his teammates his best friends.

“I love to play video games I beat my friends all the time in NBA 2K and Fortnite. They’re like dude how are you playing with one hand?”

Tyler wants his story to show people to never give up and be grateful for what God gave us by overcoming the challenges he puts in our way.

“I can do everything i can tie my shoes, I can play basketball, I can play video games. I mean just a blessing, I just thank God everyday, even though I have only one hand I can do everything.” said Grunnet.