World Champion
Coach
Speaker
World Champion
Coach
Speaker

Joe Delagrave

Joe Delagrave is a Paralympic medalist, World Champion, and head coach of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team. After retiring as an athlete following the Tokyo Paralympics, he transitioned to coaching and led Team USA to a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Off the court, Joe is a keynote speaker, counselor, and father of three.

At a Glance

Sport
Wheelchair Rugby
Hometown
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Current Residence
Nashville, TN

About

  • Current head coach for USA Wheelchair Rugby
  • Joe retired as an athlete after the 2020 Paralympic Games and quickly transitioned to the interim head coach role.
  • In 2023 became the permanent head coach for Team USA, leading the team to a silver medal in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
  • Twice named Athlete of the Year by the USQRA (U.S. Quad Rugby Association) in 2015 and 2012, Joe is the only wheelchair rugby player to be awarded this honor
  • Played football his freshman year at Winona State University
  • In 2004 at age 19, Joe was involved in a boating accident that resulted in paralysis
  • Higher Education Studies include General Studies, Pastoral Studies, and Professional Counseling
  • Passionate keynote speaker with a master’s in professional counseling and a career background in consulting
  • Husband to wife April, and father to three children: Braxton, Brayden, and Brynley
  • Enjoys traveling, camping, hand cycling, and spending time with family

Accolades

Paralympic Medalist

2x Paralympic Medalist (2020: silver; 2012: bronze)

World Champion

World Champion and 3x World Championship medalist

World Championship Head Coach Medalist

World Championship Head Coach Medalist (2022: silver)

Paralympics Head Coach Medalist

Paralympics Head Coach Medalist (2024: silver)

In the News