Judy's Bio

She was a high school basketball star with a promising college future. But in a split second, her life changed forever. Her dream of playing college basketball was shattered when a drunk driver sped through a stop sign near her hometown of Pelican Rapids, Minn. The car crash left her with a broken neck. At 18, she faced life in a wheelchair.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Athletic Accomplishments
Judy Siegle went to become one of the elite wheelchair racers in the world, and she has the credentials to prove it:
A member of the U.S. team in the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta and the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia.
Winner of two gold medals in the Mexico City PanAm Games, 1999.
National record holder in the 400, 800, 1500 and 5000-meter events for quadriplegic women.
Named 2000 Female Athlete of the Year by USA Wheelchair Track and Field.

Educational Background/Current Work Environment
Judy earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She went on to earn her master's degree in social work, laying the foundation for a highly decorated 20-year health care career. Currently, she travels around the United States educating, motivating and inspiring students, families, persons with disabilities, and those in leadership positions to excel in their lives. She is also Director of Women’s Ministry at Hope Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.
 
Awards and Recognition

Service to Mankind Award, Sertoma, Great Plains Region, 2006

Alumni Achievement Award, Concordia College, 2005

Healthcare Professions of the Year, 2002

Exchange Program of the Year, West Fargo, 2002-03

YWCA Woman of the Year in Community, 2002

2000 Female Athlete of the Year, by Wheelchair Track and Field USA

Minnesota State High School Leagues' Hall of Fame, 1999

Heroes: Growing up Female and Strong - KARE-11 TV, Minneapolis, 1993

Concordia Centennial Celebration, Centennial Medallion, 1991

Rose and Jay Phillips Award for Career Achievements, 1991

North Dakota's Outstanding Disabled Citizen, 1990

Fargo's Outstanding Employed Disabled Citizen, 1989to Mankind” Award.
2005 Kiwanis “Sports Person of the Year.

Sought-After Speaker
Judy is a member of the National Speakers Association. In 2002, she was awarded Fargo’s YWCA Woman of the Year in Community and Healthcare. She has appeared on the Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral, and spoken for the Women in Sports Leadership Conference, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Minnesota Business Professionals of America, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Judy is the recipient of Concordia College’s prestigious Alumni Achievement Award, 2005.

“Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You” was released in September 2005.  
This 200-page book of courage, hope and faith is available at bookstores nationwide, gift shops and on-line at www.JudySiegle.com. Judy is also a co-author of the book, “Don’t Miss Your Boat: Living Your Life with Purpose in the Real World.”