Meet Adaptive Athlete: Matthew Mickunas

Matt Mickunas grew up in Burlington, Washington, where riding dirt bikes through open fields and fishing for salmon gave him a sense of peace and freedom. That same drive for purpose and discipline led him to a 24-year Army career, where he served as an Infantry Scout, Drill Sergeant, Rappel Master Instructor, and First Sergeant. His service included deployments to Desert Storm with the 101st Airborne and to Iraq in 2004 with the 25th Infantry Division.

 

While deployed in Iraq, Matt was injured in a mortar attack, requiring multiple surgeries. In 2015, after a failed operation, he was left paralyzed. Already managing chronic PTSD and significant hearing loss, the paralysis was a crushing blow that triggered a deep depression. His mental state began to shift only after a doctor introduced him to a therapy method called “The 10 Steps”, a turning point in his recovery.

 

Shortly before being discharged from the VA spinal cord unit, Matt was invited to try wheelchair basketball, and from his first practice, he was hooked. He’s now been playing for six years and is aiming to help his local team reach the national championship while also preparing for the 2027 Warrior Games. At ATF, Matt is focused on leveling up his strength, building on fundamentals, and continuing to lead a healthy, competitive life.