There are some people whose mere presence, aura, and outlook on life completely shift the way you think—about your own journey, about leadership, about resilience, and about what it means to truly live.

Basketball coach and journalist Anthony Bonelli is one of those extraordinary human beings. His energy and insights bring a rare depth to conversations about the human experience and the courage of the human spirit.

When Bonelli was just 10 days old, he suffered a brain hemorrhage that caused cerebral palsy—affecting his mobility and speech. Today, he uses a motorized wheelchair and relies on assistive technology to communicate, but his curiosity for learning and his heart for others are boundless. He’s a living example of turning trials into testimonies. Not asking “Why me?” but instead, “Why not me?”

At age 13, Bonelli attended the Bruce Beck & Ian Eagle Sports Broadcasting Camp for the first time—a moment that would forever shape his path.

“I used to be deathly afraid of speaking in front of people, but they gave me the confidence to be able to do it,’’ he recalls.

Bonelli went on to attend Rutgers University, where he earned a degree in journalism and media studies.

“I knew that I wouldn’t be able to play, so I wanted to find a way that I could still be involved in sports and do what I love,” Bonelli shared.

Since graduating, Bonelli has carved out a deeply meaningful career in both coaching and sports media. Now in his 11th year as a coach, he continues to write powerful narratives and defy the odds—building genuine relationships with some of the brightest minds in sports broadcasting and some of the greatest athletes in the world. These connections weren’t built on what the eyes can see—but on what the heart can feel when you connect with Anthony Bonelli.

He is a light in this world. A teacher, a coach, a storyteller, and a positive difference maker—committed to serving others and helping people become better versions of themselves.

As a freelance journalist for organizations like the NBA, Bonelli continues to use his voice to make a transformational impact wherever he goes.

The Daily Coach spoke with Bonelli about what cerebral palsy has taught him about resilience, how to show the people you lead that you care, and why every day is a gift.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

…

Anthony, we're grateful for you doing this. Tell us about your childhood and some key lessons from it.

I don’t believe the most impactful lessons I’ve learned are confined to my childhood—I learn valuable lessons every single day. Just recently, I came across a simple yet profound reminder online: Take time to enjoy the simple things in life that bring you happiness. In the rush of chasing goals and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook the quiet joys that truly enrich our lives. That lesson hit me deeply.

Looking back, though, the foundation of who I am was undoubtedly shaped by my parents. They were relentless in their work ethic and never hesitated to advocate for what I deserved. One of the first powerful lessons they instilled in me was exactly that: Fight for what you believe in and what you’ve earned. As I grew older, that lesson took on an even greater depth—Advocate for yourself. Stand firm in your rights. Never let your voice be silenced.

But if there’s one lesson that continues to guide me every single day, it’s this: No matter the obstacles, keep pushing forward. Keep improving. Keep working hard. My parents lived by that principle, and it has become a part of me, fueling my resilience and drive in every chapter of my life.

Would you be open to sharing what your journey of living with and leading with cerebral palsy has taught you about resilience, leadership, and overcoming challenges?

Everybody crosses paths with people who shape them—who ignite resilience, challenge limitations, and help them discover strengths they never knew they had. I feel profoundly grateful to have had a circle of people who have pushed me to be better, even in moments when I doubted myself. These people—my family, my 24/7 personal assistant, my medical team, incredible friends, mentors, and even Hall of Fame athletes—have all played a role in my journey. Some have been there in the trenches with me, offering unwavering support. Others—people I’ve never even met—have inspired me through their words, actions, and examples.

My 24/7 personal assistant has been working with me for four and a half years. She has seen me at my worst and my best, and she is an angel sent from God. Each of them, in their own way, has reminded me that leadership—like life—isn’t about never facing adversity. It’s about how you show up despite it.

Living with and leading with cerebral palsy has taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships—it’s about actively choosing to move forward. It’s about embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow, to refine my purpose, and to inspire others to do the same.

Whenever I face an obstacle, I remind myself of the wisdom and encouragement I’ve received, and I make a choice: to "keep on trucking." Because at the end of the day, leadership and life isn’t about walking the easiest path—it’s about forging ahead, even when the road is tough and uncertain. And in doing so, we light the way for others to follow.

How can leaders meaningfully and impactfully demonstrate that they value those they lead?

Creating an environment where people feel valued and experience a sense of belonging shouldn't just be a checkbox for leaders—I believe it's the foundation of a thriving culture. It starts with the tone set at the top, the daily interactions, and a genuine commitment to making people feel seen and heard. One of the most powerful things a leader or coach can do is consistently ask their employees, players, or team members: How can I better support you? What's working, and what's not?

When people enjoy coming to work or practice in an environment that supports growth, productivity and performance often follows. But more importantly, it ignites a sense of purpose and drive. People don't just work harder when they feel valued—they dream bigger. And in those inevitable moments of adversity, a strong, supportive culture can be the difference between breaking down and breaking through. When someone knows their leader genuinely cares for them on a human level, they'll push through obstacles with a level of grit they might not have even realized they had.

As leaders, our role is to uncover what fuels each individual and create an environment where that fuel is constantly replenished. A thriving culture isn't just built on strategy; it's built on connection. When people feel valued, heard, and supported, they don't just perform well—they become invested in something greater than themselves. And that's when real transformation has the opportunity to happen.

You frequently retweet CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein’s daily post, “Every Day Is a Gift,” on X (formerly Twitter). What does this powerful statement mean to you?

Every time I retweet Jon Rothstein’s “Every Day Is a Gift,” it serves as more than just a routine gesture—it’s a personal mantra. It’s a simple yet profound reminder to embrace each day with gratitude, to see every moment as an opportunity, and to never take time and life for granted.

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of work, competition, and the daily grind that we forget to cherish the gift of life. But this phrase keeps me grounded. It reminds me that no matter what challenges come my way, every sunrise brings a fresh chance to grow, impact others, and make the most of the time and opportunity I’ve been given to live, love, inspire and serve.

Q&A Resources

Anthony Bonelli ― Website | X 

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