Tyler Pickett

A+ Scholarship Recipient  |  Alumni  |  Student

When Tyler Pickett encounters a challenge, he doesn't let anything hold him back. The 22-year old SCC alum hopes to be a full-time basketball or track and field coach someday for people with disabilities. 

After SCC, Tyler continued his education at Lindenwood University studying physical education and coaching track and field for the Disabled Athlete Sports Association in St. Peters, an organization he was involved with for 14 years. He competed nationally in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter and 1,500 meter track events and in the discus, javelin and shot put field events. He also played basketball for seven years with the St. Louis Wheelchair Athletes Association.

“There's a will and a way to everything, you just have to find it, and sometimes there’s a challenge to finding it,” Tyler said.

Despite being born with Spina bifeda, a disability that prevents the use of his legs, Tyler has been involved with sports and athletics his entire life. Over the years he also has been involved with fencing, swimming, rock climbing, kayaking and tae kwon do.

“In every situation I face, I like seeing the positive, not the negative, the good things, not the bad things.”

Tyler grew up in O’Fallon, Mo. His parents enrolled him in preschool at United Services, where he learned early on how to adapt to challenges. He attended Fort Zumwalt North and took advantage of the free tuition at SCC available through the A+ Schools Program.

In spring 2016 Tyler graduated from Lindenwood University with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a minor in adaptive sports and recreation. He is currently working at the City of St. Peters Rec-Plex as a personal trainer.

Last Updated: May 27, 2016