Sebastian DeFrancesco
1998
Sebastian “Dee” DeFrancesco was an extraordinary athlete whose passion for sports matched his athletic skill, versatility, and leadership. Beginning his competitive career in 1978, Dee became one of the most respected multi-sport athletes in the nation, participating in as many as seven different sports during his stellar career.
While he excelled in many disciplines, Dee’s greatest expertise lay in table tennis, the sport that propelled him to the international stage and earned him a place among the world’s elite competitors. Over the course of four Paralympic Games, Dee’s achievements were remarkable — amassing eleven gold, five silver, and four bronze medals in international table tennis competition.
On the national level, Dee dominated his class for nearly two decades, capturing seventeen U.S. National Championship titles in table tennis and earning recognition as one of the most consistent and formidable competitors in the sport’s history.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Dee’s contributions as a coach, organizer, and leader were equally impactful. While living in Boston, he was instrumental in developing five wheelchair rugby teams along the East Coast, including the renowned Boston Pit Bulls, which he both played for and coached over nearly ten years.
Dee also dedicated himself to coaching across multiple sports, guiding junior athletes and adult wheelchair basketball teams in both New England and California for almost two decades. His mentorship helped shape the next generation of adaptive athletes, emphasizing skill, discipline, and love for the game.
His commitment to the broader adaptive sports movement was unwavering. Dee served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors of the National Wheelchair Athletic Association (NWAA) / Wheelchair Sports USA, including many years as Vice-Chairman of the organization. His leadership helped strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and uphold the mission of inclusion through sport.
A retired Vietnam veteran, Dee carried his trademark determination, service, and integrity into every area of his life. He was also a devoted husband and father. His wife, Liz, was a respected and long-time swim coach in the San Jose area and with the Far West Wheelchair Athletic Association, making them a true powerhouse couple in adaptive athletics.
Through his athletic excellence, coaching, and leadership, Sebastian “Dee” DeFrancesco left an indelible mark on wheelchair sports. His influence continues to be felt in the athletes he inspired, the programs he built, and the enduring spirit of competition and community he helped to shape.