PITTSBURGH — “Being a part of the Olympics twice was definitely at the top of my list,” said Suzie McConnell-Serio.
From Seton-La Salle to Penn State, even to the Olympic podium; Suzie McConnell-Serio was just one of 15 players who made the cut for the 1988 Olympic women’s basketball team.
“Before every game I played, I would get butterflies. I get a little nervous. But, once the ball is tipped, you know it’s game on and you just play with confidence and you believe in yourself and your teammates,” said McConnell-Serio.
The result in Seoul was the ultimate prize, Olympic gold.
“The most incredible moment of my basketball career was standing on that platform and hearing the national anthem with the American flag and the gold nedal around my neck,” said McConnell-Serio.
She added a bronze medal at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, and also traveled with the Team USA’s men’s Dream Team, and was invited to a black-tie event in California.
“You were escorted onstage by the player that had the same number as you. Magic Johnson had the same number as me, 15,” said McConnell-Serio.
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Even now, she gets emotional watching the Olympic Games and thinking about the Opening Ceremony.
“You are on the field with the other athletes and you are meeting people, it is just a special moment,” said McConnell-Serio.
Suzie is grateful for what the the Olympics did for her career, especially when it came to basketball.
“Every time they come on, it brings back so many incredible memories. It was the highlight of my career as a basketball player,” said McConnell-Serio.