Game Day: The Matthew Shapiro Story

Matthew Shapiro understands the old Coach Bud Wilkerson quote, “Every game is an opportunity to measure yourself against your own potential.”

Wilkerson knew how to draw the potential out of his players to win football games and be selected to the American Football Hall of Fame. Matthew Shapiro knows how to win by drawing the potential out of himself.

The 18-year-old Shapiro is heading to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mass Communication School this fall after graduating from J.R. Tucker High School. Shapiro has served as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s newspaper The Gavel. He has also served as the manager of the varsity basketball team. He is an accomplished electric power wheelchair soccer player who has the dream of playing on the Team USA wheelchair soccer team.

“I love any sport and I love to talk to people. I will be trying to combine my passions to become a sportscaster or reporter where I can be a part of the sports’ world every day,” said Shapiro. He is investigating intern opportunities at Sports Illustrated and The Washington Post for the future.

His confidence in public speaking has positioned him for the perfect role of advocate. He is a past delegate of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities’ Youth Leadership Forum where he helped create legislation to recognize October as Disabilities History and Awareness Month.

“I see where I can accomplish more by being outspoken about what it is like to be a person with disabilities. I want to help others with disabilities to make their lives easier.”

Shapiro credits his parents Eve and Barry with always supporting his dreams. His older brother Jason encouraged his younger brother to do something…anything.

“When I was a freshman in high school and my brother was a senior, he told me to get involved and stay involved and that is exactly what I have done,” said Shapiro.

One of his accomplishments he is most proud of, is being accepted to the Urban Journalism Workshop at VCU where he learned how to interview and write. He enjoys every aspect of telling a story from asking for the interview, conducting the interview, writing, creating and communicating.

There is no doubt that whether Shapiro ends up covering the Wizards, the Redskins, the Cavaliers or the Cubs -- every game will push him to win…and realize his potential.