Wheel Head tells the rousing story of David Kiley and the dramatic arc of adaptive sports over six-decades. Full of novel, innovative characters and uncharted storylines, Wheel Head is a history lesson in exploration of disability, elite sport, addiction and an everlasting faith.
Drawing on Kiley's various pioneering times and stories, writer Miles Thompson crafts a story of resilience, humor and gritty determination. The Kiley/Thompson team stay away from making Wheel Head a glorifying delve into everything David Kiley. The two instead are determined to tell Kiley's story in the truth as they know it and unearthed it.
[Dave Kiley] is the teacher who has lived the lessons and shares the knowledge so that others can understand that the power of one's own mind is a force to be reckoned with in any kind of adverse situation.
- Gerry Lopez, Trailblazing Big Wave Surfer-aka Mr. Pipeline, and Featured in the Film, The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez
Dave Kiley is a true American success story. In my life I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of influential people. Dave is at the top of the list! His contribution to men, women and children with disabilities has been endless. Dave's 'no limits"' attitude has allowed him to build innovative adaptive sport programs across the country... not to mention his gold medals in THREE sports!
The great lesson of getting through tough times and moving forward exemplifies what Dave is about. He has taken a bad break in life and turned it into a life mission of service. His selfless example is truly inspirational! His story is truly a compelling read. The honor of knowing Dave for over 40 years has been a tremendous gift in my life. I hope people who get to hear his journey feel the same gift!
- Mike Scioscia, LA Dodgers Catcher, World Series Champion; LA Angels Manager, World Series Champion
David Kiley's story is not just about overcoming adversity, but about transforming it into triumph, leadership and a big give-back. Wheel Head captures the essence of an indomitable spirit who has left an indelible mark on the world of Paralympic sports.
- Alana Nichols, 5x Paralympian, 6x Medalist, and First Female to Win Gold in Winter/Summer Games
David Kiley, aka DK, began his love affair with basketball straight out of the womb. Raised in Costa Mesa in SoCal, DK played the sport from morning to evening on the hoop his dad hung from the garage roof or on any outdoor court that he could walk or ride his bike to. Playing and practicing solo and alone was a habit he enjoyed and while dreaming of the time he'd possibly be playing at UCLA or being a pro with the Lakers. Injury and a 'near disability' came early in Dave Kiley's life. Hit by a pickup truck riding his bike to school in the 4th grade, his little spirit was shattered along with the bones in his knees. One surgery and comeback after another with one goal in mind....TO PLAY. Through arthritis and pain, Kiley started at point guard at the powerhouse Orange County high school, Mater Dei. His game was strong and built around making teammates better, being "the floor general" at the point. Some colleges took notice of his game in the 70's, one of them being Gonzaga. However, spinal cord injury rocked his world at this time while he was inner tubing in Southern California mountains at Big Bear. Devastated, DK entered rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, in Downey, CA. He was very reluctant and suspicious when one day Ed Owen (NWBA Legend and Hall of Famer) entered his room to talk about wheelchair basketball. Kiley dreamed of overcoming paralysis not playing wheelchair basketball. As the gravity and reality of his situation began to set in after months of therapy his mind began to accept the fact he may not ever walk or play ball on his feet again. DK's mind was opened and blown when he watched Ed Owen play on a hospital court outdoors. Next came a willing spirit to attempt to play. A defining moment that he credits for saving his life he began to play again is an understatement. Hitting the outdoor beach courts he knew well prior to injury, DK practiced long hours by himself. This served as a distraction from the loss he felt in his heart and each day he got better at the game and the 'Game of Life'. Just two years after his injury he made the USA National Team in basketball and track going the Paralympic Games in 1976. 5 for 5 in his events winning a Gold in basketball and 4 Golds in track becoming the fastest man in the world in the 100 meters. What would follow over the years would be playing for the USA in four different decades winning 9 Paralympic Gold Medals, 2 Silvers and 2 Bronze in three different sports i.e. Basketball, Track and Alpine Skiing. 8 NWBA National Championships and 6 MVPs (the most won by a player) World Championships and much more that will be left unsaid.DK was also the first wheelchair athlete to appear in Sports Illustrated and to his joy, he was pictured with his two children Justin and Danielle. Married to a loving and supportive wife, Sandy, DK is now a grandfather, a role he embraces like no other and feels "life couldn't get any better."Today and over time Kiley has given back to the sport he loves. A former Commissioner and President of the NWBA, his leadership caused significant changes in the game. Kiley negotiated the first official partnership with NBA and launched the NBA/NWBA Wheelchair Basketball All-Star Game. In terms of technology and design of wheelchairs made for basketball, he was a pioneer with the help of a team of his friends and counterparts. Center of gravity adjustment, fifth/sixth wheels, ratchet straps and quick release axles all have his handprint on them in one way or another from the beginning. Currently and for the past decades he has also given to youth and women athletes as a coach and mentor. Kiley said, "I don't want to be just on the take, I have to give back, I love to give back and want to leave a wheel print on our sport and in life."The development of DK3 is his crown jewel of giving back.
