Hanson Center Basketball Coach Scores Big On and Off Court

By day, Dick Phelan is a managing director at Merrill Lynch’s Oak Brook office. On nights and weekends, basketball is his passion.

“I’ve always been an active basketball player,” says the 65-year-old Hinsdale resident.  “I’m one of those active, high-energy people. I just enjoy staying busy.”

Three hours every Tuesday night from November through February, Phelan works with the Gateway Gators Special Olympics basketball team at the Hanson Center. The team is part of the Gateway Special Recreation Association and is operated by the Ray Graham Association, a Downers Grove-based nonprofit that provides services to more than 1,800 individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Seven years ago, when Phelan learned one of his colleagues was the coach of the team, he volunteered to help out. In 2005, Phelan took over as the team’s head coach.

“Our team is really a great group,” he says. “It’s just very gratifying to spend time with them. It’s almost like I’m not even helping them. ... It’s just fun to be involved with them.”

The Gateway Gators compete in about three weekend tournaments each year. Last year, Phelan’s coaching helped the team compete in the Illinois Special Olympics basketball tournament. The Gators came home with a silver and gold medal. 

But Phelan’s volunteerism extends beyond the court — Phelan is also on Ray Graham’s board of directors.

Lou Loenardi, past chairman of the board for Ray Graham and a member of the organization’s finance committee, says Phelan has been instrumental in helping to keep the organization’s budget balanced while maintaining full staffing levels in difficult economic times.

“He is a great help on the finance committee from the standpoint of his background at Merrill Lynch,” Leonardi says. “He’s a great guy. He’s always open to helping out Ray Graham.”

Phelan’s financial expertise recently was recognized by Barron’s. Its Feb. 20, 2011 issue named him one of America’s top 1,000 financial advisors.

But for now, Phelan continues to enjoy his involvement with the Gators. (See a video of Phelan and the Gators on ABC 7)

Phelan says he “definitely will” coach the Gators again next year, but isn’t sure beyond that. When it does come time for him to hand the coaching whistle to someone else, he’s hoping it stays in the Merrill Lynch family.

“We have a terrific office,” he says. “I’ve recruited two [co-workers] to be assistants on our team. One in particular has really blossomed. ... I could see passing the volunteer baton to him.”