Jake Williams from Wisconsin never anticipated coaching a wheelchair basketball team with an impressive 14 national championships, nor did he foresee competing in his third Paralympic Games. “Once I took on the coaching role, I realized the immense support from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the community, and the state, all of which play a significant role in our success,” he remarked.
Since its inception in 1982, the UW-Whitewater Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team has clinched 14 national titles. This ongoing success inspired Becca Murray to establish the UW-Whitewater Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team, leading them to their first national championship in 2012. “The men’s team was a powerhouse, and everyone aspired to be a part of it,” she said. During her time at the university, Murray secured three national championships.
Murray, a two-time Paralympic medalist, expressed on WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” how representing Team USA in wheelchair basketball is both “amazing” and an “honor.” The women’s team took home gold medals in both Rio in 2016 and Beijing in 2008. Williams noted that the men’s team is determined to defend its title, aiming for a third consecutive victory following back-to-back golds in Tokyo in 2020 and Rio in 2016.
Jeromie Meyer II, another player on Team USA’s men’s wheelchair basketball team and a UW-Whitewater alumnus, shared insights on the program’s enduring success. He credited the foundational culture established by the program’s original coaches. “The coaches want us to be successful not just on the court but in life as well,” Meyer stated, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering well-rounded athletes.
Meyer also noted that UW-Whitewater actively nurtures aspiring athletes even before they reach college, mentioning a summer camp where young players can live on campus and learn from top athletes. “I had a really great relationship with the coach, which made choosing UW-Whitewater a no-brainer for me,” he added.
As the American teams prepare for an intense competition, with the men facing Spain on August 29 and the women up against Germany on August 30, Williams anticipates physical encounters in each game. “The game doesn’t stop when players fall—you have to keep going,” he explained.
The wheelchairs used in the sport are specifically designed to endure such physicality, Murray noted. “Our chairs are built to spin faster and keep us secure, making it easier to get back up after falls,” she said. Williams emphasized this toughness, as he encourages freshmen to learn to get up independently before they can play.
Meyer described the vibrant atmosphere during games, saying it’s intensely competitive, with the sounds of communication and the clashing chairs adding to the excitement. “Competing alongside like-minded individuals creates a liberating feeling,” he shared.
Murray also encouraged children to explore their interests, whether in sports, art, or music, emphasizing that there is always a way to adapt and succeed. “You might need to find that adaptive approach, but it’s always possible,” she concluded.