Jake Williams from Wisconsin never anticipated coaching a wheelchair basketball team that has secured 14 national championships or participating in his third Paralympic Games. He emphasized the tremendous support from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the community, and the state, which all contribute to the team’s success.
Since its inception in 1982, the UW-Whitewater Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team has claimed 14 national titles, making it a powerhouse in the sport. This legacy inspired Becca Murray to help establish the UW-Whitewater Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, which clinched its first national championship in 2012. Murray, a two-time Paralympic medalist, highlighted the men’s team’s reputation that attracted her to Whitewater, where she celebrated three national titles.
Representing Team USA in wheelchair basketball has been described by both Murray and Williams as an incredible honor. The men’s team aims to defend its third consecutive title after winning gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo and 2016 Rio Games.
Jeromie Meyer II, another member of the men’s team and a UW-Whitewater alumnus, discussed the program’s culture, crediting its founders for establishing a foundation that fosters success for both athletics and personal development. He pointed out that the coaching staff is dedicated not only to sports but also to ensuring athletes thrive in life.
Meyer also noted that UW-Whitewater has nurtured talent through camps that allow young athletes to experience the campus and learn from top players. This early exposure made choosing UW-Whitewater an easy decision for him.
As the summer games approach, the American teams will face intense competition, with the men’s team going up against Spain and the women’s team competing against Germany. Williams expressed his anticipation for the physicality of the games, noting the durability of the specialized wheelchairs used.
Murray explained how the wheelchairs are designed for swift movements, allowing players to recover quickly from falls during the physically demanding matches. Williams embraces this aspect of the sport by encouraging new players to practice getting back up after falling, which is a crucial part of the game.
Meyer highlighted the energetic atmosphere during matches, characterized by loud communication and fierce competition. He described the freedom and exhilaration that comes from competing alongside peers in such a dynamic environment.
Murray encouraged young people to pursue their interests, whether in sports or the arts, emphasizing that there is always an adaptive way to participate, urging them never to count themselves out.