One of the newer members of the U.S. Women’s National Team comes from the University of Alabama, a perennial wheelchair basketball powerhouse. Brittany Gustafson earned the nod onto the U.S. Team this spring and looks forward to maintaining on the squad. She joins two other teammates from the University of Alabama – Desiree Miller and Emily Oberst. Gustafson originally from Monticello, Minnesota, started her basketball career in her home state playing for the Minnesota Junior Timberwolves and then went on to play at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She transferred south to Alabama where she has played for last two years.

Gustafson has a neuro-muscle disease called hereditary spastic paraplegia. Unfortunately, the disease runs in her family and she had a 50 percent likelihood of having it. She notes being in a wheelchair has brought her down at times but seeing her uncle fall in love with the sport of wheelchair basketball it inspired her to play as well.

Gustafson just came off a great season with Alabama winning the Intercollegiate National Championship. In her rookie year with Alabama she was awarded the Most Improved Player on the Team. She credits her continuing success to her team and how they have grown stronger together year after year. It has given her the confidence to play on the next level with the U.S. Women’s National Team.

She has no international experience but the young player brings championship experience and has shown in training camps her top notch level of play. She is seen as an aggressive player that is very tough and knows how to showcase and utilize her abilities.