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Illinois Captain makes debut on national team

By Taylor Bond, NWBA, 08/25/17, 4:15PM CDT

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Kaitlyn Eaton has played under the supervision of one of the world’s finest wheelchair basketball coaches and athletes, Stephanie Wheeler, at the University of Illinois. Originally from Houston, Texas, she moved to attend Illinois and study Community Health. She notes her aggressive play and attention to detail has helped make her a standout player for Wheeler and to get noticed for the national team.

As captain of the Illinois team she consistently scored in double figures and is the stand out leader for the team. She exemplifies a fearless attitude on the court and is never caught up in who her opponents are or challenges an upcoming game may face. This is the exact reasoning for her selection on the national team alongside University of Illinois teammate Shelby Gruss.

Both women feel as though they are making Wheeler proud by being able to represent Team USA as she once did. Eaton notes her love for the game and drive to be better is what has always set her apart and helped her to succeed.

“Everyone needs to be prepared for each and every game both physically and mentally. I think if we continue to have fun like we do when we’re out there, that’ll also help both me and the team be successful as a unit. Just because the other team may be bigger or they may seem faster, we shouldn’t count ourselves out, I always try and play fearlessly,” Eaton said.

She is a player with championship attitude undoubtedly noticed. Eaton will continue to grow and train through her national team exposure and game time. She is hopeful to remain on the team into the 2018 season and hopefully still be around on the roster for Tokyo in 2020.