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University of Michigan Set to Join NWBA Intercollegiate Men's Division for 2025-26 Season

By NWBA and University of Michigan, 01/27/25, 3:15PM CST

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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. - The National Wheelchair Basketball Association is excited to announce that the University of Michigan will join the NWBA Intercollegiate Men's Division for the 2025-2026 season.

Michigan is transitioning to the college ranks after competing in the NWBA's Adult Division (III). The Wolverine's will be the 13th men's collegiate program among the organization and will initially compete as a co-ed team. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the University of Michigan can follow our website and contact Coach Jessica Wynne (jeswynne@umich.edu). 

If you are interested in applying to University of Michigan for the 2025-206 season, the admissions deadline is February 1, 2025.

"This transition is monumental for us," said Michigan Head Coach Jessica Wynne. "We are deeply honored to join the already outstanding college division and contribute to the growth of wheelchair basketball. The level of talent and potential in the world of wheelchair basketball is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to provide opportunities for athletes to compete at the college level while pursuing higher education at the University of Michigan.

Our ultimate goal is to increase access to adaptive sports and champion inclusion on a fundamental human level. We eagerly anticipate the day when prep and varsity players proudly display Michigan posters on their walls, and adult division players proudly display Michigan diplomas on their desks.

Hail to the Victors and GO BLUE!"


Academic Excellence, Global Innovation

The University of Michigan (U-M) is consistently recognized as a global leader in education, renowned for its rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and diverse student body. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U-M boasts a faculty of world-class scholars and offers a wide range of disciplines across 19 schools and colleges. Its commitment to innovation, leadership, and community engagement ensures that students receive a transformative education that prepares them for success on a global stage. 

History of the Adaptive Sports and Fitness Wheelchair Basketball Program

Adaptive Sports & Fitness (ASF) at the University of Michigan was founded in 2019 under the leadership of Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami. The aim of the program is to increase awareness, knowledge, access, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities. ASF currently offers wheelchair basketball, track and field, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis. Notable wheelchair basketball team alumni include Spencer Heslop (2022 Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball) and Chuck Aoki (4x paralympic wheelchair rugby medalist). In recent years U-M has gained traction in the NWBA and the parasport community having competed in both the Division II and III leagues the past four years. 

The University of Michigan is proud to announce their debut in the NWBA intercollegiate division for the 2025-2026 season under the leadership of head coach, Jessica Wynne. U-M is honored to join the intercollegiate space and grow the game of wheelchair basketball. Additionally, they are pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for athletes to pursue higher education as supported athletes in adaptive sports.


About the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA)

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) is the recognized National Governing Body for Wheelchair Basketball by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. The NWBA trains and selects teams for participation in the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and other international competitions. The NWBA was founded in 1949, and today consists of seven divisions including: Adult Division (I, II and III), Women's Division, Intercollegiate Men's Division, Intercollegiate Women's Division, Junior Division and Military Division. For more information, visit: www.nwba.org.