RICHMOND, VA. — [April 7, 2025] – The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) is proud to celebrate a landmark moment in the history of the sport. At the 2025 NWBA National Tournament, the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA) Prep team became the first all-female team in NWBA history to win a National Championship in the Prep Division.

The team, comprised entirely of girls aged 13 and under, entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed and delivered a dominant run: defeating the No. 11 LWSRA Hawks (40-18), No. 3 Fairfax Falcons (45-32), and No. 7 Lakeshore Lakers (40-32) before securing the championship with a 36-29 victory over the No. 4 New York Rolling Fury.

WASA’s Sidney Whaleysmith earned Championship Game Most Valuable Player honors, leading her team with a standout performance.

“Thank you, it feels great,” said Whaleysmith. “We worked so great as a team, and I think that’s what won it for us.”

This milestone represents more than a championship win—it reflects the growing impact and visibility of girls and women in adaptive sports, and the NWBA’s commitment to providing inclusive, equitable pathways from youth development to elite-level competition.

“It is amazing that we have an all-female prep team at the NWBA,” said Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith, NWBA Hall of Famer. “A few years ago, many teams had only one or two girls—and sometimes they didn’t get to play. Watching an entire team of girls win a national title is inspiring and empowering.”

“We’ve worked hard to ensure girls and women not only enter the sport—but stay in the sport,” said Dr. Darlene Hunter, three-time Paralympian and NWBA Hall of Famer – who was part of all-female class inductees in 2024.  “Seeing an all-girls team at this level shows how far we’ve come—and how bright the future is.”

“I grew up in the NWBA system and was often the only girl on my team,” added Stephanie Wheeler, two-time Paralympian and two-time Paralympic gold medalist. “This win proves that when you build intentional spaces for girls to thrive, they absolutely will.”

“This is a game-changer,” said Lauren Lobrano, NWBA Board of Directors. “We know the long-term impact sports have on women’s lives—from increased self-esteem to better educational and career outcomes. This team reflects that potential.”

“I’m from Wisconsin, so it hits close to home,” said Ryan Hynes, Head Coach at the University of Alabama and Team USA Women’s Assistant Coach. “It’s incredible to see this level of talent at the Prep level. The women’s game has a bright future.”

“These girls changed the outlook on how women play sports,” added WASA Head Coach Amber Inflat. “They play like a family. They support each other in ways I’ve never seen. Every one of them has the potential to go as far as they want.”

The NWBA Prep Division offers co-ed competitive play for athletes ages 13 and under as of September 1. This division is often the first step in an athlete’s journey through the NWBA’s comprehensive developmental pathway, which includes Prep, Varsity, Adult, and Elite levels—including Paralympic competition.

The NWBA applauds the WASA program, which hosts the largest wheelchair basketball program in the country, and commends all athletes, coaches, and families who are helping to create meaningful, inclusive spaces for girls in sport.

For media inquiries or additional information, contact Matthew Torres at communications@nwba.org