Media Advisory: U of A celebrates national champion men's wheelchair basketball team, will host national tournament in 2026

April 10, 2025

What: The University of Arizona will honor the players and coaches of the Wildcats men's wheelchair basketball team for winning the program's first national championship.
Who: Scheduled speakers include University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella, Vice President and Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois, Vice President for Student Affairs Amanda Kraus, Director of Adaptive Athletics Peter Hughes, Men's Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach Mike Beardsley and Team Captain Ben Thorton.
When: Saturday, April 12, at noon.
Where: Room 125A of the Student Recreation Center, 1400 E. 6th St. (Park in Lot 8106, 1420 E. 7th St.)
Media RSVP: Please email jground@arizona.edu to confirm attendance.

TUCSON, Ariz. — On Saturday, the University of Arizona will honor its 2025 national champion men's wheelchair basketball team and announce that the university will host next year's National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at McKale Memorial Center March 30 through April 4, 2026.

The Wildcats claimed the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball crown March 29 by defeating the University of Texas – Arlington, 75-65, in the championship game played at the University of Illinois. It was the Wildcats' third consecutive appearance in the title game and their first victory.

After savoring their success in Champaign-Urbana, several U of A players and coaches prepared for tryouts with Team USA later this month at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Saturday will be the first opportunity for them to re-assemble as a team.

Members of the team will attend Saturday's event and may be available for individual interviews following the program.

Media members should park in Lot 8106, 1420 E. 7th St., at Highland Avenue, on the southeast corner, to attend the media availability.

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Media contact:
Jason Ground
University Communications
520-954-0175
jground@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.