U of A Paralympians Ready to Go for the Gold

The University of Arizona has long been a hub for elite athletes, and its Adaptive Athletics program is no exception. 

Since 1960, the Paralympics has been a leading international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, showcasing competitions across sports adapted for those with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments. This year's Paralympic Games in Paris will showcase a remarkable roster of U of A student-athletes, alumni, and community members across various sports, all vying for glory while showcasing their Bear Down spirit on the world stage. Please take a moment to learn more about our Wildcat Paralympians and join our campus in cheering them on these next two weeks!

Women's Wheelchair Basketball
Leading the charge in women's wheelchair basketball are Josie Aslakson and Courtney Ryan, both integral to the University of Arizona's Women's Wheelchair Basketball team. Aslakson, the current head coach, and Ryan, the assistant head coach, are competing in their second Paralympics, having already secured a bronze medal with Team USA in 2020. They are joined by Natalie Schneider, a community member and a veteran in the sport with five Paralympic appearances. Schneider serves as the team captain for the USA. Melanie Hawtin, another community member of the team, will be representing Team Canada in her second Paralympics.

Wheelchair Rugby 
U of A's presence in wheelchair rugby will feature Josh Wheeler and Lee Fredette, both representing Team USA. Wheeler and Fredette are seasoned Paralympians with two silver medals from the 2016 and 2020 Games. Their teammate, Rio Kanda Kovac, an undergraduate student at U of A competing in his first Paralympic Games with Team Canada. U of A alumni Chuck Aoki and Josh O'Neal will further bolster Team USA's ranks. This year will be Aoki's fourth Paralympics, and O'Neal's Paralympic debut.

Men's Wheelchair Basketball 
In men's wheelchair basketball, Blaise Mutware, a current graduate student and member of the U of A Adaptive Athletics Wheelchair Basketball team, will compete in his second Paralympic Games with Team Canada. He is joined by U of A alumnus Phil Evans, who will represent Team Australia in his first Paralympic appearance.

Sitting Volleyball 
Whitney Dosty, representing Team USA in sitting volleyball, is another standout alum hailing from U of A.

Wheelchair Tennis 
Dana Mathewson, a U of A alumni, is competing in her third Paralympic Games with Team USA in wheelchair tennis. Mathewson’s participation in both singles and doubles events will make her a versatile competitor.

Adaptive Track and Field
Chelsea Stein, a current undergraduate student and a member of the U of A wheelchair racing team, is making her Paralympic debut. Competing for Team USA, Stein represents the next generation of adaptive athletes emerging from the University of Arizona.