The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is preparing to play host to an exhilarating weekend of intense competition as the women’s wheelchair basketball tournament gets underway. The tournament will feature six talented teams, including the formidable Alabama squad.
The UA women’s wheelchair basketball team is preparing to secure their fourth consecutive title. With an impeccable record this year, the team is positioned to embark on their championship journey on Friday night. The players honed their skills during a shootaround at Stran-Hardin Arena on Thursday, displaying determination and focus as they prepared to defend their championship title.
Margaret Stran, the UA Adapted Athletics Associate Director, highlighted the remarkable growth of wheelchair basketball since its establishment two decades ago. She commented on the significant progress made in women’s wheelchair basketball, with the number of college teams increasing from three to six. The men’s side has also experienced significant growth, indicating the growing popularity and recognition of wheelchair basketball.
Moira Paulus, a senior player from Wisconsin, expressed her excitement and anticipation for the tournament, emphasizing the team’s collective goal of securing a fourth consecutive title. Her teammate, Abby Bauleke, echoed the sentiment, describing it as a mix of nerves and excitement that comes with competing at such a high-stakes event.
In a demonstration of resilience and determination, six teams will compete for the championship, exhibiting their unwavering spirit and determination to overcome challenges. The players draw inspiration from their support systems and personal journeys, with Bauleke crediting her family for being her driving force, while Paulus attributes her perseverance to the love for sports that has been ingrained in her since childhood.
The UA wheelchair team enters the tournament with an unblemished record, steadfast in their pursuit of adding another championship banner to their illustrious legacy.
The anticipation surrounding the women’s wheelchair basketball tournament is palpable, as fans eagerly await the electrifying matches that are set to unfold at the University of Alabama. For more sports updates, news alerts can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or by subscribing to the email newsletter. Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.