Paralympics

In our history, University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics has sent 51 athletes and alumni to the Paralympic Games. With its first competition in Rome, Italy in 1960, the Paralympic Games provide elite competition or the world's best, most accomplished disabled athletes. 

Learn more about the Paralympic Games

2021 has an impressive presence of current and former University of Arizona athletes: 

  • Blaze Mutware, Arizona student-athlete; Wheelchair Basketball representing Canada
  • Darlene Hunter, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball, Co-Team Captain
  • Natalie Schneider, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball, Co-Team Captain
  • Josie Aslakson, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball
  • Courtney Ryan, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball
  • Bryan Barten, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Dana Mathewson, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Tennis
  • David Wagner, former Arizona athlete; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Kaitlyn Verfuerth, Arizona alumnus; Rowing
  • ​Chad Cohn, Arizona athlete; Wheelchair Rugby
  • Josh Wheeler, Arizona student-athlete; Wheelchair Rugby 
  • Chuck Aoki, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Rugby
  • Lee Fredette, Arizona athlete; Wheelchair Rugby
  • Daisuke Ikezaki, Wheelchair Rugby representing Japan
  • Shahrad Nasajpour, Arizona student-athlete; Field representing the Refugee Paralympic team

While this program has been well represented over the years at the Games, 2016 made for the second highest presence of current and former University of Arizona athletes. 

Wildcats at Paralympics extend long history of competition

  • Jennifer Poist, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball
  • Darlene Hunter, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Basketball
  • Bryan Barten, Arizona alumnus and head coach of Arizona Wheelchair Tennis; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Dana Mathewson, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Tennis
  • David Wagner, former Arizona athlete; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Kaitlyn Verfuerth, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Adam Kellerman, former Arizona international athlete; Wheelchair Tennis representing Team Australia
  • Shirley Reilly, Arizona senior; Wheelchair Track and Field
  • Alana Nichols, Arizona alumnus; Paracanoe
  • ​Chad Cohn, Arizona community member; Wheelchair Rugby
  • Josh Wheeler, Arizona community member; Wheelchair Rugby

Seven athletes participated in the Games in 2012: 

  • Zach Abbott, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Track and Field
  • Bryan Barten, Arizona alumnus and head coach of the Arizona wheelchair Tennis team; Wheelchair Tennis
  • Jordan Bird, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Track and Field
  • Tanner Gers, former Arizona student; Track and Field
  • Adam Kellerman, former international student; Wheelchair Tennis representing Team Australia
  • Jennifer Poist, Arizona alumnus; Women's Wheelchair Basketball
  • Noah Yablong, Arizona alumnus; Wheelchair Tennis