US names women’s wheelchair hoops team for Toronto 2015

Twelve will travel to August’s Parapan Am Games, where they hope to qualify for Rio 2016. 22 May 2015

Darlene HUNTER, USA takes a shot with an attempted block by Marina MOHNEN, GER

Darlene Hunter of USA takes a shot with an attempted block by Marina Mohnen of Germany at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸIPC

By US National Wheelchair Basketball Association

"We feel they provide us with a lot of versatility on court that will allow us to play different styles of basketball.”

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) have nominated 12 athletes to the USA women's national team who will represent their country at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games (7-15 August) in Canada.

Seven players bring experience from the London 2012 Paralympics, while five are seeking their first Paralympics with Rio 2016 in sight.

The twelve women named to the 2015 team include:

-Darlene Hunter (Paralympian 2012)

-Mackenzie Soldan (Paralympian 2012 in wheelchair tennis)

-Jenn Poist (Paralympian 2012)

-Becca Murray (Paralympian 2008, 2012)

-Christina Schwab (Paralympian 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 in athletics)

-Rose Hollermann (Paralympian 2012)

-Desiree Miller (Paralympian 2012)

-Jen Chew

-Megan Blunk

-Abby Dunkin

-Gail Gaeng

-Kimmie Champion

"We feel they provide us with a lot of versatility on court that will allow us to play different styles of basketball,” said Stephanie Wheeler, head coach of the women’s team. “We feel this mix of veterans and young players will be the best athletes to help us achieve our goal in Toronto, which is to qualify for the Rio Paralympic Games."

The selection was made from the group of 18 who were named on the USA women’s national team in January following a training camp from 14-20 May in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Players also competed in international friendly matches against Japan, winning all three.