The University of Texas at Arlington's wheelchair basketball program is poised to make a strong showing at the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, scheduled to run from September 19 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The team's blend of current athletes and seasoned former players creates a deep pool of experience that could prove decisive on the world stage.
A Roster Rich with Experience
Junior Mercy Nyakundi will don the Canadian jersey for the first time, while sophomore Laura Davoli, an Australian representative, brings a prolific scoring record from the Australian Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League, where she averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
Five former UTA women's wheelchair basketball standouts will also be in Ottawa: Zoe Voris, making her debut for Team USA; Rose Hollermann, a 2019 graduate entering her fourth world championship and a Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist; Josie Aslakson, who captured bronze at Tokyo 2020 and silver in Paris 2024; Grace Wembolua, set to debut for France; and Élodie Tessier, a 2025 graduate returning to the Canadian lineup after recent Paralympic and world championship appearances.
The men's side adds further depth, with senior Lionel Tamoki leading Team Canada and former standouts Fabian Romo, Jorge Sanchez and Paul Schulte bringing a wealth of international experience. Romo helped the United States win gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Sanchez captured gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games and the 2022 IWBF World Championship, and Schulte stands as a three‑time Paralympic medallist, a four‑time world championship medallist and a five‑time national champion.
With participants from Canada, Australia, France and the United States, the 2026 championships promise a showcase of global talent. The UT Arlington roster, bolstered by both current and former athletes, underscores the sport's expanding reach and the program's continued commitment to excellence on the world stage.