In the heart of Knoxville, the Tennessee Tornadoes wheelchair basketball team has become more than just a practice space; it is a community hub where young athletes with permanent lower‑extremity disabilities find camaraderie, competition and confidence. The program, launched two years ago through the city’s dynamic recreation initiative, welcomes anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and offers weekly sessions that blend skill development with teamwork.
From a father’s drive to a local legacy
Head coach Josh Loop spent a decade shuttling his own son, Tanner Adkins, across state lines to Atlanta for elite training before realizing that Knoxville needed its own high‑level program. Loop’s decision to establish the Tornadoes locally not only shortened the commute for his family but also opened the door for dozens of regional players who previously traveled long distances for practice.
For Sariah Newsome and Jaxton Williams, the team’s gym represents a rare sense of belonging. “It feels different here,” Newsome says, “because we’re not the only ones who use a wheelchair on the court.” Williams echoes the sentiment, noting that the shared experience eliminates the isolation many feel in mainstream sports settings.
A pathway to higher education and mentorship
Tanner Adkins, Loop’s son, has transitioned from player to mentor, earning a second‑team All‑American honor at the University of Illinois while guiding current Tornadoes members toward academic and athletic aspirations. His journey illustrates how the local program can serve as a springboard to collegiate competition and leadership.
Families from Blount, Sevier and Anderson counties have already begun making the drive to Knoxville, underscoring the program’s growing regional impact. The team’s curriculum emphasizes discipline, confidence and collaborative spirit, traits that extend beyond the court and into everyday life.
With plans to expand its roster and outreach, the Tennessee Tornadoes are poised to reshape how wheelchair basketball is perceived in East Tennessee, turning a modest gym into a catalyst for inclusion, excellence and community pride.