Historical First: All-Female WASA Squad Wins 2025 NWBA Prep National Championship
WASA Marquette Golden Eagles Prep team became the first all-female team in NWBA history to win a National Championship in the Prep Division at the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Tournament.
The team, comprised entirely of girls aged 13 and under, entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed and delivered a dominant run: defeating the No. 11 LWSRA Hawks (40-18), No. 3 Fairfax Falcons (45-32), and No. 7 Lakeshore Lakers (40-32) before securing the championship with a 36-29 victory over the No. 4 New York Rolling Fury.
A special shout out and congratulations goes to WASA’s Sidney Whaleysmith for earning Championship Game MVP honors and Tournament Femal MVP, leading her team with a standout performance throughout the entire tournament.
“Thank you, this championship feels great,” said Whaleysmith. “We worked so great as a team, and I think that’s what won it for us.”
Additional honors were given to Whaleysmith's teammates. Lucy Rate and Anna Cosgrove awarded Female All-Tournament team and Ivy Cosgrove earned Second Team All-Tournament team. We congratulate the entire teams success!
This milestone represents more than a championship win—it reflects the growing impact and visibility of girls and women in adaptive sports, and the NWBA’s commitment to providing inclusive, equitable pathways from youth development to elite-level competition.
These girls changed the outlook on how women play sports,” added WASA Head Coach Amber Infalt. “They play like a family. They support each other in ways I’ve never seen. Every one of them has the potential to go as far as they want.”
“It is amazing that we have an all-female prep team at the NWBA,” said Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith, NWBA Hall of Famer. “A few years ago, many teams had only one or two girls—and sometimes they didn’t get to play. Watching an entire team of girls win a national title is inspiring and empowering.”
“I’m from Wisconsin, so it hits close to home,” said Ryan Hynes, Head Coach at the University of Alabama and Team USA Women’s Assistant Coach. “It’s incredible to see this level of talent at the Prep level. The women’s game has a bright future.
The Prep Division offers co-ed competitive play for athletes ages 13 and under as of September 1. This division is often the first step in an athlete’s journey through the NWBA’s comprehensive developmental pathway, which includes Prep, Varsity, Adult, and Elite levels—including Paralympic competition. The NWBA applauds the WASA program, which hosts the largest wheelchair basketball program in the country, and commends all athletes, coaches, and families who are helping to create meaningful, inclusive spaces for girls in sport.
