Stephanie

Wheeler

Quick Facts

• Was a member of the U.S. National Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team from 2001-2010
• Entering Beijing, Wheeler was one of a handful of players returning from a U.S. team that won gold in Athens, Greece
• Started throughout the 2008 Paralympic Games, Wheeler once again led Team USA to a gold medal
• Coached Team USA to a gold medal in women's wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games Rio 2016
• Is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she received a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and was a member of three wheelchair basketball national championship teams
• Is the current head coach for the women's wheelchair basketball team at Illinois (as of 2025)
• Is working on her Ph.D. in Adapted Physical Education
• Is an Athlete Ally Ambassador and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights

Paralympic Experience

• 2-time Paralympian; 2-time Paralympic medalist (2 gold)
  • Paralympic Games Beijing 2008, gold (Team - Women)
  • Paralympic Games Athens 2004, gold (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2010 – gold (Team - Women)
• Years of participation: Team - Women 2002, 2006, 2010
• Medals: 3 (1 gold, 2 silver)
  • Gold – 2010 (Team - Women)
  • Silver – 2006 (Team - Women); 2002 (Team - Women)