Josie Aslakson

Started: She began playing wheelchair basketball at age 13 at the Courage Center in Minneapolis, MN, United States of America. (teamusa.org, 23 Aug 2018) Reason: She became interested in wheelchair basketball after initially trying Para archery at the Courage Center in Minneapolis, MN, United States of America. "I was attending different day camps for kids at a rehab facility. There was a varsity practice going on and the coach came and found me and was like, 'You look like you'd be great for basketball' and I was so timid and shy. But he was like, 'Just trust me, try it' and it's been the best thing ever since." (Palms to Pines Parasport YouTube channel, 03 Mar 2021; teamusa.org, 23 Aug 2018) Additional Info: HEAD COACH She was named head coach of the University of Arizona women's wheelchair basketball team ahead of the 2021/22 season. "As a University of Arizona alumni and long-time athlete, I am incredibly honoured and excited to lead the U of A women's wheelchair basketball team into their 2021/22 season as new head coach. Having played wheelchair basketball from the age of 13 and worked my way through the ranks of junior, collegiate, and international competition, it is not beyond me that there are only a handful of opportunities in the US to coach collegiate wheelchair basketball and I am lucky to have one. My wheelchair basketball career has completely transformed my character and moulded my future into an endless pathway of open doors. As former captain of UAZ's women's wheelchair basketball team, I am absolutely confident that this group of young women has a wealth of potential and the strength to achieve their goals." (Instagram profile, 27 Nov 2023, 17 Apr 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION She has also studied at the University of Texas in Arlington and New York University in the United States of America. (Facebook profile, 10 Feb 2020; wayup.com, May 2019; mentis.uta.edu, 20 Jan 2015; nwba.org, 2022) OTHER ROLES She was elected to the athletes' advisory council of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association [NWBA] for the 2020-24 period. (nwba.org, 01 Jan 2022)