NWBA Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class
The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) will welcome four distinguished individuals to its Hall of Fame this April. The Class of 2025 includes three outstanding competitors—Jeremy Lade, Matt Scott, and Stephen Welch—along with renowned contributor Paul Bowes.
The induction ceremony will take place on April 12 in Richmond, VA, during the 2025 NWBA Adult National Championships.
This year’s inductees have each made remarkable contributions to wheelchair basketball:
Jeremy “Opie” Lade is a three-time Paralympian and accomplished coach who led the UW-Whitewater men’s team to six national championships. His playing career includes multiple NWBA championships and a bronze medal at the 2012 London Paralympics.
Matt Scott, a five-time Paralympian, earned gold medals at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He pioneered professional opportunities for U.S. Paralympic athletes in Europe and continues to advocate for disability sports through his organization, Fly Without Limits.
Stephen “Rocket” Welch revolutionized the sport with his unprecedented speed and skill. His career highlights include seven national championships with the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks and three World Championship gold medals with Team USA.
Paul “Bowsey” Bowes has spent 37 years developing wheelchair basketball talent worldwide. His coaching accomplishments include three Paralympic gold medals with Team Canada and numerous World Championship victories.
“All four inductees have given so much to the growth and progress of wheelchair basketball,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chair David Kiley. “It is an honor to include them among the many players and contributors who make up our Hall of Fame.”