CONGRATS-UI WOMEN'S WCHR BBALL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Paul Faraci

The bill ceremonially recognizes the University of Illinois women’s wheelchair basketball team for their 2025-26 season, celebrating inclusive athletics and their NWBA success.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR0771 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

A Senate Resolution congratulating the University of Illinois women’s wheelchair basketball team, the Fighting Illini, on their historic 2025-2026 season.

Recognizes the team’s achievement of finishing third at the 2026 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Championships.

Highlights the program’s historical significance and its role in advancing inclusive collegiate athletics.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal recognition by the Illinois Senate for the Fighting Illini women’s wheelchair basketball program.

Acknowledges the University of Illinois Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services as the home to the world’s original and oldest collegiate wheelchair basketball program and its 77-year history.

Notes the program’s foundational role in the NWBA and its status as the birthplace of collegiate wheelchair basketball.

Commends the team’s leadership under Head Coach Stephanie Wheeler, the coaching staff, and athletic trainers, along with the listed players and support staff.

Declares pride in the University of Illinois’ reputation in college basketball and the broader impact of inclusive athletics.

Who/What is Affected

The University of Illinois and its women’s wheelchair basketball program (Fighting Illini).

Members named in the resolution: players, coaches, managers, and athletic staff associated with the team.

The State of Illinois, by formally recognizing and honoring the team’s accomplishments.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Filed and referred within May 2026.

Filed with Secretary (May 6, 2026).
Referred to Assignments; approved for Consideration Assignments; referred to Congratulatory Consent Calendar on the same date.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsor Paul Faraci.

Nature of action: A concurrent or Senate resolution, a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than substantive law.

Final form: Acknowledges and wishes continued success; suitable copies to be presented to the team.

Impact and Significance

Provides public ceremonial recognition from the Illinois Senate for a milestone in adaptive athletics.

Elevates the profile of wheelchair basketball and the University of Illinois’ longstanding commitment to inclusive sports.

Serves as a formal token of appreciation and support from state government to student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

Note: This bill does not enact policy changes or appropriations; its effect is ceremonial recognition and commendation.