Featured Athletes

Our Goal: Make a significant and lasting positive effect on people who have had life-altering disabilities. We do this by working with experts at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Hospital to identify healthcare programs, research, and initiatives that will have the greatest impact on improving the health of those living with disabilities and their families.Our Mission: Elevate the mind, body, and spirit of those with physical and cognitive disabilities by uniting them with world-class people, resources and solutions.What We Do: Propel those with physical and cognitive disabilities through recovery and beyond.

The former Rim Die Hards are now sponsored by the Detroit Pistons! See the calendar for the travel schedule for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association games, and hope you can come and cheer on the team! You can also come to open gym time to practice or try it out. Contact Myreo Dixon or Sue Boeve for more information.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detroitwheelchairpistons/

Joe is a passionate wheelchair billiards player and dedicated mentor with the United Spinal Association - Christopher Reeves Foundation, where he introduces fellow wheelchair users to the game of billiards as a way to build community and confidence. Competing regularly in 9-ball on Sundays and Double Jeopardy on Thursdays, Joe has established himself as a committed and skilled competitor.In April, Joe competed in the APA Wheelchair Billiards Tournament in Las Vegas, finishing 9th out of 84 players-a testament to his focus and talent on the table. This year, he's set to compete on the international stage at the WPA Heyball Parasport World Championship, continuing his mission to push boundaries and promote greater visibility for adaptive athletes in the sport of billiards. 

Jimmy Moceri is a rising talent in adaptive golf, currently entering his fourth year of competitive play. After surviving a life-changing car accident that left him partially paralyzed, Jimmy turned to golf as a new challenge-and quickly found success. In his first two seasons, he earned 1st place finishes in his division within the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) and placed top 10 in every tournament he entered.This season, Jimmy is competing in four major adaptive golf tournaments and is working toward qualifying for the prestigious 4th Annual U.S. Adaptive Open. With determination and drive, Jimmy is proving that in adaptive golf, the biggest competition is often with yourself-and that mindset is powering his rise on the national stage. 

Born in Alpena, Michigan, Jake has never let being born without parts of his legs slow him down. A lifelong athlete who once wrestled into college and competed on the U.S. Sled Hockey Development Team, Jake has now turned his competitive focus to adaptive golf-and is quickly making a name for himself.  After transitioning from sled hockey, Jake dove into the adaptive golf world with passion. In his rookie season, he earned a top-3 finish at the Michigan Amputee Championship and cut his handicap from 18 to 12.3.He's currently competing in both adaptive and standard amateur events, with goals of qualifying for the U.S. Adaptive Open and representing Team USA at the 2026 Cairns Cup in Spain.  Driven by a desire to grow the game, Jake is focused not only on competing at the highest level but also on raising awareness for adaptive golf across all communities. 

Caiden is a trailblazing wheelchair tennis athlete and master's student in Sport Management at the University of Michigan. The first wheelchair athlete in school history to earn All-American honors and compete in a collegiate national championship, Caiden also held the #1 USTA national ranking in both singles and doubles, cementing himself as a leader in adaptive athletics.  Beyond the court, Caiden is deeply involved in growing access to sport. He has contributed to research on inclusive marketing, helped coordinate events through the Adaptive Sports and Fitness program, and mentors young athletes at USTA junior development camps. His academic work includes collaborations with Harvard Business School and ongoing efforts to develop equitable pathways in sport.Caiden's goal is to drive progress in adaptive sport development and inclusive brand partnerships, using his platform to make sports more accessible, visible, and rewarding for all.

Born three and a half months premature and diagnosed with moderate cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, Brooke has been defying expectations since day one. After doctors said she would never walk, she proved them wrong, relearning how to walk not once, but three times, after multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation.  At age seven, Brooke discovered sled hockey during a stay at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and it changed everything. What began as a modified outlet for her passion quickly became her purpose. Brooke has competed at multiple Toyota USA Disabled Hockey Festivals, earning podium finishes in both youth and adult divisions. She now plays for Belle Tire Sled Hockey and has her sights set on the USA Women's Development Sled Hockey Team, aiming to compete internationally.  A fierce competitor and powerful public speaker, Brooke combines her love for athletics with advocacy, sharing her story with thousands to promote inclusion, resilience, and the strength found in adaptability. This fall, she begins her studies in neuroscience at the University of Michigan on a pre-dental track, continuing her mission to empower others both on and off the ice. 

Charlie is a power soccer athlete and mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan who's spent a lifetime defying the odds. Born with Arthrogryposis Amyoplasia-a rare non-genetic condition affecting muscle strength and mobility-Charlie uses a power wheelchair and leads with unmatched determination, purpose, and drive. He began playing power soccer in fourth grade and quickly rose to become a team captain in high school, where he focused on making the sport inclusive and enjoyable for all players. Now a member of the Motor City Eagles, a competitive national-level team, Charlie continues to lead by example, mentoring younger athletes while learning from veteran teammates.  Off the court, Charlie is a passionate advocate for accessibility, serving as the disability representative on the Dean of Students Advisory Board. He's also working as a research assistant in a biomechanics lab, with dreams of designing lightweight assistive technologies to empower others living with muscular disabilities.  Through sport, engineering, and community leadership, Charlie is proving that disability isn't a limitation-it's a different kind of strength. 

Elina Villemure is an adaptive CrossFit athlete, CrossFit Level 1 Coach, and Inclusive Trainer dedicated to making fitness accessible for all. A student at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Elementary Education with a 3.9 GPA, Elina balances academics with her passion for coaching and community impact.  A former barrel racer, Elina discovered her passion for CrossFit during her senior year of high school through the Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) program. Since then, she's become a driving force in inclusive fitness-founding an adaptive CrossFit class at Mighty Warrior CrossFit and coaching underserved youth through Core City CrossFit Kids in Detroit. Elina also co-created The Adaptive Athlete Experience, a hands-on seminar that helps gyms learn how to train adaptive athletes. Her mission is to spread inclusive fitness through coaching, education, and mentorship-both in and out of the gym. 

Motor City Wheelz are members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.  (NWBA, www.nwba.org). The Midwest Conference includes teams from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. They welcome ages 5 to 21 years old with a lower extremity disability that would prevent participation on their school team. Their athletes come from Washtenaw County, Western Wayne County, Livingston County, Oakland County, Eastern Jackson County, Macomb County, Shiawassee County and other nearby areas. To be eligible to participate, you do not have to be in a wheelchair every day. You just need to have a lower extremity physical disability of some type.The team takes pride in its focus on academics along with basketball and athletes doing their best on and off the court. Each player can apply for the All-Academic Award presented at the conference championship. Players can go on to one of 12 college teams after playing with the Motor City Wheelz.Seasons go from September to the end of March with a few training camps in the summer months. Because of the limited number of athletes with disabilities who compete in this sport, the team travels throughout the Midwest to compete. Main locations for the 4-5 tournaments each year are: Grand Rapids, MI, Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. A national tournament is also held in late March or early April of each year. Our Varsity team finished fourth and 13th in the nation in the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, respectively. Our Prep team finished sixth in the nation in 2013-2014.They are always looking for new players! If you or your child is considering participating, we recommend coming to a few practices to meet the team and try it out! No obligation necessary. Players gain physical endurance, strength, increased range of motion, increased independence, knowledge of the game, experience working as part of a team, how to win and lose in competition, sportsmanship, social skills development, confidence building, travel experience, community independence, and fun!  Facebook: www.facebook.com/motorcitywheelz Website: www.motorcitywheelz.org 

Metro Detroit Sled Hockey is dedicated to providing individuals with physical disabilities the chance to experience the fast-paced, competitive world of sled hockey. With programs for both youth and adults, the organization supports athletes at every level—from those just learning to skate to seasoned Paralympians. Their mission is rooted in promoting inclusion, teamwork, and personal growth, all within a supportive and empowering community. Recent highlights include winning the Tier 1 Adult 2025 Midwest Sled Hockey League Championship and the Tier 4 Adult 2025 USA Hockey Sled National Championship. They also proudly hosted the first-ever North American Women’s Sled Hockey Tournament.To learn more or get involved, visit www.metrodetroitsledhockey.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/BelleTireSledHockey

In Jacob Allie’s early years growing up, he explored various sports, like soccer, basketball, baseball and even swimming. “I showed weakness in all of these sports, which led me to find out I have a disability,” says Jacob. Jacob learned he had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. People with this disease experience weakness and atrophy of the muscles in the lower legs. Learning of his disability, Jacob gravitated towards his now favorite sport, wheelchair basketball! He’s been playing wheelchair basketball since 2013. Most recently, as Captain of the Motor City Wheelz, Jacob led the team to a second place victory in the National tournament! Jacob recently graduated from Perry High School where he was an Honor Roll student and earned a 3.6 GPA. He’s participated in the school’s marching band for seven years as a percussionist and was the section leader for the pit percussion. He attended MDA camp for five years. During those years he fundraised for MDA and the MDA telethon. This fall, Jacob plans to play for the adult wheelchair basketball team, The Detroit Diehards. He’ll do so while attending Lansing Community College to earn his basic course credits, which he will transfer to Edinboro College in Pennsylvania to play for their college wheelchair basketball team. Presently, Jacob is thinking of going into the social services field. “Helping people with needs interests me, whether it’s from a teacher to a paraprofessional,” states Jacob.

At 13, while playing basketball with friends in his front yard, Amen Alyasiry’s life was forever changed. Amen was struck by a stray bullet, suffering a gunshot wound to his spinal cord. He was told he would be paralyzed for the rest of his life, however, he refused to accept his fate and instead grasped on the potential he had. Seven years later, Amen walks with the assistance of a leg brace and cane. “I came out of this extremely challenging experience with high aspirations. It taught me to strive for greatness and seize every opportunity that is afforded to me because that opportunity can be taken in a blink of an eye,” says Amen. Amen has loved the game of basketball since he was five. He was introduced to wheelchair basketball during his first hospital stay. Amen immediately fell in love! When Amen learned of wheelchair basketball it provided him with hope at being able to participate in an organized form of basketball, even after his injury. This rekindled Amen’s love for sports and got him working harder than he ever had before. Amen’s been a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) for three years. He’s played for the Detroit Diehards in Division II of the NWBA from 2015-2017 and is currently competing in Division I of the NWBA at The University of Arizona. Amen is a Junior at The University of Arizona where he studies electrical engineering and plays for the school’s wheelchair basketball team. “In every player, there is a fire burning, a need, a desire, an everlasting itch to be nothing less than great. Perspective has given me a sense of gratitude that I will forever cherish, and I intend to continue to learn from everybody involved in my journey,” states Amen.

Congratulations to John McSween of the Michigan Rolling Pistons!John just signed his letter of intent to attend the University of Illinois and continue his education and further his wheelchair basketball career. John has been part of the Michigan Rolling Pistons wheelchair basketball team for many years. The Michigan Rolling Pistons is a co-ed, youth wheelchair basketball team providing opportunities for athletes ages 6-18 with physical disabilities to participate competitively in basketball. The athletes on this team are unable to participate in most local programs or school teams. Adaptive sports programs allow these athletes to experience the same benefits as their able-bodied peers. Our primary purpose is to provide more opportunities for boys and girls with physical disabilities to participate competitively in a sport. Our team motto is “No Limits.” The benefits of youth sports are well known. Through athletics, children gain increased self-confidence and self-esteem, increased physical fitness, and overall wellness. They also learn responsibility and develop better communication and interpersonal relationships. Our athletes are unable to participate in most local programs or any of their school sports teams. Adaptive sports programs allow these athletes to experience the same benefits as their able-bodied peers while also getting to meet and learn from others with the same abilities. It can be a difficult road to keep the teams up and running. With general overall health care costs, the additional costs of team sports and special equipment required to play can at times be a financial burden on families. That’s where Athletes Unlimited comes in to help support these teams and keep the programs running and growing throughout Southeast Michigan. Athletes Unlimited is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 by Jeff S. Pierce, DO, dedicated to providing social, recreational, and athletic outlets to people with disabilities. Their guiding philosophy is that life is not intended to be a spectator sport. Everyone, regardless of ability, can benefit from participating in sports. It continues to be Athletes Unlimited's primary goal to provide these opportunities to as many physically challenged individuals as possible. We firmly believe that everyone should know that individuals with disabilities, regardless of their physical limitations, possess the same basic needs and desires as those without disabilities. Together, we can strive to eliminate societal barriers that limit an individual’s potential to achieve. Join us in spreading the mission of helping disabled athletes, because life is not meant to be a spectator sport!

Paralympic medal winner, World Record holder, and Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame inductee, are just a few of Cheryl Angelelli's accomplishments after a tragic accident in a swimming pool in 1983 left her a quadriplegic.  Cheryl returned to the pool and made the 2000 Paralympic Swim Team. Since then, she has returned twice, earning a pair of bronze medals at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, and a pair of silver medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. She is one of Michigan's most decorated Paralympians and currently holds 15 American Records and 3 World Records.  After retiring from Paralympic swimming in 2014, she took up another Paralympic sport; competitive wheelchair ballroom dancing. She and her dance partner, Tamerlan Gadirov, are one of the top ranked Para Dance Sport couples in the U.S. She and Tamerlan have won multiple awards in the U.S. including first place at Fred Astaire World Championships in 2016 and 2019, and first place at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball in 2017. Angelelli is the co-founder of Dance Mobility, a free wheelchair ballroom and amputee dance program offered at select Fred Astaire Dance Studios across the country.  Cheryl is preparing for the first organized U.S. training for Para Dance instruction - with the aim of building a national pipeline as advocates hope to get it included in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Ranked #1 in the world from 2006-2008 in the 100 meter and 200 meter freestyleMember of 2000, 2004, 2008 Paralympic Swim TeamMember of U.S. National Disabled Swim Team 1998-20114-Time Paralympic Medalist (2 Silver, 2 Bronze)7-Time Gold Medalist at IPC World ChampionshipsMichigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame inductee 2000Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame Disabled Female Athlete of the Year 20002000 Female Amateur Athlete of the Year for the State of Michigan, presented by Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

RIM Detroit Diehards Wheelchair Basketball TeamHead CoachU.S. Paralympic Wheelchair BasketballFormer Head Coach Men’s TeamMaurice “Mo” Phillips, Jr. is currently devoted full-time to his position of head coach for the Detroit Diehards and serving on the National Wheelchair Basketball Assoc (NWBA) Rules Committee. Prior to its dissolution in January 2004, Mo held a managerial position at Kids ‘R Us. His prior work experience also includes durable medical equipment sales/management and property management. Mo has been active in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) for over 30 years—25 years as a player and in a coaching capacity since 1998.At a grass roots level, Mo has been a mentor to many young players over the years, particularly those growing up in his home state of Michigan. Mo worked with Winners on Wheels, an organization to promote sports, education and activity, working directly with children with disabilities. He has worked with local physicians and physical therapists to promote visibility and participation in wheelchair sports. Mo has been involved with Athletes Unlimited for 15 years, working collaboratively to promote disabled sports and to mentor and facilitate the development of young athletes. Mo also played an instrumental role in the administrative responsibilities (President and Vice President) of the Detroit Sparks Wheelchair Basketball Association, leading to the team’s re-emergence into the national tournament in 1989.Mo has been involved with the U.S. Men’s Team since 1997 when he served on the US Team Selection Committee, and served in a coaching role for the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Men’s Team. . National and international awards and accomplishments include:NWBA National Tournaments:Championship Teams (Player) 1977, 1979, 1982Championship Teams (Coach) 1999, 2000Named All American 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1990Captain James S. Ure Sportsmanship Award 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1994Inducted into the NWBA Hall of Fame 1998Inducted into the ADHOF Hall of Fame 2004International Teams:Pan American Team 1982, Gold MedalParalympic Team 1984Coaching Experience - NWBA:Head Coach Michigan Thunderbirds 1998Head Coach Dallas Mavericks 1999 and 2000, winning the National Championship both yearsHead Coach Detroit Diehards for the past 3 years.Coaching Experience – International:Assistant Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 1999, Gold MedalAssistant Coach Paralympic USA Men’s Team 2000, Bronze MedalHead Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 2001, Silver MedalHead Coach Gold Cup USA Men’s Team 2002, Gold MedalHead Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 2003, Silver MedalHead Coach Paralympic USA Men’s Team 2004, 7Th PlaceAssistant Coach Great Britain Team European Championships 2005, Silver Medal

The Detroit Diehards claimed the 2013 NWBA Tournament Champions title at the largest wheelchair basketball tournament in the world.

Track and Field 2008 ranked 12th in the world in 100 meter. 7th overall in the country 12.552010 p.r 11.87s in 100 meter Len Paddock Invitational 11.97s in 100 at the National Paralympic Championships4th overall in country2011 2nd overall ranked in country in long jump 5.53meters2012 finished 3rd in the preliminary heat of the 100 meter sprintoFinished 2nd in the country for the long jump 6.19 meters2012 ranked 3rd in the World in the long jump 6.37 metersWheelchair Basketball 3 MVP tournament trophies3 best class three trophies2 time All American trophies from the National ChampionshipsMVP Denver Branum award

My name is Chrissy Clark-Langlois and I am a 2013 graduate of Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Twp. My mom and I were burned in a house fire when I was 2 years old. As a result, I had to have both of my legs amputated below the knees. Since my mom was unable to care for me, due to the extent of her burns, I was placed into foster care and at the age of 3, went to live with my great aunt and uncle. When I was 10 years old and in the 5th grade, I joined the Sterling Heights Challengers wheelchair basketball team. It was one of the best decisions I ever made! In playing for this team over the past 8 years, I won many awards including leadership and hustle, made many all tournament teams, and most importantly made the Midwest Conference all academic team each of those years. Off the court, I was a repeat honor roll student at school, and in my high school years was a member of the “Be the Change Club” and National Art Honor Society. Throughout my senior year, I volunteered 3 hours daily in the special needs classroom at my former elementary school and also volunteered at the Special Olympics for 3 years. At church I volunteered weekly in the religious education program and was chosen by the director for the annual Timothy Leadership award. In my years of basketball traveling, I’ve met many amazing people from all over the country, some sure to be life long friends! I’ve also learned to be independent, preparing me for what the future holds. In 3 weeks, I will be heading off to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to study psychology and continue playing basketball on their ladies team. I’m excited to go on and do something new, play basketball, meet new people, and create memories. My goal is to someday play on the USA National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team. As I go off to create another path in my journey of life, I will always remember the people who got me to where I am today. I am most thankful to my coaches: Diane, Carl, and John who have pushed me to be the best that I can be. Also for Coach Mo Phillips, who is constantly encouraging me and supporting me both on and off the court. And for my biological mom, who before she passed away, taught me more than anyone could imagine and for my adoptive parents, siblings, family and friends. Without all of them, not only would I not be here with you now, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today! Thank you, Athlete’s Unlimited, for presenting me with this award today, and for giving me the opportunity to achieve my goals. I am truly grateful and honored.