USA Wheelchair Rugby Announce World Championship Roster

Competition in Brazil in August

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES, August 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — USA Wheelchair Rugby (USAWR) is excited to announce the 12-person roster that will represent the United States at the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil. The team, comprised of the top wheelchair rugby athletes from around the country, will travel to Brazil to compete against the 11 other top-ranked wheelchair rugby teams in the world August 17-23.

Sarah Adam (Naperville, Illinois)
Chuck Aoki (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Travis Baker (Hamilton, Ohio)
Clay Brackett (Birmingham, Alabama)
Chris Fleace (Tucson, Arizona)
Lee Fredette (East Moriches, New York)
Brad Hudspeth (Stillwell, Kansas)
Mandy Marchiano (Colonial Heights, Virginia)
Josh O’Neill (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Alex Pabon (Guayama, Puerto Rico)
Kory Puderbaugh (Boise, Idaho)
Mason Symons (Hershey, Pennsylvania)

The group represents a solid mix of seasoned veterans and newer athletes, a combination of experience that head coach Joe Delagrave believes could be the secret to the U.S. team’s success.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this group of athletes named to our 2026 World Championship team,” said Delagrave. “This roster is a unique blend of battle-tested veterans who’ve been on the world stage before, alongside seven athletes who will experience their first world championship. I’ve watched this group grow together, and I trust what they bring: heart, tenacity and a refusal to back down from anyone on the world stage.”

This will mark USAWR’s ninth world championship appearance, having competed in every tournament since its inception in 1995. While USAWR is the only team to medal at every world championship and holds the record for the most gold medals (4), the team has not seen the top of the podium since their gold medal run in 2010 – a streak they’re hoping to break in Brazil.

USA Wheelchair Rugby will compete in Group A against Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, Brazil and reigning world champions Australia. Fans can tune in to cheer on the team on World Wheelchair Rugby’s YouTube.

• Netherlands vs. USA: Tuesday, August 18 at 9:30 a.m. CT
• New Zealand vs. USA: Tuesday, August 18 at 5 p.m. CT
• Canada vs. USA: Wednesday, August 19 at 3:30 p.m. CT
• Australia vs. USA: Thursday, August 20 at 9:30 a.m. CT
• Brazil vs. USA: Thursday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m. CT
• Crossover play, Quarterfinals and Semifinals:
Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22
• Medal matches: Sunday, August 23

About Lakeshore Foundation
With roots dating back to 1925, Lakeshore Foundation, a Birmingham, Ala. nonprofit organization, has emerged as a world leader in health promotion, research, fitness, recreation, and sports advocacy for people with a disability, veterans, seniors and parasport activities. As a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, Lakeshore is home to the Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization (LNASO) which serves as the National Governing Body for USA Wheelchair Rugby, USA Para Powerlifting and Boccia United States. For more information on Lakeshore Foundation, visit www.lakeshore.org .

Terry Schrimscher
Lakeshore Foundation
terrys@lakeshore.org

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