Philadelphia Youth Wheelchair Basketball Team Chases Third Straight Title

Katie's Komets head to Louisiana for national championship tournament after dominant regular season.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:33am

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A Philadelphia youth co-ed wheelchair basketball team, Katie's Komets, will compete for a national championship for the third straight year. The Komets' varsity team (ages 13-19) finished the regular season with an impressive 19-1 record, while the junior prep squad (ages 6-13) went a perfect 14-0. The team credits their success to camaraderie, determination, and an environment of inclusivity and discipline.

Why it matters

Wheelchair basketball provides opportunities for youth with physical disabilities to participate in competitive sports and develop important life skills. Katie's Komets' success highlights the growth and popularity of adaptive sports programs, which help promote inclusion and empower young athletes.

The details

Katie's Komets will be heading to West Monroe, Louisiana, this weekend for the National Wheelchair Association's championship tournament. The varsity team has a 19-1 regular season record, while the junior prep squad went 14-0. The team's coaches and players attribute their success to the strong team chemistry, work ethic, and inclusive environment fostered by the program.

  • Katie's Komets will compete in the national championship tournament this weekend (March 21-23, 2026).
  • The Komets' varsity team finished the regular season with a 19-1 record.
  • The Komets' junior prep squad went a perfect 14-0 in the regular season.

The players

Tyler Sussman

A member of Katie's Komets junior prep team.

Erin Glaser

The coach of Katie's Komets prep team.

Aaron Butler

A member of Katie's Komets junior prep and varsity teams.

Ciarlo Liples

A member of Katie's Komets varsity team.

Yair Bunilla

A member of Katie's Komets varsity team.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like you could do anything if you set your mind to it.”

— Tyler Sussman, Katie's Komets junior prep team member

“It's been a long time coming. We have a lot of veterans on both teams that put in a lot of time and a lot of effort, and we have some new kids that joined the program that just infused more energy, more talent. And it all came together in this beautiful moment.”

— Erin Glaser, Katie's Komets prep coach

“We're all friends on the team, so we all play good together ... so it makes it a more successful season.”

— Aaron Butler, Katie's Komets junior prep and varsity member

“In past years, it's always been like there's one main person that's running the whole thing, but this season it's been everyone working together.”

— Ciarlo Liples, Katie's Komets varsity member

“I feel accepted, and I'm just really happy to be expressing the emotions that I have. It helps me relieve stress.”

— Yair Bunilla, Katie's Komets varsity player

What’s next

The Komets will compete in the National Wheelchair Association's championship tournament in West Monroe, Louisiana, this weekend (March 21-23, 2026).

The takeaway

Katie's Komets' success in wheelchair basketball highlights the growth and importance of adaptive sports programs, which provide opportunities for youth with physical disabilities to participate in competitive athletics, develop important life skills, and foster a sense of community and belonging.