NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

2025 NWBA Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

April 28, 2025 —On February 2, 2025, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Hall of Fame Committee announced the induction of its newest members, the NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

The NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:

• Jeremy Lade
• Matt Scott
• Stephen Welch
• Paul Bowes

The 2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the DoubleTree Richmond Airport Hotel in Richmond.

The NWBA Hall of Fame is thrilled to honor this exceptional Class of 2025 in basketball, stated Hall of Fame Committee Chair David Kiley.

He added that each of the four inductees has contributed significantly to the advancement and development of wheelchair basketball.

• @nwbahof – NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025
  💛💛💛 Our Class of 2025 is HERE with their families and loved ones! 💛💛💛
• @nwbahof – NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025
  The National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame Proudly Announces the Class of 2025 Inductees! 🌟

NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2023 |  Read More

NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 |  Read More

2025 NWBA Hall of Fame and Red Carpet Ceremony

For the past two years, Matt Scott has excelled in hosting the NWBA Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony’s red carpet, masterfully interviewing the celebrated athletes and celebrities of the night.

This year, the microphone was passed to Dr. Darlene Hunter, a proud member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

As Matt joined the esteemed Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Dr. Hunter took charge of the red carpet coverage, engaging in dynamic conversations with notable figures such as Dave “DK” Kiley.

Additionally, Ron Lykins, Head Coach of the University of Missouri, and even Matt Scott himself.

The NWBA Hall of Fame ring and ring box are displayed on Jeremy “Opie” Lade’s Hall of Fame plaque during the NWBA Hall of Fame Ring ceremony on April 12, 2025. | Photo courtesy of NWBA Hall of Fame / Kimie James

3x Paralympian and Bronze Medalist

Jeremy “Opie” Lade is a Paralympic wheelchair basketball player and esteemed coach from Oconto, WI.

In addition, Opie has had a lasting impact on the sport. After sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car accident at the age of eight, he discovered wheelchair basketball and attended his first sports camp when he was 13.

Opie’s playing career features numerous exceptional achievements, including winning a gold medal at the 2002 IWBF World Championships and securing multiple NWBA National Championships with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he earned MVP honors.

Team USA

He also contributed to Team USA’s success by helping them win a silver medal at the 2006 World Championships. Opie competed in three Paralympic Games (2004, 2008, and 2012), securing a bronze medal in London.

As a coach, Opie led the Milwaukee Wizards to a Junior National Championship in 2007. Later guided UW-Whitewater’s men’s team to six National Titles between 2008 and 2018.

Committed to the growth of the sport, he continues to inspire and develop the next generation of wheelchair basketball athletes.

Most recently, Opie was named the Head Coach of the US Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.

5x Paralympian and 2x Gold Medalist

Matt Scott is a five-time Paralympian and a renowned wheelchair basketball player. He secured back-to-back gold medals with Team USA at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Throughout his 12-year professional career, he played for elite teams in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Germany, becoming one of the first U.S. Paralympians to obtain international contracts.

After achieving global success, Matt led the Golden State Road Warriors to a Division I National Championship in 2023, where he earned MVP honors.

U.S. Paralympian

Off the court, he made history as the first U.S. Paralympian to appear in a Nike commercial and has since collaborated with major brands such as Google Pixel, Apple, Ralph Lauren, and Fitbit.

Dedicated to advancing adaptive sports, Matt founded Fly Without Limits in 2023, a social impact organization that empowers individuals with disabilities.

He also hosts DK3, an elite 3×3 wheelchair basketball event in Venice Beach.

In 2024, Matt became the first Paralympian to provide coverage for both the Olympics and Paralympics, reinforcing his role as a trailblazer for disability inclusion in sports media.

He continues to advocate for accessibility and representation as part of Visa’s global communications team.

7 time National Champion with the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks

Stephen “Rocket” Welch, hailing from Southlake, TX, is an unstoppable force in wheelchair basketball, celebrated for his extraordinary speed and dominance on the court.

Born with a degenerative bone disease that limited his running ability, he discovered his true calling in wheelchair basketball at just seven years old.

Consequently, his remarkable talent quickly shone through as he clinched a junior NWBA Championship and earned MVP honors in his very first year.

Then, at the University of Texas at Arlington, Steve played under the legendary NWBA Hall of Fame coach Jim Hayes.

There, he guided the team to its inaugural National Championships in 1990 and 1992, where he was named MVP in both tournaments.

His explosive quickness in transition and exceptional skills as a point guard earned him the fitting nickname “Rocket.”

Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks

Furthermore, Steve’s career reached incredible heights with the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks, where he captured an impressive seven National Championships and secured National Tournament MVP honors three years in a row from 1998 to 2000.

Notably, his innovative playing style revolutionized the game, leading to three World Championship appearances for Team USA (each resulting in a gold medal):

• 1994
• 1998
• 2002

Paul “Bowesy” Bowes has, without a doubt, been a driving force in wheelchair basketball for an impressive 37 years.

Not only has he coached at every level, but he has also played a crucial role in shaping the sport’s global growth.

Currently, as the head coach of the London Forest City Flyers, Bowesy has successfully developed players who have gone on to represent Team Canada, solidifying his reputation as an influential leader in the sport.

Moreover, his coaching impact extends beyond club teams; he has been actively involved with NWBA and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) camps, where he has mentored future national team members.

This commitment to player development demonstrates his dedication to fostering talent at all levels.

Team Canada

On the international stage, Bowesy truly shined, leading Team Canada to gold medals at the 1997 and 2001 U23 World Championships.

Additionally, he served as the head coach of the 2006 senior men’s World Championship team.

His experience as an assistant coach was equally impressive, as he played a vital role in Canada’s Paralympic gold medal victories in 2000, 2004, and 2012, along with a noteworthy silver medal run in 2008.

It’s clear that his influence helped shape some of Canada’s greatest players, including the likes of Pat Anderson, Joey Johnson, Richard “Bear” Peter, and Dave “Dirt” Durepos.

Furthermore, Bowesy’s contributions extend beyond the borders of Canada.

NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The NWBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 features an outstanding group of athletes and coaches who have significantly influenced wheelchair basketball at both national and international levels.

• Jeremy Lade’s commitment to coaching and player development
• Matt Scott’s global influence and advocacy for adaptive sports exemplify the lasting impact of each inductee
• Stephen Welch’s lightning-fast playing style has revolutionized the game
• Paul Bowes’ leadership and mentorship have inspired generations of players

Baron® Championship Rings is proud to celebrate their achievements and honor their legacy with the official Hall of Fame ring.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on this well-deserved recognition!

Celebrate Hall of Fame Excellence with a Custom Hall of Fame Ring

Honor the legends of your sport with a custom Hall of Fame ring from Baron® Championship Rings.

Whether you’re recognizing outstanding athletes, coaches, or contributors, our expertly crafted rings symbolize dedication, achievement, and legacy.

Reach out to Baron today to begin your custom Hall of Fame Ring journey!