Who Is Sarah Adam? First Woman To Play On US Wheelchair Rugby Team

Sarah Adam has made history as the first woman to play on the US wheelchair rugby team. From discovering the sport during her time as a volunteer to earning a spot on the national team, Adam’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and breaking new ground for women in sports.

Who Is Sarah Adam?

Sarah Adam’s introduction to wheelchair rugby came during her time as a volunteer while pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. The sport initially caught her attention due to its fast pace and intense physicality, but it was the sense of camaraderie and inclusivity that truly captivated her. She continued volunteering for several years, a period during which her passion for the game grew, and in 2019, she was officially classed into the sport. This marked the beginning of her journey from a dedicated volunteer to a formidable athlete on the court.

Rising to the National Stage

Adam's commitment and talent did not go unnoticed. By 2022, she earned a spot on the U.S. national wheelchair rugby team. Her inclusion was not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for women in the sport. Her journey reached a pinnacle at the Parapan American Games in Santiago in 2023, where she became the first woman to win a gold medal with the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team.

A Historic Achievement at the Paralympics

On Thursday, with 5:53 remaining in the first quarter at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Sarah Adam scored her first try in the Paralympics, making her the first American woman to achieve such a feat. Adam, in her modesty, expressed her excitement at being part of a growing interest in women’s sports. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in sports, noting that people are bound to be captivated by the stories and achievements of female athletes like herself and her teammates.

A Perfect Fit in the Team

Co-team captain Chuck Aoki praised Adam for seamlessly fitting into the team. He highlighted her ability to embrace her role and contribute effectively on the court. Adam, in turn, spoke of the warm welcome she received from her teammates, describing herself as the "little sister" of the team. Despite the occasional overprotectiveness, she appreciated being treated no differently than any other athlete, a testament to the team’s inclusivity and respect for her abilities.

In her first Paralympic appearance, Adam played a crucial role in helping the U.S. team secure a 51-48 victory against a physically formidable Canadian team. Over the course of 16:09 minutes on the court, Adam scored six tries, demonstrating her value to the team. Her presence on the court was impactful both with and without the ball, contributing significantly to the team's performance. 

Despite the win, Adam acknowledged that there was still room for improvement. She reflected on the team's performance, noting that while they started strong, there were moments of inconsistency, particularly in the second quarter. However, she expressed pride in the team’s ability to regroup and stick to their game plan, emphasizing the need to maintain that focus throughout all four quarters of future games.

Career Highlights and Beyond

Adam’s achievements extend beyond her Paralympic debut. In addition to her gold medal at the Parapan American Games 2023, she has also earned a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships. Her commitment to the sport is matched by her dedication to her professional career as a professor of occupational therapy at St. Louis University in Missouri. Outside of her professional and athletic endeavours, Adam enjoys hosting game nights with friends and family.

As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Adam’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and representation in sports. With her sights set on future competitions, Adam is poised to continue making an impact both on and off the court, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.