Mike Frogley, head coach of the Illinois women’s wheelchair basketball program, has led the Illini to the last seven national championship games. Armed with five USA national team members and one Australian national member, the expectations were high. And the Illini did not disappoint as they captured their fourth title in five years.

“We know how to win, how to be a champion,” said Frogley elaborating on the past success of his talented team.

The preparation for the 2005-06 season began a year ago when the team lost to the RIC Express in the national championship game by only one bucket. After the taste of defeat, the women were hungry – hungry for improvement, for redemption, and to win again.

That drive carried over to October when the team could officially begin practicing for this season. From 6:30 to 9:30 every weekday morning, the team practiced together at CRCE to improve shooting, speed, drills and plays.

Being together for an excessive amount of time was nothing new for most of the team members.

“When it comes to taking care of business on the court, they set all things aside and get the job done,” said assistant coach Robbie Taylor of the 12-member nationally ranked team.

There are only 12 women’s teams throughout the country, so to constantly improve, the women play against men’s teams in most of their tournaments. The team went 16-0 against other women, with a final record of 25-14.

In January, Illinois took part in the Pioneer Classic in Alabama and for the first time that season played against competitive women’s teams. Taylor said it was the best basketball he had seen the team play, and it set the tone for the remainder of the year.

“It gave us an idea of where we would be going into nationals,” said Jennifer Ruddell, a five-year player. “On defense we really came together, it allowed us to build upon that for the national tournament.”

“We didn’t know where we stood against women’s teams.”

Although the season ended like the team had hoped, the middle part was not always as promising as the Pioneer Classic proved.

“It was a year where we had great games and bad games,” senior Sarah Castle said. “We were fortunate to have an awesome game for the National Championship; we were fortunate to end on such a high note.”

The National Championship was in Birmingham, Ala., on March 1-5. The double-elimination tournament had Illinois facing the Los Angeles Sparks, made up mainly of Canadian national team members, for the semi-final with the Illini winning by only five. After regrouping that night, the women came back the next day and dominated L.A., winning by 27. Frogley and Taylor both agreed the championship game showed some of the best basketball they had seen the team play during the season.

The hope of continuing the dynasty next season is promising as the team returns five players. Although it will be a younger team, the girls are excited about learning, growing and developing.

“I’m really proud of the ladies,” Frogley said. “They had to sacrifice a part of themselves so the team could be successful.”