Sarah Adam has made history by becoming the first woman to play for the U.S. wheelchair rugby team, marking a significant milestone in the sport. From her initial discovery of the game as a volunteer to earning a coveted spot on the national team, Adam’s story is one of determination, resilience, and pioneering achievements for women in sports.
From volunteer to athlete: Who is Sarah Adam?
Adam’s introduction to wheelchair rugby came while she was pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. Volunteering at events, she was drawn to the sport’s fast pace and intense physicality, but it was the deep sense of camaraderie and inclusivity that truly captivated her. After years of volunteering, her passion for the game grew, leading to her official classification into the sport in 2019. This marked the beginning of her evolution from a dedicated volunteer to a formidable presence on the court.
Rising to the national stage
Adam’s unwavering commitment and emerging talent did not go unnoticed. By 2022, she secured a spot on the U.S. national wheelchair rugby team, a personal triumph and a groundbreaking achievement for women in the sport. Her journey culminated in a historic moment 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. In a landmark moment at the Paralympics, Sarah Adam scored her first try with 5:53 remaining in the first quarter at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, making her the first American woman to achieve this feat.
Adam expressed her excitement about being part of the growing interest in women’s sports, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. “People are bound to be captivated by the stories and achievements of female athletes like myself and my teammates,” she said.
A Perfect fit: Earning her place in the team
Co-team captain Chuck Aoki praised Adam for her seamless integration into the team, highlighting her ability to embrace her role and contribute effectively. Adam, who described herself as the “little sister” of the team, appreciated the warm welcome from her teammates.
Despite occasional overprotectiveness, she valued being treated as an equal, a testament to the team’s inclusivity and respect for her abilities. In her Paralympic debut, Adam played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. team secure a 51-48 victory against a physically formidable Canadian team.
Over the course of 16 minutes and 9 seconds on the court, Adam scored six tries, showcasing her value to the team. Her presence was impactful both on and off the ball, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance.
Reflecting on the game: Room for growth
Despite the victory, Adam acknowledged that there was room for improvement. She reflected on the team’s performance, noting 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, stressing the importance of maintaining focus throughout all four quarters in future games.
Adam’s achievements extend beyond her Paralympic debut. In addition to her gold medal at the Parapan American Games 2023, she earned a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships. Her commitment to wheelchair rugby is paralleled by her professional dedication as a professor of occupational therapy at St. Louis University in Missouri.
Outside of her career and athletic pursuits, Adam enjoys hosting game nights with friends and family. As Sarah Adam continues to break barriers and inspire others, her 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 make an even greater impact, inspiring the next generation of female athletes both on and off the court.