On Jan. 30, the Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks came to Greenhill to play during the halftime of the girls’ basketball game against St. Stephens on Senior Night.  

The Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks is a nonprofit basketball program for children with physical disabilities, ages 5-18. This is the only wheelchair basketball program in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. 

Greenhill has partnered with the program since 2009. Girls Basketball Head Coach Darryn Sandler ’95 says the connection began with a former Greenhill girls basketball player, who knew a woman passionate about basketball but severely injured in a tragic accident and became paralyzed. She then became a coach for the Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks to support the cause.  

“People that face adversity often grow and learn from those situations,” Sandler said. 

Ever since the connection was formed, the Greenhill girls basketball program has hosted events such as bake sales to support the wheelchair basketball program.  

The girls basketball team also had the opportunity to watch and even participate in some of their practices at the Bachman Recreation Center. This includes playing in extra wheelchairs and experiencing how challenging the sport can be.  

“If I could describe this experience in one word, I would say grateful,” junior Diya Jain said. “I am blessed to be given this opportunity to watch them, and I admire how strong they are.” 

The program is a key community resource that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for young athletes with disabilities.  

“[Greenhill’s] theme last year was ‘Excelling Together’, and I feel like this is one example where this community can excel together,” Darryn said.