Be Unstoppable

Wisconsin Wheelchair Lacrosse

Adaptive Lacrosse

Wheelchair Lacrosse is growing quickly in the adaptive sports world. It’s like a perfect storm of wheelchair sports combining the physicality of wheelchair rugby with the chair skills of wheelchair basketball.

The WASA wheelchair lacrosse program, The Milwaukee Eagles, was formed by veterans in 2015 and is one of the original sports offered by WASA.

The team is sponsored by and works in close partnership with The Marquette University Men's Lacrosse Team. With their coaching support, The Eagles are current and reigning 3x WLUSA National Champions.

The sport is growing fast with over 13 teams registered with Wheelchair Lacrosse USA, the governing body. WASA hosted Nationals in August 2024.

JOIN US:

For the competitive team, WASA accepts players age 14 and up.  Full protective gear are worn: helmet, chest guard, elbow guard, and gloves.  

For those who want to participate recreationally, we can provide pads and equipment for practices.

WASA hopes to develop a youth program (ages 6-13) in the future. Contact us if you are interested in participating in a youth program.

Upcoming Lacrosse Events:

A wheelchair lacrosse player in gear, including a helmet and gloves, sitting in a wheelchair with a lacrosse stick on the ground nearby. Behind them are two other players, one in a jersey with the number 10, and a referee.
Row of hockey helmets and sticks with a team logo of the Milwaukee Wave on the helmets.
A line of wisconsin wheelchair lacrosse players shake hands after a game.
Adaptive Lacrosse player in his pads and wheelchair smiles with his young sons.

Wheelchair
Lacrosse FAQs

  • Wheelchair Lacrosse is open to individuals with a variety of physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other mobility impairments. Both men and women can participate, and players of all ages are welcome. The sport is inclusive, encouraging anyone with an interest to join, regardless of their level of experience.

    WASA has Lacrosse programs for people aged 14+.

  • Wheelchair Lacrosse is played on a standard box lacrosse rink or on a modified field. Teams consist of six players, including a goalie. The game includes four quarters, typically 12 minutes each. Players use their wheelchairs to maneuver around the field, passing and shooting the ball with lacrosse sticks. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team.

  • Wheelchair Lacrosse follows many of the same rules as traditional lacrosse, with some adaptations. Players must keep both hands on their stick when in motion, and body checking is allowed within specific guidelines to ensure safety. The game includes face-offs, penalties, and substitutions similar to standard lacrosse, with modifications for wheelchair use.

  • Essential equipment for Wheelchair Lacrosse includes a sports wheelchair, a lacrosse stick, a helmet with a face mask, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and a protective cup. The wheelchairs are often customized for agility and speed, with features like cambered wheels and anti-tip devices to ensure stability during play.

  • Yes, Wheelchair Lacrosse is played at various competitive levels, from local and regional leagues to national championships. The sport is growing in popularity, with more teams and tournaments being established each year. Competitive play provides opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, compete at higher levels, and even represent their regions or countries in national and international competitions.

    WASA offers both competitive and recreational lacrosse opportunitie

  • The preferred location is a hockey rink to help control the small ball. But rest assured this game is NOT played on ice! (Though sometimes it looks like that in pictures!)

    WASA's "home" location is Ozaukee Ice Center in Mequon, WI.

Have other questions or want to get involved?

We’d love to talk! Contact Dr. Ken Lee to learn more.

WASA Lacrosse News

  • "Being an athlete with WASA has allowed me the freedom to appreciate my body for what it can do instead of focusing on how I feel it limits me. I didn't start playing sports until I was 28, but I can imagine my childhood self-esteem issues wouldn't have been so severe had I participated in adaptive sports sooner."

    Rebecca R. | Wheelchair Lacrosse Athlete

  • "Adaptive Sports have improved my daughter’s well being and has benefited our entire family’s happiness."

    A Proud Papa

  • "WASA gives me the opportunity to socialize with other people with similar disabilities. Sometimes in life there are times when it seems like you are the only one who is disabled, which can cause you to feel isolated. Being around others who are going through the same struggles can make this life a little easier –

    Darrin M | Wheelchair Rugby Athlete

  • "WASA allows me to see the world and possibilities differently. As a volunteer, I get to see who my patients are, and what they can be part of outside of my world of physical therapy and spinal cord injury. It helps me at work to see my patients as a whole and help them to bridge the gap of participating in meaningful areas of life after their injury."

    Kelly K | Physical Therapist | WASA Volunteer

  • "WASA allows me to keep an active and healthy lifestyle and feel confident in my appearance and abilities, learning how to be as independent as possible, giving me a voice in the community, and a forever network of friends/role models to lean on when times are tough."

    – Tony S. | Wheelchair Rugby Athlete