Sport: Women's Wheelchair Basketball
Classification: 3.5
Position: Guard / Forward
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Alma Mater: University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Equipped Chair: PER4MAX Custom High-Performance Rigid Frame
Athlete Overview
Abby Dunkin is a Paralympic Gold Medalist, two-time NWBA Intercollegiate Champion, and global advocate for adaptive sports. Renowned for her lightning-fast court vision, explosive pushing power, and relentless defensive presence, Dunkin established herself as one of the premier 3.5-class players in international wheelchair basketball. From winning gold on the world's biggest stage in Rio to leading collegiate dominance at UT Arlington, she embodies the speed, resilience, and high-octane spirit of Team PER4MAX.
The Journey
Dunkin grew up in Texas as a passionate multi-sport athlete and martial artist. After being diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome and later dysautonomia, she transitioned to using a wheelchair in 2013.
Her path to elite wheelchair basketball began after watching YouTube highlights of the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Driven to hit the court, she started training with military veterans and local men’s teams in San Antonio. Her raw talent and work ethic quickly caught the attention of recruiters at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she joined the Lady Movin' Mavs. Within months of playing collegiate ball, Dunkin earned a call-up to the U.S. Women's National Team—beginning a historic multi-year run on the international circuit.
Career Highlights & Major Accomplishments
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2016 Rio Paralympic Games: Gold Medalist (Team USA)
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2019 Women's U25 World Championship (Thailand): Gold Medalist & Named to the All-Star Five tournament team
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2015 Parapan American Games (Toronto): Gold Medalist
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NWBA Intercollegiate National Championships: 2x Champion with the UTA Lady Movin' Mavs (2016, 2018)
Mentorship & Giving Back
Off the hardwood, Dunkin has stepped into leadership and coaching roles to pave the way for the next generation of adaptive athletes:
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Youth Coaching: Serves as a youth wheelchair basketball coach for the Charlotte Rollin' Hornets in North Carolina.
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International Leadership: Head Coach for Team USA Women's Wheelchair Basketball 3x3 at the FISU World University Games.
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Advocacy: Vocal advocate for adaptive sports accessibility, LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics, and youth empowerement through sports.