Illinois athletics is known for its varsity basketball squad. However, it is also recognized for another basketball team.  

The Illinois women's wheelchair basketball team has won the National Championships the last two years and their goal is to succeed again.

"We have an edge because we practice together everyday," Illinois senior point guard Christina Ripp said. "We know how we play."

In recent years, the Illini have competed against the Los Angeles Sparks wheelchair basketball team for the national title. Ripp said that the L.A. Sparks is a community team, but Illinois is a college team, and university teams are more committed.

Besides aiming to win the national championships, the team hopes to place fourth in the collegiate division. The Illini women also play against Division II men's teams.

"We have a great chance at beating all the other teams," Illinois senior guard Stephanie Wheeler said.

To help them get to nationals, the team hopes to maintain a winning record this season, said Ripp.

Their opening tournament to start the season takes place Nov. 13-16 at Huff Hall.

"(These are) excellent game(s) for people to come and see," Illinois head coach Michael Frogley said.

The players are excited about the opportunity as well.

"I'm excited. I'm ready to play again with my teammates to see if we can maintain the same level of play we had last year," Wheeler said.

Practice is necessary in order for them to achieve their goals. The team practices everyday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. They do drills, work with assistant coaches and develop individual skill work. Two days a week an athlete has to stay an extra hour to practice shooting and individual skills, said Wheeler.

In addition, the team has members that participate on another high caliber team. Junior Emily Hoskins, seniors Christina Ripp and Stephanie Wheeler, and graduate students Jennifer Warkins and Janna Crawford are all players on the U.S.A. Women's National Team.

Despite their talent and abilities, the team's main challenge is getting the sport to be better known at Illinois.

"We are trying to get people aware on campus of wheelchair basketball," Ripp said.

Wheeler said that low publicity may be their biggest problem. Some people do not believe that there are sports for people with disabilities.

"It is a real sport," Wheeler said. "It is a competitive sport."