Meet Reema El Qassem

Reema El Qassem, a 35-year-old non-verbal wheelchair basketball player who wears a hijab, has become a rising star in the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League. She plays for the Sydney Uni Lions and is the first hijab-wearing and non-verbal player in the league.

Reema El Qassem acquired a disability called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2023, which affects how the brain and nervous system function, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. She spent 320 days in hospital after acquiring her disability and took eight months to adjust to life as a wheelchair user.

The Sydney Uni Lions, Reema's team, has made it to the national league play-offs in both 2025 and 2026. The team's success is part of a larger growth trend in the women's game, with three new teams added to the national league in 2025.

Reema El Qassem has been playing wheelchair basketball for two years and is regarded as one of the best up and coming players in the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League. Her journey is an inspiration to others, challenging traditional notions of who belongs in the game.

## Why it matters Reema El Qassem's story is significant not only because of her remarkable talent but also because of the barriers she is breaking. As the first hijab-wearing and non-verbal player in the league, she is paving the way for others who may have felt excluded from the sport. Her journey shows that with determination and support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

The growth of the women's game, with the addition of new teams and players like Reema El Qassem, is a positive trend that promises to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport. As the league continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more players like Reema El Qassem, who are challenging traditional notions of who belongs in the game and inspiring others with their talent and determination.