The Facts:
Nationwide, 25.6 percent of persons with a disability reported being physically inactive during a usual week compared with 12.8 percent of those without a disability. More than 1 in 5 Americans, approximately 54 million, have a disability, making people with disabilities the largest traditionally underrepresented group in the nation. Who are the Rollin’ Hornets?:
The Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets Wheelchair Basketball program gives individuals with physical disabilities an opportunity to be part of a team, learn about life, basketball, and that a physical disability does not have to mean you’re disabled from doing what you want. The Rollin Hornets consist of 3 junior, 3 adult, and 1 women's wheelchair basketball teams that compete within the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA). Teams travel and play in tournaments all across the country with each season extending from August to April. Abilities Unlimited of the Carolinas, Inc, (AUCarolinas), is the primary support organization in charge of meeting the funding needs of the Rollin’ Bobcats. AUCarolinas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in June 2005 by three fathers of physically disabled children in the greater Charlotte area. AUCarolinas has also provided wheelchair track & field, swimming, adaptive golf, and wheelchair softball in addition to wheelchair basketball programs. History:
In 1948 Dr. Tim Nugent organized the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The sport was introduced in VA hospitals for injured veterans returning from WWII. Charlotte's history began with the Carolina Tarwheels in 1970. During the '80s the team added more players and formed another team called the Carolina Cyclones. To reflect NBA ties, in 1990 the program became the Charlotte Wheelchair Hornets who later captured their first National Championship in 1996. Charlotte dominated in 1998 with National Championships by Division II, Division III, and the Junior Division. In 2003, we renamed the team the Charlotte Rollin' Bobcats. In 2014 we rebranded again, back to the Rollin' Hornets! National Success:
The Rollin’ Hornets continue to have national success and consistently finish the season ranked within the top ten. In 2008 the Junior's JV team finished in 2nd place at the National Tournament only to return the next year and win the 2009 National Championship. In 2018, the Rollin' Hornets were once again National Champs, this time at the Prep Division level. 2022 was a banner year for the Rollin' Hornets, all 5 teams finished the regular season ranked in the top 4 in the Nation, and 4 of those teams have already completed their post-season tournaments, all earning their way to the National Championship games. Our Division II and Varsity teams were crowned National Champions, our Division III team was National Runner-up for the 2nd year in a row, and our Prep team was also the National Runner-up. The women's team finished 5th in the Nation in 2022 & 2023. The Rollin' Hornets have sent 33 athletes to college to play wheelchair basketball and 5 went to college on track scholarships. We've had 12 players and 8 coaches on USA national teams, including on the USA team rosters Paris in 2024. Excelling on the court is fun, but excelling in the classroom is a huge priority for our program. 78 times, Rollin' Hornets have received National recognition for academic achievements. When & Where will I see the Rollin’ Hornets?:
Throughout the regular season, the Rollin' Hornets often provide half-time
entertainment throughout the Carolinas, including NBA Charlotte Hornets home games, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, Wake Forest, Wingate, Davidson, NC State, and UNC Charlotte's home basketball games. Additionally, we do community awareness events for schools, fraternities, and boy/girl scouts. The Rollin’ Hornets Golf Classic:
The Rollin’ Hornets Golf Classic is an annual event and the program’s primary fundraiser. Held at the beautiful Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club in Denver, NC, the tournament offers a day of exciting golf, contests, and prizes. It’s a great way to support a worthy cause! In 2026 the Golf Classic is Monday, September 28th
How Can I help?:
Tell someone with a disability about our program
Volunteer at one of our events
Participate in our annual golf tournament
Make a tax-deductible contribution
Become a corporate partner
For more information go to http://rollinhornets.org
