Who We Are

Hill on Wheels Wheelchair Basketball Team is a Division III member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Hill on Wheels was founded in 2002.

Our Purpose

Hill on Wheels is a community-based team that provides an opportunity for individuals with a permanent lower extremity disability to play an organized sport.

Wheelchair Basketball - The Sport

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) was founded after WWII when so many soldiers were returning with physical disabilities. In an effort to provide recreation and athletics to these individuals, leagues started forming at VA hospitals around the country and soon expanded into the community. Women, junior and intercollegiate leagues followed and the NWBA now hosts over 180 teams throughout the Unites States and Canada.

The game is played according to NCAA rules with few exceptions. Each player is assigned a classification I, II or III - each team may have only 11 points on the floor at one time; the wheelchair is considered a part of the player so fouls are called accordingly - block/charge; the player has 3 seconds in the lane; and the player must dribble after two pushes of the wheelchair or it is considered a travel.

How To See The Game

Hill on Wheels season follows the NCAA session with practice beginning in September. Games are played November through March. Regular season and post-season tournaments are played locally, regionally and nationally.

Player Opportunities

Hill on Wheels is always looking for new players. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Cindy Jacobelli at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (859) 254-5701, ext. 5642.

Volunteer Opportunities

Hill on Wheels is always looking for volunteers to assist during practice and tournament. Positions include apprentice coaches, team assistants and table officials.

Wheelchair Basketball Officials

Today, the need for wheelchair basketball officials is great. The challenge of officiating wheelchair basketball can provide great personal rewards. Officials must be able to bring control; understand fairness; promote safety and encourage good sportsmanship. A good sports official is someone who who can be put in a position of authority and handle the responsibility without being overbearing. As a sports official, you're in charge, but it's the players who the fans have come to watch, not you. If your perspective is in the right place, you'll find officiating to be a great way to stay involved with basketball, make new friends, learn important people skills and much more. The National Wheelchair Basketball Officials Association (NWBOA) is a great way to become involved with wheelchair basketball. If you are interested, please "make the call" and contact Bill Kuerzi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (706) 884-4466 (evenings).

Sponsorship

Thank you to the following sponsors of Hill on Wheels:

• CARDINAL HILL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

• SPINAL CORD AND BRAIN INJURY RESEARCH CENTER (SCOBIRC) UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

• KENTUCKY WHEELCHAIR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For sponsorship information, contact Head Coach, Cindy Jacobelli, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Donations

Hill on Wheels welcomes donations from the community to assist in acquiring wheelchair parts, travel, equipment and facility rental. Checks and Cash are accepted.  Please make check out to “Cardinal Hill, Hill on Wheels”. Mail to Cindy Jacobelli, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40504.  If you are interested in donating or have questions, please contact Cindy Jacobelli at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (859) 254-5701, ext. 5642.

Staff

Head Coach - Cindy Jacobelli, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40504, (859) 254-5701, ext. 5642

Trainer/ Classifier - Kara Lee, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40504