Published on: 7 March 2014


Year 10 student Andrew Dewberry has been selected in the 2014 Perth Wheelcats Men’s Team. At just 15, Andrew is currently the youngest player on the squad.

Andrew, who has spina bifida, is no stranger to playing against bigger players. Back in 2010, he was the youngest player ever selected in the WA Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team. “I’m used to playing with older guys and I think that is one of the reasons I was selected – I’m always happy to take on a challenge,” he said.

Andrew, whose dream is to represent Australia in the 2020 Paralympics Games, has begun pre-season-training ahead of the season start in May. He said he would mostly play home games due to his school commitments.

A highlight for Andrew was being asked to join the side by one of idols and fellow Wheelcat Michael Hartnett, who won gold medals at the 2008 Paralympics and the 2010 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. “He is not the biggest guy on the court but he has a strong presence,” he said.

Andrew said his two older brothers, Daniel (Class of 2013) and Brandon (Year 12), both captains of Christ Church’s First V, were also great role models who he looked up to.