Liz Dunn is making waves in the world of wheelchair rugby, not just as a player for the Texas Stampede, but as a key member of the U.S. women's delegation that recently participated in the Women’s World Cup in Paris. With a passion for the sport and a drive to increase female representation in the game, Liz has earned recognition as one of the sport's leading advocates. We sat down with Liz to talk about her experiences, the state of women’s wheelchair rugby, and how she’s working to build a future for the next generation of athletes.

Q: What would you say was the best moment for the team, as well as for you individually, at the Women’s World Cup in Paris?

Liz Dunn: “I don’t think it was necessarily a single moment as a team, but seeing our progress from our first practice to our last game was incredible. As we got used to playing with each other, our level of play increased. Despite a setback from an injured player, we did the best we could and kept pushing. It’s amazing to see how far we came as a team in such a short time, especially considering how difficult it was to organize the team in the first place. Personally, it was rewarding to be part of this group of women, knowing that we were creating something bigger than ourselves.”

Q: How do you think tournaments like the Women’s World Cup will help advance women’s wheelchair rugby in the U.S.?

Liz Dunn: “I believe this tournament alone had a significant impact already. A few of the women who participated weren’t trusted to handle the ball on their teams before the event. But by the end of the tournament, they stepped up and showed incredible growth in their ball-handling skills. We all learned from each other, and that kind of improvement is exactly what we need to continue pushing women’s rugby forward. It shows that if you provide women with the opportunity to compete, they will rise to the occasion. It’s crucial for these kinds of tournaments to continue, and for women’s events to be more visible, so that new players can be inspired to join.”

Q: As a leader for this team, where do you see the biggest needs moving forward—whether it's in athletes, infrastructure, resources, coaching, or something else?

Liz Dunn: “All of the above! The organization and funding for these events are a huge challenge. Jen, one of the team members, was able to secure funds through the Stacy Fuson Foundation to cover registration fees for each athlete. However, the cost of flights was still on the athletes and staff, which added financial strain. Ideally, we would have loved to train together before the competition, but the reality is that we live in different parts of the country, and it’s difficult to get enough players together for a women’s team at regular tournaments. We also don’t have dedicated resources for women’s specific events, which makes it harder to coordinate. So, moving forward, we need better infrastructure, more financial support, and dedicated coaching and training camps for women in the sport.”

Q: Looking to the future, how can teams like the Texas Stampede and the U.S. wheelchair rugby community help support the next steps for women’s rugby?

Liz Dunn: “There’s already a plan to bring the Women’s World Cup back in 2026, and WWR (Wheelchair Rugby) hopes to organize at least one women’s wheelchair rugby tournament every year. It was mentioned that one could take place in England after the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Spreading the word about these events and getting more women involved is key to building momentum. I’m incredibly grateful for the support the Stampede has shown. We need to continue to build that support, not only within our team but across the sport as a whole, to ensure the long-term sustainability of women’s wheelchair rugby.”

Q: Could this be something that’s included under the umbrella of Team USA in the future? Could women’s wheelchair rugby be represented at the Paralympics someday?

Liz Dunn: “WWR is actively working to bring more women into the sport, and the organization is pushing for greater visibility and recognition of women’s wheelchair rugby. During the Women’s World Cup, there was a presentation about the state of women’s participation in the sport, which included discussions about the potential for women’s wheelchair rugby in the Paralympics. Currently, the sport is over 90% male, but there’s definitely a growing push for gender equality across all adaptive sports. For many women, barriers to participation still exist—whether it’s financial, logistical, or social—but I’m hopeful that the work we’re doing now will pave the way for greater support from organizations like Team USA, USAWR, and USWRA. This is a great opportunity to recruit more women into the sport and create a pathway for them to compete at the highest levels.”

Q: What would you say to the women reading this who are interested in getting involved and connecting with the sport?

Liz Dunn: “We’re a small but growing community, and I’d love to see it expand. Women who are interested in joining can follow the ‘Wonder Women in Wheelchair Rugby’ page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1GWyFgR8p2/?mibextid=wwXIfr] for updates and to connect with others. They can also reach out to me directly if they want to learn more about how to get involved. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone looking to support the sport, we need more voices, more bodies, and more people passionate about growing women’s wheelchair rugby.”

Q: You’ve been a trailblazer in this emerging space. Can you talk a bit about your background as a registered dietitian and how it has influenced your approach to training and competition?

Liz Dunn: “Being a registered dietitian has definitely shaped my approach to performance. Nutrition plays a huge role in recovery, strength, and overall wellness, and it’s been key in helping me stay competitive. But I also try to educate other athletes, especially women, about how they can use proper nutrition to fuel their bodies for peak performance. It’s not just about winning on the court; it’s about helping athletes maintain their health and be able to perform at their best in all aspects of their lives. I’ve seen firsthand how the right balance of nutrients can make a huge difference in both training and competition.”

Q: You made history in 2023 by becoming one of the only females to win a national championship in the USWRA league. What did that achievement mean to you, and what does it say about the future of women’s wheelchair rugby?

Liz Dunn: “Winning the national championship in the USWRA league was such an honor, especially as one of the few women competing at that level. It shows that women have the potential to succeed in wheelchair rugby, and we can compete just as hard and as strategically as the men. It’s a powerful statement about the future of the sport—it’s not just for men anymore. I hope that my success encourages other women to pursue wheelchair rugby, and that we see more female athletes breaking barriers in the years to come. I’m proud to be part of this movement, and I believe the best is yet to come.”

Liz Dunn’s trailblazing efforts, both on and off the court, are helping to create a brighter, more inclusive future for wheelchair rugby. As the sport continues to evolve, Liz’s leadership and vision for greater female representation are setting the stage for the next generation of athletes. Through her work and dedication, she is inspiring countless women to believe that they, too, can excel in the world of adaptive sports.

On Giving Tuesday, the Texas Stampede Wheelchair Rugby Foundation is reaching out to its community for much-needed support to continue empowering athletes with disabilities. The foundation plays a crucial role in helping athletes overcome the barriers they face in the world of competitive sports, providing essential resources like training, travel expenses, and equipment. However, as the team continues to grow and pursue their goals on both the national and international stages, the demand for resources has never been greater. Every dollar donated this Giving Tuesday directly supports the athletes and staff, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and thrive in wheelchair rugby.

The need for funding is vital to maintaining the foundation’s programs and expanding opportunities for new athletes to join the team. From paying for adaptive equipment to covering travel costs for competitions, these donations make a real impact on the lives of the players and coaches who are dedicated to the sport. The generosity of donors helps ensure that athletes can focus on training and competition, not financial worries. To support the Texas Stampede and help them continue their journey, visit www.fearthesteer.org for more information on how you can give back this Giving Tuesday. Thank you for your support.