Phil Evans

Growing up, Phil Evans was considered a talented sportsman and a keen footballer, playing A-grade for Whitfords, in Western Australia. 

But that all changed in an instant after a car accident in 2013.  

Phil didn’t wake up for three days and after almost a week in hospital he realised he was unable to feel his legs. 

The Perth man had fractured his T-11 and T-12 vertebrae, paralysing him from the waist down. 

During his rehabilitation, the Royal Perth Hospital organised for Phil to attend a ‘come and try’ day at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. It was there he discovered Rebound WA – a charity encouraging people with physical disabilities to engage in sporting and social programs to promote recovery. 

Not long after that, the Perth man was introduced to wheelchair basketball. 

Despite never having played before, Phil decided he needed to give it a go for his mental health. 

After a short time on court, Phil was picked up by the Perth Wheelcats in Australia’s National Wheelchair Basketball League and from there, the University of Arizona offered him a full scholarship to join their program. 

In January 2024, Phil pulled on his first green and gold jersey, representing Australia at the Asia Oceania Championships in Thailand.