Kunes Car Convos: Driving with Purpose – A Ride with Coach Jake Williams

Welcome back to another episode of Kunes Car Convos—we had the privilege of taking a ride with a true champion, both on and off the court: Jake Williams, head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Wheelchair Basketball Team. Riding in style through Whitewater in a 2025 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, we dove into a conversation that was as inspiring as it was eye-opening.

Jake’s story is one of resilience. Originally from Milwaukee, Jake was a 16-year-old lifeguard biking to work when he was struck by a car—an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But instead of letting that define him, Jake found wheelchair basketball shortly after and never looked back. One year of high school ball turned into five years of college competition, a 12-year stint with Team USA, and seven years of professional play in Europe.

Now, he’s leading the next generation as head coach at UW-Whitewater, and he’s already left a mark—his team won the national championship in just his second year.

Jake isn’t just coaching a sport; he’s building a culture. "We treat wheelchair basketball like a job," he says. "No excuses—just hard work." That Midwestern grit runs deep in his program, and it shows on the court. With a strong team and even stronger support from the university, Whitewater continues to be a powerhouse in adaptive sports.

Jake believes Wisconsin’s rise as a Paralympic athlete hub has everything to do with community, culture, and hard work. With organizations like WASA (Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association) supporting athletes from the grassroots level, the opportunities are endless. “They’re changing lives,” Jake says of WASA—and he’s living proof.

The conversation naturally shifted to mobility, especially the role adaptive vehicles play in everyday independence. For Jake, having the ability to drive with adaptive equipment isn’t just about convenience—it’s about freedom. “Being in a wheelchair, the number one thing you're striving for is independence,” he told me.

While wheelchair-accessible vans are great for many, Jake emphasized the value of options—being able to drive a cool, efficient vehicle like the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss with adapted hand controls gives him the freedom to live life without limitations or compromises. Especially in a Wisconsin winter, the ability to hop in quickly, safely, and comfortably matters more than ever.

As we cruised through campus, Jake lit up talking about UW-Whitewater. “This school is built for accessibility,” he said. With ramps, elevators in every building, and an entire department dedicated to supporting students with disabilities, Whitewater isn’t just wheelchair-friendly—it’s wheelchair-forward.

But it’s more than infrastructure. The university also offers academic support—like extra test time, recorded lectures, and note-taking services—ensuring that student-athletes aren’t just successful on the court but in the classroom too.

If you’re a student with a disability—or a parent helping one choose a school—Jake’s message is clear: “Whitewater is a place where you’re supported, where you're expected to work hard, and where you can thrive.”

Jake’s journey from accident survivor to national champion coach is more than inspirational—it’s a testament to what happens when talent, drive, and opportunity collide. His work is helping redefine how people see wheelchair basketball, disability, and independence.

We’re proud to spotlight leaders like Jake here at Kunes Car Convos, and we’re equally proud to continue supporting accessible mobility through Kunes Mobility—because freedom should never be a luxury.

Thanks again to Jake Williams for riding with us and sharing his story. Until next time—keep driving forward.