Leanne Del Toso has never been someone to wait for opportunities. She creates them.
After acquiring a disability at the age of 19 and spending several years navigating treatment and recovery, Del Toso discovered wheelchair basketball, an experience she credits with changing the direction of her life.
What followed was a decade-long international career that included 164 appearances for Australia, Paralympic silver at the London 2012 Games and leadership roles within the Gliders program, including serving as captain.
Fresh from the Osaka Cup in Japan, where she joined the Gliders coaching staff for the campaign, Del Toso continues to build her impact across the sport both on and off the court.
“It is about people, connection and opportunity,” she said.
Speaking during a women’s wheelchair pathway camp at the Centre of Excellence in December last year, Del Toso reflected on the importance of stronger connections across all levels of the sport.
“Everything links together. Mentoring, coaching and programming, it all goes hand in hand,” she said.
That belief has also shaped her work in the community, including co-founding Play On with fellow Australian Glider Shelley Matheson, an initiative focused on encouraging more women and girls to get involved in wheelchair basketball.
“I know how to connect to communities and athletes, and I believe in it,” she said.
“When you believe in something, you just get it done.”
Del Toso said creating welcoming spaces and stronger connections between athletes and programs was critical to long-term growth.
“Culture and connection matter. When people feel supported and connected, they want to stay in the sport,” she said.
“If we can bring people together and support them properly, the impact can be huge.”
After years representing Australia at the highest level, stepping into a coaching capacity has provided a new perspective on the system that shapes athletes long before they reach the green and gold.
“Being back around the national program reminds you how important development and connection are,” she said.
“What happens at grassroots level feeds directly into the elite environment. It is all part of the same journey.
“I’m really passionate about this space because there is so much potential in wheelchair basketball and I believe we have the answers. We just need to connect people better across the country and create more opportunities, and I want to be a part of making that happen.”
Del Toso will appear as a panellist at the She Hoops International Women’s Day event, Celebrating Women in Basketball, taking place tomorrow in Melbourne.
Event Details
Hicken’s Hotel, Melbourne
Thursday 26 February
1:00pm – 4:00pm
