After being diagnosed with a disability at age 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 in the sport both on and off the pitch.
“It’s about people, connection and opportunity,” she said.
Speaking at a women’s wheelchair pathway camp at the Center of Excellence last December, Del Toso reflected on the importance of stronger connections at all levels of the sport.
“It’s all connected. 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 aimed at encouraging more women and girls to get involved in wheelchair basketball.
“I know how to connect with communities and athletes, and I believe in it,” she said.
“If you believe in something, make sure you make it happen.”
Del Toso said creating welcoming spaces and stronger connections between athletes and programs is crucial for long-term growth.
“Culture and connection are important. When people feel supported and connected, they want to stay in the sport,” she said.
“If we can bring people together and provide them with good support, the impact can be significant.”
After years of representing Australia at the highest level, taking over as coach has offered a new perspective on the system that shapes athletes long before they reach the green and gold.
“Returning to the national program reminds you how important development and connection are,” she said.
“What happens at the grassroots level directly impacts the elite environment. It’s 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 better connect people across the country and create more opportunities, and I want to be part of making that happen.”
Del Toso will appear as a panelist 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 February 26
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Register here
#Connection #culture #impact #Leanne #Del #Toso