Tesch captains Paralympic team

Multiple Paralympian Liesl Tesch of Woy Woy has been named the captain of the Australian Women's Wheelchair Basketball team for the Beijing Paralympics.

The announcement came following the Gliders' successful completion of the Asia Oceania Qualifying Tournament in Sydney where they finished top of the region.

"Liesl was a stand-out choice for this role, having served as a virtual ambassador for the sport on the international circuit for many years and leading the way for women players to break into the professional ranks in Europe," Parramatta Basketball Association media officer Mr Noel Rowsell said.

"Liesl has made trips to war-torn countries to encourage and help develop wheelchair basketball and is a fitting leader and ambassador in her role as captain of the Australian team."

The 39-year-old is currently ranked number four in the world for women's wheelchair basketball.

Beijing will be Liesl's fifth Paralympic Games, having won silver at both the 2000 Sydney games and at Athens in 2004.

Liesl has a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Education and is currently working as a teacher at the Woy Woy campus of Brisbane Water Secondary College.

"This year's games will see the possible emergence of a new power in women's wheelchair basketball, with Germany set to upset the world's number one and two-ranked teams Canada and the USA," Mr Rowsell said.

"Canada has virtually ruled the world in women's wheelchair basketball for the past 10 years but Australia has already defeated the Canadians three times in separate tournaments this year.

"This points to a changing of the guard in world rankings.

"The USA would be currently ranked number one but everyone is looking over their shoulder at this incredibly strong German team.

"Australia, however, will be in the mix and I believe the medal playoffs will be fought between Germany, USA, Canada and Australia."

The Beijing Paralympics will be held from September 7, to September 17.

Press release, 15 July 2008 Noel Rowsell, Parramatta Basketball Association