20 November, 2025
Sheena Atkin
Victoria, Melbourne - Harriet Caldwell’s journey is one of courage, community, and an unwavering love for the game. Once a rising able-bodied basketballer in Bendigo, her life took an unexpected turn, at just 13 years old, her life changed forever. But Harriet refused to let go of the sport that had shaped her childhood. Instead, she found a new path, one that not only kept her on the court, but revealed her strength, resilience, and potential.
After acquiring a life-changing disability in May 2023 at age 13 everything she knew about sport and about herself was suddenly uncertain. What didn’t change, however, was her love for basketball. A passionate able-bodied player throughout her childhood, she grew up on the courts of Bendigo surrounded by teammates, coaches, and families of the basketball community.
Harriet transitioned to wheelchair basketball, finding new strength, friendships, and opportunity through the game. And while the equipment and style of play may have changed, one thing remained constant: she was still a valued and celebrated member of the Bendigo Basketball Association.
Representing Bendigo in the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League her story has shown that disability is not a barrier to belonging, participation, or achievement. From junior domestic courts to high-performance programs, Harriet continues to prove that passion for sport can transcend any change in circumstance.
Her talent quickly shone through. Within a short time, Harriet earned a place in the Victorian State Development Program, where she now trains as part of Victoria’s elite wheelchair basketball pathway. She has since become a VIS (Victorian Institute of Sport) athlete, an achievement that places her among the state’s most promising emerging talents.
Adding to her growing list of milestones, Harriet also competes in the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL), representing the Victoria Wonders on the national stage. And as she pushes forward on and off the court she remains a proud reminder that the spirit of community sport is not defined by ability, but by connection, resilience, and opportunity.
Watch more of Harriet’s story.
Video credit: Disability Sports Australia
