ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington women's wheelchair basketball has tabbed John McPhail as its next head coach. McPhail steps into the role after spending the past four seasons as a volunteer assistant coach for the program.

McPhail has deep connections to UTA. Before getting into coaching, McPhail played for the Movin' Mavs men's program from 2009 to 2014 under then-head coach Doug Garner. The Peakhurst, Australia native graduated with a bachelor's degree in university studies.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be the next head coach for the Lady Movin' Mavs," McPhail said.  "I'm not shy in saying that this is my dream job. I'm exactly where I need to be right now."

After his stint playing for the Australian Paralympic team came to a close in 2022, McPhail jumped into the coaching ranks for the first time under previous Lady Movin' Mavs head coach Morgan Wood. 

While serving as a volunteer assistant with UTA, the Australia native also headed up the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks. McPhail coached the Mavericks for three seasons, winning the NWBA Adult Division I National Championship in 2024 and 2026. The Mavericks lost just three games in that timespan.

Coaching was not something on McPhail's radar before Wood gave him a shot. Within two weeks, McPhail realized he was hooked and coaching became his passion.

Wood stepped down as the Lady Movin' Mavs head coach after a strong 2026 season in order to move closer to family with her infant son. When Wood began her maternity leave in January, McPhail stepped in as the Lady Movin' Mavs head coach on an interim basis, helping guide the team to an eventual championship game appearance at the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

The tournament took place in April with Wood back on the bench as head coach while McPhail slid back to his role as a volunteer assistant. UTA went 8-3 entering the national championships.

"I'm excited to see the program  continue to thrive under the leadership of my lifelong friend and assistant coach, John McPhail," Wood said. "As the First Lady Movin' Mav student-athlete, I am incredibly grateful to have come full circle by leading the program that shaped my life."

"I leave with immense pride in the legacy we've built together and complete confidence that, under John's leadership, the future of the Lady Movin' Mavs is in great hands."

McPhail's playing days extended beyond his time at UTA. The Australia native played for his home country's national team in two separate stints, first from 2009 to 2013 and then from 2019 to 2022.

With McPhail in the fold, the Australian team won gold at the 2010 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Birmingham, England. McPhail was also a part of the 2009 World Junior Championships team that finished in fourth place and was also a member of the Australian Paralympic team at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.

The Australia native also played professionally in Germany with the Köln 99ers and Rhine River Rhinos.

McPhail credits his wife, Jillian, and his late mother Sue for helping him get into the position he is today. The pair supported McPhail every step of the way as he now steps into the next chapter of his journey. 

"It's one of the best programs for wheelchair basketball in the country," McPhail said. "To be able to come back and already have a vision from when I was here as a player and now to see what it's changed into and getting to add my touches to an already amazing program is something that I can't wait for." FOLLOW THE MAVS SOCIALLY
For up-to-date news, photos and videos, follow UTA Athletics online at UTAMavs.com or via several social media accounts on Twitter @UTAMavs, Instagram @UTAMavs and Facebook /UTAMavs.