Bailey Moody grew up in Johns Creek, Georgia, with a love for basketball, tennis, and softball. At age 10, her active lifestyle was interrupted when pain in her right leg led to a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Facing stage four disease and months of chemotherapy, Bailey and her family made the decision to undergo a rotationplasty—a surgery that removed part of her leg but preserved her ability to stay active. 

The treatment was difficult, but it gave her the chance to keep pursuing sports. After returning to her middle school basketball and volleyball teams, Bailey eventually discovered wheelchair basketball—a version of the game that reignited her love for competition. 

Finding Wheelchair Basketball 

Bailey began playing with the BlazeSports Jr. Hawks in Atlanta and quickly developed into a standout. Her natural athleticism and work ethic soon drew the attention of national coaches. She also gained experience playing with the Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets women’s team, which helped prepare her for higher levels of competition. 

By 2017, she was attending development camps, and in 2018 she earned a place on the U.S. Women’s National Team. Only a few years into her wheelchair basketball career, she was representing her country at the 2018 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany. 

Success on the National and International Stage 

Since joining Team USA, Bailey has built an impressive resume: 

2019: Gold medal at the U25 World Championships; silver medal at the Parapan American Games 

2020: Bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 

2022: Silver medal at the Americas Cup; competed at the World Championships 

2023: Bronze medal at the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships 

2024: Silver medal at the Paris Paralympic Games 

Her time with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide has been equally successful. She has helped Alabama capture multiple NWBA collegiate national titles, solidifying the program’s reputation as one of the best in the country. 

Honoring a Friend, Wearing #43 

Bailey’s jersey number carries a personal meaning. She wears #43 in honor of Philip Lutzenkirchen, a former Auburn University football player who befriended her during her cancer treatment. His encouragement during those difficult years gave her confidence to keep seeing herself as an athlete. After his death in 2014, Bailey chose to carry his number as a reminder of his impact on her journey. 

Mentorship and Paying It Forward 

Inspired by Lutzenkirchen’s example, Bailey is committed to mentoring younger athletes and raising awareness for childhood cancer research. She often shares her story with the goal of showing that it is possible to adapt, compete, and thrive after a life-altering diagnosis. 

She has also embraced leadership roles on and off the court. Whether with Team USA or Alabama, she is recognized as a player who pushes teammates to grow while encouraging them to enjoy the game. 

 Looking Ahead 

Bailey continues to balance her athletic career with academics. A psychology major at the University of Alabama, she is pursuing graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling, with aspirations of working in sports psychology. 

Her vision for the future combines her competitive career with a desire to help others—building a legacy of both athletic excellence and meaningful mentorship. 

Support the Next Generation of Athletes 

Bailey Moody’s journey from a childhood cancer diagnosis to the Paralympic podium shows the power of resilience, community, and opportunity. CAF helps ensure that athletes like Bailey have access to the equipment, training, and competition support needed to pursue their goals. 

Join us in fueling the future of wheelchair basketball and beyond by supporting the next generation of athletes with physical disabilities.