Engineering Confidence: 3D-Printed Prosthetic Empowers Coach

January 23, 2026 - 09:40

Michael Auprince, a coach for the University of Alabama’s wheelchair basketball team, is redefining adaptability. Facing the unique challenge of handling basketballs and clipboards with his prosthetic limb, he turned a practical problem into an innovative solution. Rather than accepting the limitation, Auprince collaborated with the university’s student organization, Alabama Astrobotics, to engineer a custom, 3D-printed prosthetic cover.

This assistive technology, designed and iterated by engineering students, acts as a specialized tool. It allows Auprince to securely grip and carry items essential to his coaching duties, seamlessly integrating function into his daily routine. The project exemplifies the powerful intersection of practical need and technological ingenuity, moving an idea directly from the lab to the locker room.

For Auprince, the impact extends far beyond simple convenience. The custom cover fosters greater independence and confidence, enabling him to focus entirely on coaching his athletes. His story highlights how personalized assistive technology can remove barriers, demonstrating that with creativity and collaboration, everyday challenges can be met with empowering solutions that enhance both professional performance and personal autonomy.