Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified Soccer team recently finished its fall season after going undefeated in its three games.
For those unfamiliar with Unified Sports, the goal is to combine students with exceptional needs with general education students on the same team. Everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, learn, and develop new skills as the playing field is leveled. The results are simple: building friendships while competing in sports to grow athletic abilities and be a part of a team. Not only are bonds created, but a long-lasting love for sports and a competitive mindset which can help students approach challenges throughout their daily lives.
Mrs. Scott, a Bloomfield Hills High School physical education teacher, coaches the school’s Unified sports teams. When asked how general education students can get involved in the school’s Unified sports teams, Mrs. Scott said, “There are opportunities to play with us at our games, be bench support, and help athletes get water while subbing them in and out.”
You can still show support even if you are not a team member. Mrs. Scott said, “Our athletes love to be recognized in the hallway, so if you see a Unified athlete, give them a high five or say hi.”
Unified athletes are very passionate about their team. Jerome Ewing, a player for the Unified Soccer team, shared his experience of what the team was like. “It was a lot of fun,” Ewing said. “I was goalie, and I liked blocking the goal.”
Tripp Daughtrey also expressed what it was like to play for the team. “I liked playing defense,” Daughtrey said. “Another player cleated me, but I kept playing the game.” Tripp’s toughness despite his injury shows the courage that the Unified athletes are developing.
Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified sports program currently offers soccer and basketball but is looking to add bowling in the near future. Now that the soccer season has ended, the Unified athletes look forward to a successful basketball season in the upcoming months.
Myron Hubert enjoyed playing with the soccer team and scoring goals and said, “I am excited for the basketball season.”
However, the Unified team can only compete at the highest level with fans’ support. It is vital for all Bloomfield High School students and staff to get out and support the Unified athletes. Whether a high hive or a cheer, encouragement will go a long way. Bloomfield Hills High School is extremely fortunate to have a Unified sports program, and Mrs. Scott hopes its impact will bring the general and special education community together. She said, “I hope we can see each other as equals and create more genuine friendships.”
Mrs. Scott also notes how lucky she feels to experience the Unified sports team’s impact on the community, stating, “I will never forget a message I got from an athlete’s Mom. She thanked me for allowing her child to be a part of the Unified team as she never imagined her child would be able to play a sport for his high school.”
Let’s continue to unite as a school community, celebrate our differences, and cherish more friendships through Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified sports.
