Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Unified Basketball
The rivalry between Leominster and Fitchburg will take center stage Thursday as the schools meet for their annual unified basketball matchup.
Unified basketball gives students in the Life Skills and ABA programs an opportunity to participate in physical activity, build relationships, and become more involved in the LHS community. The program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and enjoying the game.
“What I like about unified basketball is that it’s not all about winning,” said unified basketball student-athlete Jean Ronald Jean Pierre. “Everyone is working together as a team, trying their best, and, most importantly, having fun.”
“Unified basketball is a great experience for everyone involved,” said head coach Kevin Hadmack. “It is rewarding to see everyone on the court having fun.”
Student helpers also play an important role in the program, working alongside the athletes on the court and helping guide them throughout the game.
“My favorite part about unified is watching every player be so happy for their teammates when they score a point or make a good play,” said senior helper Kendal Hattabaugh. “It’s very rewarding.”
“Deciding to become a helper for unified basketball was never a question for me,” said junior Mason Laundry. “I wanted to be involved, and over time, the connections I’ve made with these kids have become more than just basketball. I’ve built friendships with them outside of the team, and between the people and the atmosphere, it’s just a really fun program to be a part of.”
“My favorite part is when everyone gets so excited during the games,” said sophomore helper Jackson McNamara. “I love how passions are expressed through unified basketball.”
With the Fitchburg matchup approaching, the Blue Devils are looking forward to competing while keeping the focus on teamwork and having fun.
“I want to be prepared for the Fitchburg game,” Jean Pierre said. “But, I also want to have fun at the same time.”
Known for his sharp shooting, Jack Cotoni is also preparing to make an impact on the defensive end.
“My plan is to steal the ball as much as possible against Fitchburg,” he said.
Regardless of the result, Thursday's matchup will give both teams another opportunity to celebrate the sportsmanship and camaraderie at the heart of unified basketball.
“Unified basketball is a great reminder of the importance of sportsmanship,” Hadmack said. “The players demonstrate a love for the game in its purest form.”
Unified basketball gives students in the Life Skills and ABA programs an opportunity to participate in physical activity, build relationships, and become more involved in the LHS community. The program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and enjoying the game.
“What I like about unified basketball is that it’s not all about winning,” said unified basketball student-athlete Jean Ronald Jean Pierre. “Everyone is working together as a team, trying their best, and, most importantly, having fun.”
“Unified basketball is a great experience for everyone involved,” said head coach Kevin Hadmack. “It is rewarding to see everyone on the court having fun.”
Student helpers also play an important role in the program, working alongside the athletes on the court and helping guide them throughout the game.
“My favorite part about unified is watching every player be so happy for their teammates when they score a point or make a good play,” said senior helper Kendal Hattabaugh. “It’s very rewarding.”
“Deciding to become a helper for unified basketball was never a question for me,” said junior Mason Laundry. “I wanted to be involved, and over time, the connections I’ve made with these kids have become more than just basketball. I’ve built friendships with them outside of the team, and between the people and the atmosphere, it’s just a really fun program to be a part of.”
“My favorite part is when everyone gets so excited during the games,” said sophomore helper Jackson McNamara. “I love how passions are expressed through unified basketball.”
With the Fitchburg matchup approaching, the Blue Devils are looking forward to competing while keeping the focus on teamwork and having fun.
“I want to be prepared for the Fitchburg game,” Jean Pierre said. “But, I also want to have fun at the same time.”
Known for his sharp shooting, Jack Cotoni is also preparing to make an impact on the defensive end.
“My plan is to steal the ball as much as possible against Fitchburg,” he said.
Regardless of the result, Thursday's matchup will give both teams another opportunity to celebrate the sportsmanship and camaraderie at the heart of unified basketball.
“Unified basketball is a great reminder of the importance of sportsmanship,” Hadmack said. “The players demonstrate a love for the game in its purest form.”
The Leominster Blue Devils unified basketball team takes on Fitchburg on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. in the LHS wooden gym.