Lake Stevens High School’s Unified Sports program continues to build excitement as their basketball season gets underway. The program, which welcomes students with and without disabilities on the same team, has quickly become one of the most exciting and supported activities on campus.
Coach Leslie Poirier said that she was inspired to get involved with Unified Sports because of the enthusiasm she saw in her adapted PE class,
“Those kids get so excited…when they compete along with their peers,” Poirier said. “It’s a really fun atmosphere.”
During practices, Coach Poirier focuses on teamwork, communication, and inclusion. She explained that the biggest challenge is maintaining engagement and making sure her players are learning the skills she is trying to teach them.
Still, she has been very proud of this team’s early-season progress. She brought up the team’s new passing drill.
“They were all encouraging, and they’re talking to each other,” Poirier said. “It just makes it fun.”
Poirier involves every player by making sure each player passes the ball.
People watching from the stands feel the same way. Sarah Weber, a staff member who attends the games after being invited by one of the players on the team, describes the games as extremely positive.
“The fans and families were all really excited to be there and really proud of the athletes,” Weber said.
Weber believes that Unified Sports have strengthened the school’s atmosphere.
“It shows that we’re inclusive and supportive of all students,” Weber said.
She also added that the athletes “are proud of their school” and that the games are “a ton of fun” to watch.
For the athletes, Unified Sports isn’t only a place to compete in these sports, it’s a place to belong; it’s like a family. Junior Ben Nye explained that joining the team gave him a chance to not only play the sports he loves but to play in a supportive environment.
“Teamwork gets the better work to help each other,” Nye said. “If we work together, we can get the job done.”
Ben also shared how many amazing friendships he’s made on the team. One of his favorite memories on the team was working with one of his friends.
“If he was open, I would always pass the ball to him…we would work together to win the match,” Nye said.
With the season underway, excitement continues to grow. Game day brings energy and anticipation, something Nye looks forward to each time the announcer introduces the team.
“We get hyped,” Nye said. “We show them why we’re the best unified.”
Coach Poirier hopes the season will encourage the athletes to stay involved with sports all year.
“My goal is for them to have fun and want to come back,” Poirier said
With strong leadership, committed athletes and a supportive community and staff, Unified Sports at LSHS continues to dominate showing the power of inclusion on and off the field.
