Running the court: Unified basketball team plays with heart
Photo credit: Sasha Poradun
KEEPING HIS HOOPS HIGH | A special education teacher at Parcells and North’s Unified Basketball coach, Drew Kisskalt values his players and wants them to feel dignity and a sense of belonging to the school community. “I’ve been a coach and a teacher for many years and all of my students and players are very special to me,” Kisskalt said. “But Unified Basketball is uniquely special in that it gives me the chance to be with students who don’t always have a full menu of options.”
March 9, 2023
Cheerleaders in green and gold cheer from the sidelines, energetic fans shout in the stands and the Unified Basketball team plays their hearts out on the court. Throughout the season, the team has dedicated their time and effort to earn a 5-2 record.
Through the Special Olympics of Michigan, Unified Basketball was introduced as an opportunity for students with special needs to play alongside their classmates, aiming to promote inclusion within the school community. To maintain a welcoming atmosphere for Unified Sports, junior Gabby Miller highlights the importance of support from peers, both on and off the court.
“It’s my favorite when during time outs they see their friends in the stands and the biggest smile grows on their face,” Miller said. “By encouraging, supporting, and cheering the team on, the players feel motivated and admired.”
Unified Basketball spurs a positive energy for both the audience and the players, according to Special Education teacher Sheila Doss. She reflects on making the special needs students feel like an important part of the school along with the thrilling experience.
“If you look at the Unified Sports teams there’s bowling, baseball, golf, cheerleading, [and] tennis,” Doss said. “We’re hoping to be able to do some of that in the future.”
As the Unified Basketball season comes to an end, North offers more opportunities for students to continue making a difference in the special education community. Miller emphasizes the significance by recalling the possibilities made available by KNOTS, a school club working to promote inclusion for students with special needs.
“Students can promote inclusion while making everyone feel involved and equal through clubs like KNOTS,” Miller said. “I get paired with someone and spend time getting to know them through lunch and activities like cookie decorating.”
Similarly, parent Tish Hastings emphasizes the importance of peers actively opening up and presenting themselves as not only role models but friends both inside and outside of Unified Sports.
“Meeting new friends is so important but often very challenging for our kids.” Hastings said. “When other kids see that peer opening up and saying hello and helping out, it will hopefully be contagious and show others to do the same.”
On the sidelines with coach Drew Kisskalt
Under the instruction of coach Drew Kisskalt, who works as a special education teacher at Parcells Middle School and who has been coaching the team for four years now, the Unified Basketball team has been able to grow and prosper at North.
“When I found out about the opportunity from Ms. Davis four years ago, I immediately accepted,” Kisskalt said. “I thought what a great way to incorporate sports, which I love, and inclusion, which is something I try to strive for, for my students and players.”
A challenge for Kisskalt is finding teams to play against. With Unified Sports being a relevantly new idea and program in Michigan, it means that the program has a smaller season than other teams at North, but Kisskalt is optimistic for the future and can’t wait to see more teams join in.
“The biggest challenge for me was honestly just finding more teams to play because it is a newer thing,” Kisskalt said. “But there’s some awesome grant funding through the Special Olympics that allows these teams to explore these options. I think more and more high schools in Michigan and hopefully around the country are jumping on board and getting involved.”
Not only does Kisskalt coach the team for the students, but also benefits the community. Through Unified Sports, Kisskalt has been spreading a message of awareness and empathy.
“I think events like this help the entire community at this point,” Kisskalt said. “Any school or community that has an opportunity to get involved in Unified Sports, I say do it. It helps grow understanding and awareness, empathy. But the biggest thing, again I’m going to go back to my players, they get a sense of independence, camaraderie, dignity, and feeling welcome to be part of the school.”
