Edgar Hernandez Gaspar (21), with partner Ryan Miller (14) and player Jaylynn Ramos (1), celebrates during the Jan. 8, 2024 game against Arlington.
Erika Newhouse / Striped Hat Photography
MONROE — In December of last year, Monroe High School established an after-school Unified Basketball program aimed at promoting inclusivity by integrating students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
The team’s sole home game at Monroe High will have tip-off Friday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Last week, the Unified team was scheduled to be on the road playing Arlington High School.
Past games packed the gym with screaming fans. The energy beamed from wall to wall.
“Unified basketball has been an incredible addition to our school and community,” Monroe Unified team head coach Amy Foote, a science teacher, said. “This is our second year, and we have 22 players on the team, six more than last year, and that’s after seven seniors graduated.”
“What makes Unified basketball so special is that it’s about more than the game,” Foote continued.” It brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together, building real friendships and a sense of belonging. Watching the players cheer each other on, both on and off the court, is such an inspiration. It’s a constant reminder that the best moments in sports are about connection, not competition.”
Monroe district spokeswoman Erin Zacharda said the program fosters inclusivity by allowing students with varying abilities to practice and play together.
Students participate in practices twice a week and typically play one game per week. During practices, players focus on fundamental basketball skills and scrimmages. In games, three students with disabilities and two without disabilities are on the court. Students without disabilities are not allowed to shoot but assist players with disabilities. In some cases, an additional “helper” student, wearing a different colored jersey, may be on the court to support players with significant disabilities, such as pushing a wheelchair.
Krista Gogan and Ashley Castillo are also coaches and Life Skills/Structured Learning Center Teachers who work with several Monroe players.
Jaymelina Esmele, a spokesperson for Special Olympics Washington, said that across Washington, 34 schools made up of 70 teams and 968 participants will be competing in Unified Basketball this season.
Kamiak has been doing it for 10 years, Foote said.
“The driver for our Unified Champion Schools programming — whether through sports or inclusive student clubs — is to promote social inclusion by creating opportunities where students with and without intellectual disabilities can train and compete together on a team, regardless of ability,” Esmele said by email. “We believe bringing together youth of all abilities to train and compete, builds understanding, friendships (perhaps ones that wouldn’t have normally occurred) and more inclusive environments.”
Zacharda said Monroe’s varsity basketball athletes are unable to participate in the program due to their hectic schedules, so the school relies on support from other students.
“Any student can participate in the program, whether they have basketball experience or not,” Zacharda said.
Monroe hopes to expand the Unified program to several sports. The school is particularly interested in adding soccer in the near future.
“Our goal is to implement a comprehensive Unified Sports program, including various sports, at Monroe High School over the next couple of school years,” Zacharda said.
