Unified Bowling Team Shines in Their First Season

This year marked an exciting milestone as our district launched its first Unified Bowling team, an inclusive athletic opportunity that brought together six dedicated student athletes: Logan Boop, Ian Ames, Logan Kelly, Donovan Plaisted, Joshua Vanderwall, and Brayden Vogt.

“Unified bowling is important because it opens the door for students who may not typically feel comfortable or confident joining traditional sports teams,” said Coach Samantha McKenzie. She added that the experience helps students “develop confidence, improve social skills, and feel a sense of belonging within the school community,” emphasizing that the program allows every athlete to shine.

The team’s inaugural season was an impressive one. The students showed steady growth throughout the year, bringing enthusiasm and determination to each practice and match. Their hard work was rewarded with first place at the Unified Bowling Culmination Event on November 13th. Coach McKenzie noted that the students’ teamwork and positive energy were defining strengths that shaped the season.

Perhaps most inspiring was the way the students embraced this new opportunity. “Our athletes responded so positively to being part of this new team,” McKenzie shared. “They came to each practice excited to bowl and genuinely enjoyed cheering one another on. It was clear that being part of the team meant a lot to them.”

As the district celebrates the success of its first Unified Bowling season, it is clear this team has laid a strong foundation for future years, built on inclusion, teamwork, joy, and the belief that every student deserves a place to shine.