THE LYNNFIELD Unified Basketball team played their first game on Oct. 2 in North Reading. In the front row from left to right is Gianna Micieli, Isabella Ruocco and coach Sue Breen. In the back row from left is Sahil Patel, Ereeny Georges, Rachel Perrin, Charlie Verdile, Ella Doherty, Chase Cail and Charlie Cummings. (Courtesy Photo)
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High Unified Basketball team has been working hard to prepare for their inaugural season at LHS.
The team participated in their first-ever game on Oct. 2 at North Reading High against the Hornets.
“It was very successful and a lot of fun,” said head coach Sue Breen, also the varsity girls’ hoop coach.
As the name rightfully implies, Unified Basketball shows everyone what bringing people together can do.
The concept alone is unique. Bringing together student athletes with and without disabilities certainly encourages inclusion, empathy and respect.
But Unified Basketball proved to be much more in Lynnfield’s first game against a school typically known as a rival. Because for the first time in the history of Lynnfield vs. North Reading, there was no away team.
Unified was the crowd.
Both teams thrived in that environment, something the Pioneers hope they can replicate at their own home games, starting Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 3:30 p.m. when they welcome the Hornets to LHS.
“Our goal is to pack our gym and spread the word so we can build this program in the years to come,” said Christine Hebert, a LHS Special Education Teacher who helped get the program up and running along with athletic director Mia Muzio.
The players on the 2024 team include Chase Cail, Charlie Cummings, Ella Doherty, Ereeny Georges, Gianna Micieli, Sahil Patel, Rachel Perrin, Isabella Ruocco and Charlie Verdile.
Hebert reached out to the Special Olympics after the pandemic and learned that they were focusing on Unified Sports at the high school level.
“Once I learned about this, it was not even a question — we needed to bring this to Lynnfield,” said Hebert. “It took a year for us to get everything together and get it up and running but I am so excited that we have become a Unified School and our students have an opportunity to participate in a sport and socialize with other students in the building who they may otherwise not interact with.”
Together, the Unified team is learning what the sport is all about and already making memories that will last a lifetime.
“To see the smiles on their faces and to be able to cheer them on from the sidelines is so rewarding,” said Hebert. “Of course, none of this could have happened if we did not have Sue Breen to coach the students. I am beyond thankful for her commitment and time to this amazing program.”
Of course, in true Unified form, Breen was also quick to mention the work of others. It takes a full team effort to create a new sport after all.
“This has been an amazing collaboration between lots of people to get this off the ground,” said Breen. “Mia Muzio was familiar with the Unified model through her experience in Wilmington and she has been very supportive with her guidance. Christine Hebert and Morgan Rapacki have done a great job promoting the program and Lauren Rizzo is an amazing assistant coach. The kids are working hard and are improving each day.”