Cheers echoed through the gym at Hamilton High School on Saturday, October 11 as students, families and community members gathered to support high school athletes participating in the new Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League. It was the first home game of the fall indoor soccer season celebrating inclusion, confidence and belonging for students of all abilities.
“This is the why,” explains Jenny Schultz, mother of Hamilton High School freshman Connor Schultz. “With every shot he stopped as goalie, the crowd went wild and I saw his confidence build right before my eyes.”
The Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League is a partnership between Hamilton School District and the Oak Creek-Franklin School District. It was created this fall to provide high school students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in team sports alongside their peers. Saturday’s game showcased everything the program was meant to be.
For some families, the moment was years in the making. Hamilton High School Senior Bryce Pichler has spent the last six years watching his brother play volleyball for the Jr. Chargers and Hamilton Chargers. “This year, Bryce got the chance to proudly wear the Hamilton jersey while his brother and the rest of his family and friends cheered him on,” explains Bryce’s mother Lisa Pichler. “Since he is a senior this year, it makes it more special that he was able to have this amazing opportunity,” she adds.
Coach Melissa Kappeler says she didn’t realize what would evolve from this incredible group of athletes and parents. “From the first practice to the last game, the kids grew and bonded more than I could have ever imagined,” says Kappeler. “This is truly a special program.”
Christine and Tony Wolf, parents of Hamilton High School Junior Mackenzie, say this league has created long awaited connections for their daughter. “She told us she had the best day of her life when a JV soccer player high-fived her in the hallway and wished her good luck in the upcoming game,” shares Christine Wolf. “Being part of this league has literally changed the way she feels about school. I spoke to so many people with tears in their eyes and so proud of our district for giving these kids a place to land, a place they can feel included, feel needed and feel part of something,” she adds. “Feeling a sense of community in your own high school cannot be matched.”
Kristina Kender’s son Lucas is a sophomore at Hamilton High School. Kender shared that her son had a moment of struggle during the game, but that the support of coaches, teammates, fans and even referees helped him recover and continue playing. “It taught him more about teamwork and resilience than any lesson ever could,” said Kender.
“I was really touched to see so many people from our community in the audience to support these kids,” shares Justine Jie Liu, parent of junior Jeffrey Li. “This is not only about personal growth. It’s also about our community growing together.”
The Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League currently has three seasons. This fall athletes played indoor soccer. The winter sport will be bowling, which is scheduled to begin in January. In spring, athletes will be invited to play indoor baseball.
As the league continues to grow, the Hamilton School District is proud to lead the way in building inclusive sports opportunities that bring students, families and the community together.