Sehome Unified Basketball is wrapping up its ninth season of unifying students across various abilities and interests on the court. In 2016, Sehome High School established its Unified Basketball program, creating unity among students from diverse learning settings through co-ed basketball.
According to Sehome Athletic Director Colin Cushman, the Sehome Unified Basketball team includes a diverse range of students—those with challenges, those seeking to be part of a team, and skilled athletes not participating in other WIAA teams during the season.
“Unified [basketball] is all about being part of something bigger than yourself. It is the pure joy of athletics without worrying about playing time or wins and losses. It gives the spotlight to kids who don’t normally get it, and it helps everyone become better people through athletics in a team environment,” Cushman said.
The Sehome Unified Basketball season typically lasts six to eight weeks, with one practice and one event per week. Teams compete against other schools in Whatcom and Skagit counties. This season, the Sehome Mariners Unified Basketball team faced teams from Squalicum, Bellingham, Meridian, Lynden, and Ferndale high schools. The season concludes with a “festival,” where teams play abbreviated games and celebrate together with snacks.
Chuck Shelle is the head coach of Sehome’s Unified Basketball team. Shelle has seen the sport help strengthen the connection between the student body and the wider community. He enjoys working with the diverse group of students, their families, and the staff. Unified sports bring together supportive individuals who might not otherwise participate in athletics. The coach believes that this experience has made him a better person by giving him the opportunity to help others, and he feels the students share similar sentiments.
“The sport [Unified Basketball at Sehome] is important because it includes so many more students beyond our regular offerings. In fact, my biggest challenge as a coach is giving each player some time on the court; we regularly have over 30 students on the team!” Shelle said. “I know students don’t expect much playing time, yet they join to support one another and have fun. Overall, the program is important because it brings kids together outside of the regular school day, and I think that translates well into their interactions in classrooms and beyond high school.”
In addition to Unified Basketball, Sehome also offers Unified Co-Ed Soccer for the spring season. The schedule is still being developed, and details will be released soon. For more information on Sehome Unified Basketball, visit the school’s athletic department website.
The Sehome Unified Basketball program continues to make a meaningful impact, fostering inclusivity, friendship, and personal growth for students of all abilities. As the program moves forward, it will no doubt continue to inspire and unite the Sehome community.
