Elizabeth Agazaryan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Vista High School for AZPreps365.com

SURPRISE -- Over the past eight years, Valley Vista has built a name for itself within Unified Sports, winning eight championships in various sports. But for the athletes participating in Unified Sports, winning isn’t everything. The program, which gives students the chance to connect with their community and grow personally, means much more for the students. 

Unified Sports, which is a collaboration between Special Olympics Arizona and the Arizona Interscholastic Association, brings together students with intellectual disabilities, known as unified athletes, and students without intellectual disabilities, known as unified partners. 

“It gives kids a shot,” junior partner Alyse Hryb said. “They might not have a shot of making other teams, but they can try out for our team. They can still participate against other schools and try for a state banner, or just get to know people outside of who they may normally talk to.” 

For many athletes in the program, communicating with others can be a challenge. But through one-on-one connections made with their partners and a smaller group setting, athletes show personal growth throughout the season.

One athlete who has developed is junior Dominic Gonzales, who has used his participation in Unified Sports as a way to become more confident when talking to new people. 

“Let's say you're not really, like, like, comfortable talking to people,” Gonzales said. “Unified Sports is there, like you can connect with new people that you have never seen around the campus.”

Similarly, first-year unified athlete Beau Hagler has experienced growth this season. Hagler’s partner, Kora Hryb, shared that when he first joined Unified Sports he was very quiet and kept to himself. But throughout the badminton season, Hagler grew as a person, becoming more confident and outgoing.

Working in these smaller groups allows the team to focus on creating inclusion through sports at Valley Vista. Over the years, coach Rebecca Milobar has been able to turn teams into a community within the school where athletes and partners learn to work together and communicate across groups.

"It's the most rewarding coaching experience in my 36 years of coaching," Milobar said. "Watching the interaction between athletes and partners, the way they communicate and rely on each other, is something special. They have to work hand-in-hand, and that’s what makes this program so powerful."

While creating a community on campus is a major focus for the team, the competitive spirit can be seen at Valley Vista. The team’s previous success in Unified Sports has inspired many of the current athletes and partners to want to leave their own mark on the program.

“I do want to win. I want to bring some banners to the school,” junior partner Damir Ilicic said. But like many involved in the program, his ultimate goal is personal growth. "My goal is to get a more personal understanding of everyone on the team. I want to be one of those people they can always rely on."

Valley Vista already has the opportunity to win a championship this season. Two teams will compete at the State Badminton Championship on Oct. 26. The rest of the Unified Sports team is preparing for their sectional match in flag football on Oct. 31, hoping to qualify for a spot in the championship later this year. 

At Valley Vista, Unified Sports is more than just a program. It’s an opportunity to bring together students with different abilities and backgrounds, creating a space where students can build bonds that will last a lifetime.

“It’s kind of like a small little family,” Kora said. “It’s very close-knit. It helps me connect with the people on my team, and helps me to learn skills that I might not have known before.”