Steel Valley Unified Bocce Team Playoff-Bound; Will Also Participate in Cool Schools Pittsburgh Polar Plunge

The Steel Valley Unified Bocce Team, under the direction of coach Shawn McCallister and assisted by Beth McCallister, is headed to the playoffs! 

In only their second year of competing, this team has learned so much about the game of bocce, teamwork, and about inclusivity. The philosophy of Unified Sports is to promote social inclusion and understanding through shared sports experiences. Unified Sports teams are made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities who train and play together.

The team has grown from having six players last year to two teams this year with a total of 14 players. Their pre-playoff season consisted of 12 games for each team. The Maroon Team’s record was 7-5, which earned them a spot in the playoffs that are scheduled to take place at Baldwin High School on February 26. The Gold Team, which consisted of all new members this year, had a record of 4-8, which is a very respectable record for a brand new team.

The team also had one player, Michalique Kennedy, earn the distinction of being named Clearview Federal Credit Union’s Player of the Month for January. Michalique is new to the team this year and has shown such growth. He plays an active role in being a team leader on and off the court. He’s an incredible athlete and young man, and truly exemplifies the award’s mission of recognizing an athlete who embodies sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication, while promoting inclusion and respect within the school community. Michalique and his family will be invited to a banquet to honor his achievements. 

The Unified Team, along with Student Council, has also organized a field trip for Steel Valley High School to participate in the Cool Schools Pittsburgh Polar Plunge that is scheduled for Friday, February 21. We have over 70 students signed up to participate and it’s sure to be a great time helping to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics and Unified Sports.

In addition, Mr. & Mrs. McCallister are working on another field trip to take a group of students to Robert Morris University for a day of Unified Basketball. They are working with the Special Olympics and the Cleveland Cavaliers to make this possible. Stay tuned for further information.

The coaches and team want to sincerely thank all those who helped support the team this season:

Officials: Mr. Bulger, Mr. Loughran, and Mr. Gress

Timers: Matt and Suzi Labishak

Line Judges & Scorekeepers: Ms. Perhac and Ms. Devine

Site Manager: Mrs. Lyons and Jamie Dolton

Concession Stand Organizers: Ms. Bell, Ms. Keaney, Ms. Furrick, and the Middle School Ironmen Café students

Student Helpers: Zaina Porter-Lanier and Joseph Freeman

All those who came out to support the team during games, purchasing sponsor spots, purchasing t-shirts, etc. It was a true community effort and much appreciated!