Milford High School’s Unified program has been extremely impactful for this community, allowing athletes with disabilities to compete, grow relationships, make connections, and use their teamwork and athletic skills through playing a sport that they love.
This year, Milford is excited to announce that they are starting a soccer team to add to the success the program has had through sports like basketball.
Unified helps students with intellectual and physical disabilities play sports while connecting with other Milford High School students. This year there are 20 athletes and around 40 helpers. Each helper is immensely important to making this program possible. Similar to the basketball program, each athlete has a helper who plays by the athlete’s side during the game.
As a whole, MHS is passionate about Unified sports. “I absolutely love the Unified program,” senior Natalie Melody stated. “I have a passion for these kids and I am super excited to build these bonds further than just saying ‘hi’ in the hallways.”
Melody was disappointed that she couldn’t assist with the basketball team last year because she had conflicts in her own athletic schedule, but is extremely excited that she can help out this fall with soccer now that she has more free time.
Freshman Evan Oliver is a student here at Milford High School who has Down syndrome and is extremely excited to start off his soccer season. Oliver loves the teamwork atmosphere, especially his student helper Ashlyn Lutz. “My goal for the season,” states Oliver, “is to score 1,500 Goals.”
It’s a very ambitious goal, but Oliver will do anything that it takes to reach it.
Oliver loves the teamwork atmosphere and enjoys helping out his fellow teammates to make the team better. On Sept. 30th, the Unified team played Walled Lake Northern High School in an Ultimate showdown. Oliver set his goal lower for the game, wanting “at least four goals!” Oliver ended off the Northern game with an incredible three goals, thrilling all spectators.
The action on the field is fun for everyone, but wouldn’t be possible without great leadership. “But the big thing behind the school’s program,” states Melody, “is their coach Ethan.”
Ethan Bresnay played soccer at Milford High School and now teaches in the special education classrooms.
“It is so cool that they can have Ethan in their classroom and also as a coach!” Melody said. “Their connection with him makes it easier and more of the students are able to step out of their comfort zone and really enjoy themselves.”
Another great addition to the team is Tanner Wertz, a sophomore and one of the youngest student helpers. “I love to see the kids’ joy when they play; this is the whole reason I wanted to help.” Tanner stated. He and so many other are so grateful of the expansion and can’t wait to see how the season goes.
Overall, Milford’s step to take on Unified soccer is a complete success for students and teachers alike. Students learn skills that are needed in life, through sports and the students helping experience the joy of working with these students. Milford is excited to have the new addition to the Unified teams and can’t wait to see what they do next.
Students at Milford can sign up for Unified basketball this winter by talking with Hugh Felt, another special education teacher.