On May 9, 2025, at 4 p.m., Bay Shore student-athletes gathered in the high school’s large gym for the first-ever Unified Basketball home game. The Bay Shore team competed against Deer Park. This exciting event brought everyone together to celebrate teamwork, inclusion and community, as athletes and supporters showed up to mark this milestone.
Unified Basketball is a part of Unified Sports, an inclusive program that combines athletes from different backgrounds on the same team, promoting teamwork, connection and diversity. One of the main goals is to prioritize fun and friendship so that students can build relationships that also grow outside of the gym. The program emphasizes creating a positive and meaningful experience for all participants, through activities like training, competition, and social interaction. The team is broken up into athletes and helpers. Helpers mentor their teammates by helping them develop skills to participate in the sport they love.
The team is coached by Bay Shore teachers Brian Brady, Taylor Harney and Michelle Houlihan. Houlihan decided to coach the program because of her past history teaching students on the team.
“When I first heard this program was coming to Bay Shore, I had been the players’ teacher for the past seven years,” said Houlilhan. “I felt that being able to coach them would be awesome, and something I love to do, and [to] be a part of their life and athletics would be a wonderful experience.”
During the home game, fans were cheering and shouting support for every play. The game meant something special not just to the players, but to the whole school.
“Our first home game was electric, an incredible experience. We had all the students, families and so many fans supporting us, and [it felt] really [special] having this moment for the student-athletes that are a part of this program,” said Harney.
This program is especially exciting for those who have not had the opportunity to be involved in Bay Shore Athletics prior to the creation of this team. Being a part of Unified Basketball is Patrick Samson’s first experience on an in school sports team, an experience that he enjoyed.
“The game was awesome, we did great. We won,” said Samson.
At half time, the teams came out and danced to the “Cotton Eye Joe.” Both teams came together to have some fun before the second half of the game starts. This sense of friendship and teamwork continued as the game progressed, highlighting the spirit of the program. Overall, students were proud of the team’s performance and appreciated how great of an experience it was to compete, which is what the program is all about.
“I think it is something really great and something that should always be at Bay Shore,” said senior Isabella Rouleau. “Everyone is happy no matter the outcome, everyone is still a winner. It’s a good feeling, especially being the first team in history, and a really positive thing we are doing.”
Unified Basketball is not just about winning, but about being part of a team where everyone feels included and supported regardless of their background or ability. The program focuses on building real friendships that go beyond the court, and creating memories that last long after the game is over. Every practice, game, high-five and cheer from the crowd reminds us why this program matters. At this time, Bay Shore athletes plan to continue offering Unified Basketball in the future.
“This is a new varsity sport so it will count as a varsity letter for the kids! We plan to continue this program for years to come,” said Harney.
