When most people think about high school sports, they picture the scoreboard, the standings, and the pressure to win. But on HSE’s unified flag football team, the story goes deeper. Every game is about breaking barriers and showing the school community that being an athlete isn’t about labels — it’s about heart, effort, and teamwork.

“On a regular team it feels like the goal is to win and that’s all that matters,” said Austin Smit, a partner player. “But in unified, everyone is involved and everyone gets a chance to play and try to win.”

That idea pushes back against one of the most common stereotypes in sports: that students with disabilities can’t compete as athletes. “[Some] people misunderstand that people with special needs cannot do things,” he explained. “Yes it will be harder, but it is not impossible.”

On the field, those assumptions are challenged every day. “[Athletes with disabilities] are just like normal athletes where they each have talents,” he said. “It’s fun when kids with disabilities score touchdowns when you helped them do it, or when they pass to you and you score.”

He recalled moments where teammates surprised everyone with their skills. “People think that kids with disabilities cannot ball, and yes they can,” he said. “I know multiple kids with disabilities that are able to perform at an insane level.”

For Austin, competition is still important, but the real victory comes from proving doubters wrong. “Since I am a competitive person, winning means to put up more points than the other team,” he admitted. “But more importantly, winning is when you see kids who were told they can’t do anything having a good time playing football.”

Beyond the field, the team also builds lasting friendships and teaches patience, leadership, and communication. The unified team at HSE isn’t just playing games, but they’re changing perspectives. With every catch, touchdown, and celebration, they are showing the school community that anyone can be an athlete.