For senior Matthew Billet, being not only a wrestler, but a unified athlete is more than just competing; it’s about building connections and fostering joy on and off the field. Becoming a key player and leader helping those around him not only improve but create memories in the process.
Along with his involvement with the unified teams, Billet emphasizes that his involvement goes beyond his personal achievement. “While practicing or playing games with the unified team, I want to make sure everyone is having fun and feels supported no matter what,” Billet said. The first game of the season was at Fishers, but the memories we made from all learning together were so much fun. ”
Billet’s journey with the unified team started with unified track, which encouraged him to join the unified flag football team this year. “It was my very first time doing unified track last year. I loved the environment and culture of it, which inspired me to join the unified flag football team in the fall,” Billet Explains.
Over time and throughout working with the unified team, Billet has grown not only as an athlete but as a leader, becoming one of the many few on-field coordinators “While I’ve learned to bring more energy and joy to games, I always try to stay positive and motivate the team to go out there and do your best” says Billet.
Being something bigger than yourself is a challenging achievement, but for Billet, it’s quite easy “I always try to do my best to bring smiles to others” explains Billet.
While playing multiple sports Billet has learned to create a positive environment around him for not only himself but his teammates as well. He ensures that his team always feels supported no matter what the conditions helping him and his peers bond more as a family, than a team “We practice from 3:15-4:15 two times a week, and during that hour it’s all about having fun so all the stress I carry gets left behind for that hour as we all focus on having fun” says Billet.
“I can’t name a singular person who helps us all connect, to me unified is like one big family where everyone gets along and connects” Billet shares.
As Billet continues his last year through high school and wraps up the unified flag football season, he and his team are ready to face whatever adversity stands in their way, especially as they move towards sectionals.
