The inaugural season has begun for HSE’s Unified Flag Football team. The team has competed against Fishers during Mudsock week and will travel to Zionsville this week.

“These kids are bubbling over with excitement for the season,” head coach Courtney Lawhead said. “They’ve already begun to pour so much of themselves into it and their commitment to the game is truly unmatched. I wouldn’t have this team any other way. You can feel the love here on Unified Flag Football.”

There are over 30 people representing HSE and dedicating their time to both the team and the people on it. The core of Unified Flag Football is to form friendships while representing the Royals.

“I love connecting with all of my teammates while having the best time,” Katie Cox said. “I always look forward to practice and am so excited for our upcoming games.”

The team practices occur every Tuesday and Wednesday, growing the bonds between teammates while preparing for their games. At practices, they begin by warming up with stretches. After everyone’s muscles are ready to play, the team runs drills and then practices the routes that will be used for their games. The practice is concluded with a dance party to lift the players’ spirits and end on a good note.

“It just makes me happy,” Macey Sprietzer says.

Spreitzer finds joy in practices and spending time with some ofher closest friends. She loves all the new friendships she formed and cannot wait to play in the upcoming games.

The atmosphere is overflowing with joy, love, and inclusivity. It pushes players out onto the field and gives them an opportunity to pour themselves into something impactful. It is an honor to represent the Royals, and the Unified flag football team does just that.

“I’m really happy we’ve started this thing,” Vierra Lee said. “It’s hard but entirely worth it.”