Hoops for a Cause: Every Dribble, Pass, and Shot Counts

As appeared in The Crown on April 1, 2025

By: Michael Cohen

A King’s College tradition returns for another year as it gives King’s student athletes a chance to foster friendships while helping members of the Special Olympics basketball team practice their skills on the court.

The King’s College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosts its Special Olympics Basketball practices every Tuesday between March 4 and April 29.  

The practices, designed to bring together Special Olympics athletes and student athlete volunteers, will culminate in the highly anticipated Red Carpet Night Dance, an event where athletes and their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee buddies celebrate the season together. Held in the Scandlon Gymnasium, the practices offer Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to enhance their basketball skills while fostering friendships with King’s College student-athletes. The initiative has become a cherished tradition at King’s, reinforcing the college’s commitment to inclusivity, community service and the power of sports. 

Brayden Schoonmaker, a catcher on the King’s College baseball team and a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member, expressed his excitement about the return of the program.

“This is one of the most rewarding things we do as a group,” said Schoonmaker. “Seeing the smiles on the athletes’ faces and watching them grow in confidence and skill each week is incredible. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about the connections we make and the joy we all experience.”  

Throughout the weekly sessions, Student Athlete Advisory Committee members will lead the Special Olympics athletes through a series of basketball drills, including dribbling, shooting, passing and teamwork exercises. The program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, ensuring that every participant, regardless of skill level, can enjoy the sport while being encouraged by their college-aged mentors.  

Student Athlete Advisory Committee member Zach Day, who has been involved with the program for multiple years, highlighted the personal fulfillment he gains from working with the athletes.

“This is my favorite part of the spring semester,” said Day. “Every week, we get to see their progress and share in their excitement. It’s not just about teaching basketball—it’s about forming bonds that last beyond the gym. The athletes bring so much energy and positivity, and I think we as student-athletes learn just as much from them as they do from us.”  

The practices will all lead up to the grand finale of the program—the red-carpet night dance on April 29. This formal event is a beloved tradition where athletes and their Student Athlete Advisory Committee buddies celebrate the season together in a fun and festive atmosphere. The dance features music, food and a special red-carpet entrance, making each athlete feel like a star. 

 Student Athlete Advisory Committee social media chair Megan Thompson emphasized the importance of red-carpet night, highlighting its immense benefit of the program to not only the athletes but the volunteers involved.

“The special Olympics practices and red-carpet night are a moment to honor the strength, resilience, and spirit of every participant, showcasing the power of inclusion and the beauty of overcoming challenges as one team. It is a night to celebrate all the work we have accomplished together,” said Thompson. 

With another year of Special Olympics basketball practices set to begin, King’s College Student Advisory Committee is eager to continue making a difference in the lives of these athletes. The program is a testament to the power of sports in building inclusive communities and meaningful relationships.  

As Tuesday approaches, both athletes and student volunteers look forward to another successful season of teamwork, growth and unforgettable memories. And when April 29 arrives, the Scandlon Gymnasium will transform from a basketball court into a dance floor, where victories will be measured not in points scored, but in smiles and shared joy.