In the purple gym at DGN, parents, teachers, peers and younger siblings watch with anticipation as D99 Hoops competes at their senior night. Every pass and basket is celebrated by supporters of both D99 Hoops and the opposing teams as spectators steadily file in and out throughout the night, the stands never empty. D99 Hoops, the special olympics basketball team with players from DGS, DGN and T99, is viewed by many as a life-changing program that fosters joy and support.
D99 Hoops is split into four teams based on skill, with Team One having the most skill, and Team Four with the least. Senior Sadie Rhoads has spent the 2025-2026 school year as one of four student coaches for Team Four. Together, they help players through plays and provide moral support both on and off the court.
“During games, sometimes with students who need a little bit more help with direction, we’ll go on there, and we’ll kind of help direct them through the games and stuff and help get them the ball,” Rhoads said.
Rhoads described why this experience is meaningful for both the players and herself.
“My favorite part is definitely just seeing the joy on their faces when they do something that they’re proud of, like making a basket, and winning games, and just seeing how happy they are about that,” Rhoads said, “getting to know the players is the best part, for sure.”
Senior Maurice Williams and junior Angel Martinek are players on Team One, and junior Steven Croce and junior Angelina Orozco-Worsham are players on Team Three. Each of them had their own favorite parts of D99 Hoops including playing with their teammates, going to state and pack the place. Williams also shared his wish for more people to come to the games.
T99 special education teacher Jeri Smolek is also a coach for Team Four.
“My favorite thing about coaching Special Olympics is seeing the athletes’ improvement every year. Some athletes come with very limited basketball or team sport experience, it is great to see when they get that spark of understanding; the game clicks for them,” Smolek said.
Smolek reiterated the impact student coaches have on the team, describing them as “the best.” She described how for Team Four, they assist athletes one on one on and off the court, helping them pass or run onto the court for safety purposes. When not on the court, Smolek has them stand under the baskets to help provide directions.
“For many students, D99 Hoops and Special Olympics Track and Field are the only extracurricular activities they are involved in. The program encourages building friendships, athlete confidence, physical activity and being part of a team. They learn skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship,” Smolek said.
Teams One and Four will go to State on March 13 and 14, having each placed first in their respective four-team pools at regionals in January.
