It was a blustery day in Anderson, South Carolina and the Johnston County NC. Unified Volleyball team was on a court doubled over in laughter.  The wind gusts kept sending the ball in strange directions and the team would miscalculate their swings.  Playing volleyball outdoors was a new experience for this veteran team. 

“There were confused looks on the players’ faces when that wind kicked up,” said Jill Carpenter, one of three coaches, along with Jackie Kozul and David Chiu, for the Dead Frogs.  “The athletes and Partners had fun with it though and learned they like the wind to their backs best as it allowed them time to set up a play.” 

The team has been playing together for four years. Off and on, they bring on Unified Partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities but of similar skill level) and compete as a Unified Team.  The Special Olympics South Carolina Fall Games allowed the team of six athletes and four Unified Partners (Andrew Mims, Quinn Chestnut, Jennifer Frame, Matt Carpenter, Travis Rigsbee, and Mikie Purdy, and Unified Partners: Jessica Tucker, Jessica Mims, Susan Mims and David Chiu) to compete against eight other Unified volleyball teams.  The team played eight matches in a five hour span with a short break for lunch.  The pace was vigorous but the teams and fans loved it.  The Dead Frogs won five of their eight matches (13-25, 11-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, 25-9, 22-25, and 25-17) and brought home the gold medal! 

“Over the years, we’ve tried to bring in high school athletes and parks & rec teams in to play against them,” said Carpenter.  “We’ve tried to provide team interaction with players of many different ability levels to promote growth through observation, understanding and experience.  I think it’s paid off.”

The team was complimented on their knowledge of the game, their courtesy and their sportsmanship towards each other and their opponents throughout the day.  The Unified Partners were also praised for their consistent effort to compete fairly and to keep the athletes involved in play.   Many asked the Dead Frogs to make sure they return next year.

The Dead Frogs really enjoyed the experience! And despite the crazy wind, they decided they like playing outside since it is a lot softer to lunge after a ball and fall in the grass rather than on a hardwood court.  But then again, inside is nice too since everyone came home with a sunburn.

To nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On", contact Lisa Pleasants at 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110.