On October 9, the Salem Hills High School Unified Sports soccer team brought home the state championship title in their division, showing what true grit and teamwork is all about.
Unified Sports Utah is a program that is part of Special Olympics Utah, and is sanctioned by the Utah High School Athletic Association (UHSAA). In it, individuals with intellectual disabilities are paired with those without intellectual disabilities in an all-inclusive organized athletics experience. SHHS coach Hayley Whiteley, who has been coaching since the program at the school began four years ago, explained that qualifying for Unified state is a little different from other UHSAA-sanctioned sports.
“To qualify for state, you have to win first place in your division at Region,” Whiteley said. “Unified is unique because all levels of play—competitive, player development, and recreational—are represented. This year, our player development and recreational teams both took first place, earning their trip to state.
“Our competitive team came in second at region, so they didn’t advance—but instead of being disappointed, they stepped into the role of mentors,” she continued. “They helped coach, encouraged players, led warm-ups, and supported their teammates from the sidelines all day long. It was an incredible display of leadership, sportsmanship, and heart. They showed what it truly means to be Unified—celebrating others’ success as if it were their own.”
Utah has over 120 schools that participate in Unified Sports, and it offers basketball, track and field, and soccer. This year’s state soccer tournament took place at the America First Field in Sandy, and had over 2,000 athletes competing from all corners of the state. Whiteley described the tournament as being full of “unforgettable moments.”
“One of my favorite moments happened right at the start of the day,” she recalled. “A few of my students were supposed to sing the National Anthem but got nervous, so I asked if anyone else wanted to join in. Without hesitation, the entire team stood together and sang. It gave everyone goosebumps. It was completely spontaneous and perfectly represented what Unified is about—coming together, supporting each other, and stepping up for one another.
Another powerful thing you see at every Unified event, especially at state, is how our athletes and partners have built friendships with students from other schools. They’re hugging, cheering, and celebrating with each other regardless of the jersey they’re wearing. It’s one big family. You can’t walk away from a Unified competition without feeling something special.”
Jennifer Huges and JoAnn Grady, who coach alongside Whiteley also spoke about how working with Unified Sports athletes has been not just a positive experience for them, but a life-changing one.
“Each season with Unified has been one of the most meaningful parts of my coaching career, and I have been at Salem Hills coaching track and field and cross-country for almost 17 years now,” Hughes said. “I’ve always believed that sports have the power to bring people together and teach lessons that go far beyond the field, court or track. Coaching Unified Sports gave me the chance to be part of something greater, where inclusion, teamwork, and joy are at the center of everything we do. I chose to coach because I wanted to make a difference, but these athletes have changed me more than I could ever change them.”
“Being involved in Unified Sports means helping to create a community where everyone belongs,” Grady added. “It’s not just about competition; it’s about connection. I’ve learned that teamwork isn’t only about winning games, but about supporting one another, understanding differences, and finding joy in every success together. Working with all the kids is so rewarding, and seeing them proud of their accomplishments is priceless.”
Many students, faculty and community members alike were able to celebrate the team’s accomplishment when they were given a hero’s welcome home on a fire truck. Whiteley, who is also a special education teacher at the high school, said that Unified Sports has unified the community in many ways.
“What I love the most about Unified Sports is the family it creates, as well as the culture and environment,” Whiteley said. “I love the way it breaks down every barrier between students with and without intellectual disabilities.
As a teacher in the building, I get to see the impact firsthand. It’s not just the athletes and partners who are changed—teachers, office staff, janitors, and even students who aren’t directly involved all recognize the joy and unity that Unified brings. There’s this incredible energy of belonging and kindness that spreads through the halls.
When you see a Unified athlete being cheered on by the entire student section, a partner helping a teammate manage emotions, or everyone celebrating a goal no matter who scored it—you realize this is way bigger than sports. It’s about inclusion, love, and friendship. Salem Hills has truly become a Unified school, not just in name but in heart.”
Salem Hills High School has embodied what it means to be a Unified school so much, that on October 31. ESPN placed it on the 2025 Honor Roll, and became Utah’s newest Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Honor Roll & Banner School.
For more information on Unified Sports or to get involved, go to sout.org/programs/unified-sports.
