Kamdyn is not new to the Team Adams program, having participated last year in Pickleball and more recently, in Bowling, Swimming, and Golf. This year for the first time, Kamdyn is participating in Roller Skating, with the coaches observing significant progress!

   Beginning with the first practice in early August and for a number of weeks afterwards, Kamdyn, with the aid of a Skate Mate, practiced skating on the carpet. During the last practice in September, Kamdyn’s mother called attention to Kamdyn steering her Skate Mate on to the rink floor. Kamdyn skated the 30 meter race, twice, by herself. The next week, she skated the 100 meter and 200 meter races against other skaters. The following week, she skated the 300 meter race against two skaters. Kamdyn passed one of the skaters and then glanced back several times to note where that skater was. Kamdyn, a quiet young lady, shows persistence and demonstrates that she is a competitor. The coaches look forward to her continued growth as a roller skater. Congratulations Kamdyn!

The athlete of the sport for Team Adams Volleyball 2026 has proven to be a true team player. This athlete is kind, respectful, takes instruction well, and puts it into practice each week. She has shown growth not only in her volleyball skills, but also her self confidence on and off the court. It has truly been a pleasure to coach her, and we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes this fall at competitions! She is a multi sport athlete, but is new to volleyball!  Congratulations, OLIVIA RIFE! 

This year’s athlete of the sport, AMAREE BROWN, has a true passion for powerlifting.  We are so proud to recognize this athlete for their dedication to powerlifting and their commitment to becoming the very best athlete they can be.  Congratulations on being named the Athlete of the Sport! 

At the start of the season, ANTHONY LOBAUGH was a bit quiet and unsure of himself. But what a transformation we have seen. He listened to every single piece of coaching, worked hard every single week, and it paid off. His stance, swing, contact, and throwing arm have improved tremendously since week one. Best of all, whenever we asked him to try playing a new position, he stepped up without hesitation. He went from lacking confidence to being a key pillar of his team. We are so proud of you, Anthony! 

This is Noah's first year with Team Adams. He has never let "being new" affect his ability to give his all. He's grown not only in his form but in his confidence as well. He's kind and encouraging to his fellow athletes and demonstrates tolerance when his limits are tested. He is respectful to all and willing to ask questions if he needs clarification.  CONGRATULATIONS, NOAH PREECE!

We are pleased to announce our TENNIS ATHLETE OF THE SPORT FOR 2026...OLIVIA SCOTT!

We are proud of Olivia for stepping out of her comfort zone this year to make the jump from skills to singles play.  At sectionals, Olivia went undefeated in singles play at the orange ball level.  She has shown tremendous growth in her ability to move around the court to get to the ball.  Olivia always remains calm, cool, and collected on the court while giving her best effort.  She is also very coachable! CONGRATS OLIVIA!

NOTE:  Orange ball level is the first step into singles play where the ball contains an orange dot and is slightly less bouncy than a typical tennis ball.  The court is marked off with orange tape (or sometimes another color) so that the court is just a few feet shorter, giving the athlete less court to cover as they get used to playing singles.

Congratulations MARY BETH STONE!  Her certificate reads: “This year our athlete of the sport has participated in many different sports both in and out of the Special Olympics. It has been a true joy to know and teach her. While I know this person has her physically challenging days, she always strives to succeed in everything she attempts to do.” 

Congratulations to Coach KATHERINE MCMASTER for being selected to receive a 2026 United Way "With Heart in Hand Award" for the "Arc of Adams County Jo Smith Leading by Example Award"!

Katherine is one of our volunteer coaches who is very dedicated to our athletes and always pushes them to reach their potential.  Whether coaching volleyball, basketball, or swimming, she leads with kindness and a smile, and is always willing to work with someone who might need an extra hand.  In addition to volunteering with Team Adams, Katherine is also actively involved at St. Francis Xavier School where she chairs the Race for Education and serves on the PTO.

Katherine has a big heart for the mission of Special Olympics and for helping others, so we think she is the perfect choice for a "With Heart in Hand" Award!  Congratulations, Katherine!