Hamilton Heights Unified Sports’ student-athletes enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of the inaugural Champions Together Unified Sports Cornhole State Tournament held at Hamilton Heights. (Photo provided)
Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
As the featured speaker at this quarter’s Superintendent Advisory Group Meeting, Hamilton Heights High School Principal Whitney Gray shared the story and impact of a program she has championed from the start: Hamilton Heights’ Unified Sports Program.
A Unified Sports athlete takes aim during a spirited round of play at the inaugural Champions Together Unified Sports Cornhole State Tournament hosted at Hamilton Heights. (Photo provided)
Hamilton Heights’ Unified Sports program has become one of the district’s most meaningful expressions of inclusion, teamwork, and student leadership. Built on the Champions Together model – a partnership between the IHSAA and Special Olympics Indiana – the program was created to bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates, competitors, and friends. What began as a small effort to expand opportunities has grown into a vibrant, student-centered program that continues to shape school culture in powerful and lasting ways.
Over the past five years, Hamilton Heights has fielded competitive teams in both Unified Flag Football and Unified Track & Field, earning recognition not only for athletic success but for the spirit of connection and belonging that defines the program. Most recently, Hamilton Heights hosted the inaugural Champions Together Cornhole Tournament, further expanding opportunities for students to compete and connect.
During this time, more than 25 Unified athletes and over 130 student partners have participated – an extraordinary level of involvement for a district of Hamilton Heights’ size. These students have not only competed but have helped lead a cultural shift toward greater inclusion, empathy, and school pride.
From the beginning, the program has benefited from strong, steady leadership at Hamilton Heights High School. Under the guidance of Principal Whitney Gray, Unified Sports has become far more than an extracurricular offering; it has become a defining part of the school’s identity. Her commitment to creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and included has helped the program flourish.
Gray, who is also a Unified Sports Coach, has championed the belief that competition, teamwork, and belonging should be accessible to all students, and her involvement continues to play a key role in the program’s growth and success.
“Today, Unified Sports at Hamilton Heights stands as a model of what happens when students are given meaningful opportunities to connect, compete, and champion one another,” Gray said. “The program continues to expand, offering students of all abilities a place to belong and a chance to shine. Unified Sports changes lives, including mine.”
Earlier this month, Hamilton Heights made state history by hosting the first Champions Together Unified Sports Cornhole State Tournament, welcoming 16 schools of Unified athletes from across Indiana for a day of competition, teamwork, and celebration. (Photo provided)
Hamilton Heights Unified Sports Program by the Numbers
Unified Flag Football
- 5 conference championships
- 126 Varsity letters earned
- A consistently strong presence in conference play and postseason competition
Unified Track & Field
- 2 conference championships
- 137 Varsity letters earned
- A growing roster and increasing competitive depth each season
