2026 Athletic Banquet
2025 was a busy year for SSSRA Stingrays. 80 athletes and Unified Partners participated in 7 sports, including Basketball, Bowling, Powerlifting, Softball, Track & Field, Unified Cornhole and Unified Volleyball.
SSSRA hosted our annual Stingrays Athletic Banquet on Thursday, January 15 to celebrate all athletes and highlight several award winners. Below please find a list of award winners.
Steffani Hommes SSSRA Driven to Succeed – Jeremiah McEwen
Jeremiah started competing with SSSRA in 2019. He consistently pushes himself to improve his skills and knowledge. He takes suggestions from his coaches and applies them to his drive to succeed. Jeremiah encourages his teammates to do their best and helps coaches clean up and carry the equipment.
Rookie of the Year – David Fondren
David stepped out of his comfort zone and tried softball. He gave 100% and showed consistent improvement every week. There was tremendous skill development from the first practice through the State Softball Tournament. We look forward to his continued growth as a softball player and overall, as an athlete.
Sportsmanship of the Year – Isabella Miller
Isabella’s smile lights up the basketball court! She is happy when she scores a basket, but always happy to cheer on her teammates and opponents when they do the same. Isabella also stepped in as an extra runner to complete a relay team for Track & Field.
Most Improved Athlete – Jeremey Rodriguez
Jeremy has participated in several sports over the years including Basketball, Soccer, Unified Cornhole and Softball, showing growth on and off the field/court. He was injured at the end of game 1 of the State Softball Tournament. While patiently waiting at the ER, he quoted the Special Olympics Oath. His passion, resilience and commitment truly encompassed the meaning of the oath, “Let me win, but if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Unified Partner of the Year – Owen Harrison
Owen’s willingness to step up and his positive attitude truly embody the spirit of Unified Sports! After one of our athletes was injured, Owen went from coach to Unified Partner. Without hesitation, he stepped into this new role, and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and dedication.
Parent of the Year – Alvinese Henderson
Alvinese consistently supported team practices, games and matches with great enthusiasm. She cheered for all athletes, including the opposing team. Her displays of sportsmanship and camaraderie are so greatly appreciated!
Teammate of the Year – Daniel Simpson
Daniel always cheers for his fellow athletes compete and is one of the first to congratulate them for a job well done. He knows the schedule better than the coaches and helps them carry equipment.
Athlete of the Year – Lizzi Jorgensen
Lizzi bowled on her high school team and several other leagues before joining Stingrays Bowling. She is always looking to improve her bowling, taking her coaches suggestions as she practices. Lizzi was selected as a member of Team Illinois at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. We are so proud of her!
Team of the Year – Stingrays 1 Basketball
Athletes – Jeremiah M., David F., Terry R., Devonte D., Dennis C., Micah G., Karl J., Leeway H., Anthony N., Alvin R., Joshua B., Willie M., Eric J. and Tige M.
Coaches – Debbie, Jonathan and Shevon
The 2024-2025 Stingrays 1 Basketball team was an exceptional group of athletes. In addition to their skill and love for basketball, they exhibited stellar sportsmanship. Players showed many signs of support to their opponents. Throughout the entire season, opposing team members, coaches, game officials, parents and guardians gave them countless compliments for their sportsmanship.
