KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City’s Special Olympics Unified team completed their season with a final match against Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah. The journey, which lasted five months, involved extensive training and competition. The team consisted of players including Josh Toplikar, Antonio Romero, Martin Guerra, Helen Schmitt, Hallie Schmitt, German Castillo, Angel Castillo, Diego Saenz-Quintana, Shay Keller-Novelli, Gentry Scheid, Chase Hitchcock, Robert Fehr, Makhai Ezell, Kaylee Baggerly, Tyler Robonei, Merideth Billings and Valerie Fry.

Families gathered at the Kansas City downtown airport on September 12 to see the team off as they traveled with Sporting KC’s first team for a doubleheader event. Players wore Sporting KC Anthem jackets provided by Highland Dairy. First-team members Jansen Miller, Santiago Muñoz and Manu García greeted the Unified players before departure.

The teams from Sporting KC and Real Salt Lake spent time together at Snowbird Resort before the match. Both groups participated in activities such as a rope obstacle course and slides. These experiences were intended to foster camaraderie between the two sides.

Before the game began, Coach Phil Gomez addressed his team and announced captains Helen Schmitt, Valerie Fry and Robbie Fehr. Schmitt was recognized for her dedication throughout the season.

Merideth Billings returned from injury to play as goalkeeper and made several key saves during the match. Mason Toye praised her efforts from the sidelines.

Martin Guerra scored for Sporting KC’s Unified team during the match. Members of Sporting KC’s first team joined in supporting the Unified squad from the bench.

Coach Phil Gomez offered encouragement during challenging moments in the game: "Give everything you got. I see it in you. You’ve got it." He also told his players: “Robbie, I see your heart.”

Although Sporting KC did not win their final match against Real Salt Lake, players returned home with positive memories of teamwork and support throughout their season.

The program was supported by The Victory Project along with Special Olympics Kansas and Missouri. More information about Sporting KC's Special Olympics Unified team is available at https://www.sportingkc.com/unified.