Since 2018, Mt. Lebanon High School has had a unified bocce team. Unified sports teams bring together students with and without disabilities to compete together, and Mt. Lebo Bocce is one of several schools in the district with a team.

Bocce is a precision ball sport in which players take turns rolling balls toward a smaller target ball called the “pallino.” Points are awarded for balls that land closest to the pallino. Games are typically played on a court about 60 feet long, and players can use strategy to knock opponents’ balls away or block their path.

This year, the team played South Park, Thomas Jefferson, Steel Valley, Keystone Oaks, West Mifflin, and Baldwin, and also competed in tournaments. The team clinched a playoff berth as the fourth-ranked seed.

Senior Sam McAuley has been part of the team since his junior year. He wanted to be involved after taking PE Partners in his sophomore year, a gym class that includes both special-needs and general-education students. Joining the bocce team allowed him to continue that experience and stay involved.

From junior to senior year, McAuley has grown into a leadership role, taking greater responsibility in guiding and supporting his teammates.

“We have a lot of new kids on the team, so I try to help guide them, answer questions, and set a good example during practices and matches,” McAuley said.

The team practices for an hour twice a week. Practices include setting up the court, doing situational drills, and playing a game between the teams.

Junior Kate Davidson joined the team this year, wanting to be part of a team that is very inclusive while still maintaining a competitive aspect.

“It is just a nice way to meet new people and build friendships, while also playing competitively,” Davidson said. “It is all about inclusion and making everybody feel like they are part of a team.”

Davidson emphasizes that the support teammates show each other is what makes the game so special.

“My favorite part of matches is when it is a close game, and we all play a good round to get back up,” Davidson said. “We always cheer each other on, we make a lot of handshakes, and always stay positive.”

McAuley also pointed to the teamwork and leadership that make the team uniquely special.

“What makes this team different is the mix of people on it,” McAuley said. “Not every team has such a wide range of personalities and abilities, and that changes the dynamic in a good way. You have to communicate better and think more about how you play as a group.”

The team’s inclusive culture has shaped McAuley’s personal growth, helping him develop leadership and maturity both in competition and everyday life.

“On the court, it has helped me grow as a leader and teammate,” McAuley said. “Off the court, it has made me more patient and understanding. I’ve built meaningful friendships and learned skills that I’ll carry with me beyond high school.”

For Davidson, joining the team pushed her beyond her comfort zone. In doing so, she learned that some of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences happen when you take that step forward.

“Being on the team has taught me to try new things,” Davidson said. “I went into the season knowing nothing about the game, but everyone was so helpful. It is all about being a good teammate and supporting each other, not just about winning all the time. We all have very good connections, and we have so much fun together.”

For underclassmen, there are many opportunities to become involved with and support students with disabilities. LeboSTARS, a club focused on building friendships and promoting inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities, brings students together through social activities and events throughout the year that build connection and community. Sophomores can also take PE Partners, a class that partners general education students with peers with disabilities, an experience that helped McAuley discover his passion for involvement and inclusion.

The impact of that involvement extends far beyond the court.

“The most important lesson this team has taught me is patience and teamwork,” McAuley said. “I’ve learned that everyone brings different strengths, and success comes from supporting each other and working together.”

For someone thinking about getting involved, Davidson says to just go for it.

“I would 100% recommend joining the team or being involved with the athletes,” Davidson said. “You don’t need to have any experience, just be open to learning and being a good teammate.”