Special Olympics Michigan’s (SOMI) Unified women’s basketball teams made history in Indianapolis last week, capturing both the championship and bronze titles at the first-ever Special Olympics North America (SONA) Women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament.
“I really felt blessed to be able to represent Michigan. It was an awesome week, one of the best of my life,” said Rose Berglund, a Kalamazoo-based SOMI athlete. “I loved getting close with both teams and being able to root and support each other.”
Two Michigan teams – Team Hustle and Team Grit – composed of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, faced off against top female teams from across the continent. Both squads advanced deep into the competition, culminating in a thrilling matchup, landing Team Hustle with the 3x3 Championship Title and Team Grit clinching the bronze medal overall.
3x3 basketball is a fast-paced, half-court version of the traditional game, officially recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and featured in the Olympics. Played with three athletes (two traditional SOMI athletes, one Unified partner) per side, the game uses a 12-second shot clock and is won by the first team to 21 points or the leader after 10 minutes. Known for its speed, skill, and constant action, 3x3 basketball offers an exciting, high-energy experience for both players and fans.
“To be chosen as one of the coaches was such an honor and something I will forever cherish,” said Team Grit coach, Carla White. “We got to be a part of history—not just for Special Olympics, but for women in sports!”
Preparation for the tournament was intense and collaborative. The teams held two, four-hour practices prior to traveling to Indianapolis, focusing on drills, ball handling, plays, and building chemistry among players who had never competed together. Another trained twice a week from May through July at the Oceola Community Center, honing quick passes, setting screens, and developing defensive strategies—while also studying 3x3 game footage.
The teams’ bond extended far beyond the court. Players encouraged one another during late-night hotel pep talks, celebrated every shot, rebound, and steal, and created an unshakable spirit of unity.
“On the court, these amazing ladies supported each other no matter what happened,” said Guy Stevenson, the coach for Team Hustle. “A shot was celebrated almost as much as a rebound or steal. The cheering from the Michigan team that wasn’t playing was loud and constant.”
For many, this event also carried a deeper significance—highlighting the need for more opportunities for female basketball players in Special Olympics. Currently, only 1.5% of Michigan’s 8,000 female athletes compete on female basketball teams.
Both Michigan teams hope this historic tournament will inspire future growth for women’s basketball within Special Olympics—potentially leading to 3x3 being incorporated into state competitions and eventually becoming a featured sport at the Special Olympics USA Games.
High-definition photos from the tournament, as well as team headshots, are available for download here. A video recap of the tournament is available for use here.
TEAM ROSTERS:
Team Hustle (Gold Medal)
- Guy Stevenson, Coach (Howell)
- Taylor Stevenson, Athlete (Howell)
- Jennie Willison, Athlete (Reed City)
- Carley Hall, Athlete (Kalamazoo)
- Aundria Newkirk, Unified partner (Midland)
- McKenzie Skiendziel, Unified partner (Lansing)
Team Grit (Bronze Medal)
- Carla White, Coach (Munising)
- Kristina Stevenson, Athlete (Howell)
- Rose Berglund, Athlete (Kalamazoo)
- Siri Landefeld Hall, Athlete (Livonia)
- Gabi Lofton, Unified partner (DeWitt)
- Durrgen McIntosh, Unified partner (Hastlett)