For the third year in a row, WKU and its athletes came together to host a basketball game partnered with Southern Kentucky Special Olympics. As the teams took the court, they were cheered on by an electric crowd of students, family members, WKU cheerleaders and Big Red.

“We had a good showing of fans come out, students came out and just to see the joy on their faces meant a lot,” WKU guard Jalen Jackson said. “It means a lot just giving back.”

Athletes from the men’s and women’s basketball teams coached their respective teams ahead of Tuesday night’s game. Team Black, coached by the male athletes, won a 32-30 nail-biter.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing that people are willing to give up time in their day. I mean, the student athlete schedule is hectic, but they’re still here to cheer them on,” Rachel Payne, assistant organizer with Hilltopper CLIMB, said. 

Hilltopper CLIMB, WKU’s student athlete development program, works to provide volunteer and community outreach opportunities for collegiate athletes.

The excitement surrounding the Unified game, the signature service project for both the men’s and women’s teams, might very well open the door for more community outreach events like it in the future. 

Looking ahead, the athletes are already excited for next year. 

“It’s amazing,” Junior guard Josie Gilvin said. “It’s always something you look forward to.”