Before practice begins, Unified Bocce players set up the courts, laying out PVC pipes across the gym floor to make boundaries. Once the courts are ready, teams of two take turns rolling bocce balls toward the pallina (a small white target ball), working together to place their shots closer than their opponents.
Unified Bocce brings together students with and without developmental disabilities to compete on the same teams. In its first year at the high school, the team practices three to four times a week for hour-long practices. The sport offers a lower commitment than many winter sports, while still creating a structured, welcoming environment for students after school, one centered on inclusion, relationships and learning a new game together.
Senior Dani Lyons said that for many players, the program’s main purpose is to build relationships and learn the game.
“[I hope to] just continue building connections and fostering friendships with students from the special education program,” Lyons said.
The sense of belonging is felt immediately, even for new players, Lyons said.
“It’s such a nice and welcoming community, even if it’s your first day, everybody makes you feel welcome, like you’re a part of the team,” Lyons said. “It’s a good way to build communication skills with people of all different mental capacities.”
Senior Olivia Baker said that Unified Bocce provides a positive environment during an otherwise stressful season for many students.
“In the winter, especially as a senior, it can be a really stressful time, so I think it’s good to have something to look forward to at the end of the day, especially such a good environment like Unified,” Baker said.
Head coach Peter Meagher, who also coaches the boys and girls golf teams, said the program was a good fit because of his previous coaching experience and work with the special education department.
“Being its first year, we’re trying to work on some drills, understand the game,” Meagher said. “I would say everyone on the team is brand new to this system, so just using new strategies to outscore an opponent, and also to learn how to throw a bocce ball.”
Baker said partners play alongside other players while helping the game run smoothly.
“We do what we can to help when it comes to setting up and directing things, explaining rules, and making sure everything keeps moving and the game is being played correctly,” Baker said.
Lyons said Unified Bocce works to dismantle the divide between special education and mainstream programs, as well as challenge assumptions.
“It breaks stigmas about students in the special-ed program that they can’t really do anything without help, because if you come to any of the games, you see how capable everyone is,” Lyons said.
Meagher said Unified Bocce is not just about the game but about teaching students skills and creating lasting experiences.
“Setting students up, so they have something to look forward to after school, and just being part of a team, building camaraderie and being supportive of each other,” Meagher said.
Baker said the team wants to increase awareness of Unified Bocce, making it something students think of alongside basketball and track.
Since the team is new this year, it has 18 members. Meagher said he hopes the team will continue to grow and give students more options to compete.
“The goal is to have three matches outside of Brookline that have other bocce programs. I’d also love to throw in a couple of scrimmages against staff,” Meagher said.
Meagher said that bocce offers students many opportunities beyond school; it’s a lifelong game that gives students skills they can carry beyond high school.
“One of the things I always say with golf, and this will fall along with bocce, is it’s a game you can play for the rest of your life, or you hope to,” Meagher said. “That’s the coolest part, there are plenty of bocce leagues outside of Brookline that give people something to do, so having this additional skill to your life could do wonders for your mental health, meeting new people and being part of a team.”
