Niskayuna honors Unified athletics team after 8-0 season and community support

The Niskayuna Board of Education on June 10 recognized the district’s Unified athletics and cheer programs, spotlighting their growth, community support and an 8-0 division championship season.

District and school leaders said Unified Sports brings students with and without disabilities together in competitive and exhibition play and said the program’s success this season reflected broad community backing. “Unified Sports is all about bringing people together,” coach Jessica Stanton said, noting the team of 25 athletes and 11 cheerleaders now includes separate competition and exhibition squads to accommodate rising participation.

The board president, Libby Kokosha, and Superintendent Carl Monothe praised the program’s role in fostering inclusion and confidence. Monothe said the retirees ceremony and Unified recognition together “show the collaboration, the relationships, and the achievements” that define the district’s work.

Support for the season came from local groups and media: a live broadcast from News Channel 6, a balloon arch donated by Niskayuna Balloon Boutique, logistical help from the athletics booster club, photography and banner donations, and full stands at the MVP Arena for the championship. Stanton called the season “an outpouring of community support” and invited community members to attend future games.

The board presented a certificate of recognition to the program and invited the team forward for photos and public congratulations. Leaders said they will continue to coordinate with athletics and booster groups to sustain the program as a district-supported team rather than a solely extracurricular effort.