Special Olympics N.A. Unified Sports Coach of the Year goes to Oxford’s Jennifer LaCapra
OXFORD, Conn. (BMV) — With over 147,000 coaches taking part in Special Olympics North America (SONA), the organization this year decided to give out a new type of coach’s award that would represent unified sports. On Feb. 25, the 2020 Special Olympics North America Unified Sports Coach of the Year award was given to Jennifer LaCapra of Oxford High School (OHS).
“[LaCapra] is the premier coach in this entire hemisphere,” said Beau Doherty, President of Special Olympics in Connecticut and Chairman of the North American leadership council. “The magnitude of this award is truly amazing due to the fact that you don’t realize how much is going on in all 50 states, Canada and the Caribbean. You have this one particular individual from OHS to represent all of those great unified coaches.”
The main criteria for the award was that the nominee must “have made a demonstrable impact on the program, athletes and unified partners.” LaCapra, the current Oxford head coach for basketball, kickball, soccer and volleyball, said she spent the majority of the ceremony in tears and days later is still in shock.
“This award represents the love I have for the program; the past, present and future team members including the community all share this award with me,” LaCapra said. “I love helping students see and reach their potential and they have helped me to make the program what it is.”
LaCapra asked OHS if she could start a unified sports team almost 10 years ago. The CIAC program became reality in 2012 with 17 members and now it has close to 50.
“I have always loved working with students with disabilities and I have always loved coaching, so unified sports allowed me to do both,” LaCapra said. “This is something I had wanted to do since I started out teaching. I never had the time due to my other varsity and JV coaching responsibilities, so once I had some free time, I said let’s go.”
Her biggest accomplishment so far she said is seeing the friendships that come out of the program. Her main goal has always been to make sure that no one ever feels left out or discriminated against.
“You could put a list of seven billion really qualified candidates for this award in front of me and I can guarantee not one of them would be as qualified as Mrs. LaCapra,” said former captain and 2017 graduate Michael Michaud. “She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels included which creates priceless friendships.”
The award was given to LaCapra for what she accomplished during the 2020 calendar year when the school shut down and sports were canceled due to the pandemic. Once given the go-ahead, she worked with team captains on safe and fun ways to still interact.
“We are making lesson plans even during a pandemic so that every student is included,” said Matthew Michaud, Class of 2021 team captain. “There is so much laughter and energy that’s inspired by her and because of that OHS has one of the largest programs in the state even during these times.”
Looking ahead, LaCapra said she wants the group’s “importance and focus of inclusion to radiate through the entire school district.” Before the pandemic forced schools to shut down, she was working towards growing the Special Olympics Unified program beyond the one she created at OHS.
“All Oxford Public Schools in Connecticut should have a unified program and we are on the way to that,” LaCapra said. “I want all of our schools in the town to have a program that kids want to be a part of, but even if they aren’t, the importance of inclusion is still demonstrated.”
Although the pandemic is hindering a part of that movement, LaCapra is still doing what she can by moving her own program in a positive direction. She said her group of kids is all she really thinks about and there are no plans to stop coaching anytime soon.
“Moving forward, I will just continue to do what I always do as a coach — work hard, motivate and care for my students and team,” LaCapra said.
