Senior Bridget Shannon has been dubbed the superstar of the Special Olympics Basketball Team 203 Fire. Shannon has been shooting baskets for this team since her freshman year, achieving a state of famosity built off her impressive three-point shooting skills.
“Bridget has become the poster athlete for us,” Brandon Moriarty, the head coach of Team 203 Fire, said. “When people see her get the ball, they get excited. She’s changed the way people perceive Special Olympics, and all these great things have impacted our program.”
Whether in practice or in a game, Shannon’s enthusiasm never fades away. From compliments to high fives, she makes it a priority to uplift both herself and her teammates.
“Bridget’s very well-liked by her peers,” Adapted PE coach Kristina Hagenbaumer said. “She does a great job with socialization, with all populations. She’s super involved, and because of that, I think that really helps with her work ethic as an athlete on a team.”
Most athletes have a pre-game ritual to play their best—but not Shannon. Her secret to her constant impressive performances on the court isn’t listening to her favorite song or even warming up with some stretches. All she needs to play her best is to be surrounded by her friends on the team.
Shannon believes that basketball isn’t an individual sport, it’s a team sport that requires passion and support from every player.
“My favorite part of basketball is playing with all of my friends,” Shannon said. “I just like to be around them. I also like to play basketball with my dad.”
Shannon gives most of the credit for her success to her teammates, parents and coaches, but she also enjoys basketball outside of her own high school career watching the WNBA with her family.
“Caitlin Clark is my favorite,” Shannon said. “She’s really good at guarding other players and is a really good player for the team.”
As a result of her success and recognition on the basketball team, Shannon has become a figure of strength and inclusion at Naperville Central. Her impressive performances at school assemblies not only show her talent but also have spread awareness and a better understanding and appreciation of the Special Olympics sports teams.
“Because Bridget is so talented and socially confident, I hope students start to expand their social circle to other students with disabilities as well,” Hagenbaumer said. “The Special Olympics basketball games during our assemblies are always so memorable because it just shows how much our student body supports, not only her, but the Special Olympics in general.”
Shannon’s love for the game goes beyond the excitement of competition. For her, basketball is a place where she feels safe and connected.
“The assemblies make me feel excited,” Shannon said. “It’s fun to cheer with my friends when we score the points.”
For now, Shannon is focused on enjoying her senior year and making the most of her last Team 203 Fire season with her teammates. Shannon’s presence on the court lights up more than the scoreboard. Her skill and steady leadership have become a defining force for Team 203 Fire, earning widespread admiration.
“She shows her teammates that anything is possible,” Moriarty said. “You have a little red-head girl chucking up three-pointers and making them, it shows her teammates and peers that if she can do it, then anyone can reach their goals.”