Special Olympics USA Games
June 2026 | Minneapolis, MN
The Special Olympics USA Games bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans from across the country to celebrate the power of sports and inclusion.Team Illinois proudly represents our state on this national stage, inspiring our communities and reflecting our spirit.
TEAM ILLINOIS TOOK ON THE USA GAMES
Our 57 athletes and Unified partners, 16 coaches, and seven support staff made up Team Illinois at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. You can check out all of the action on our social channels, using #TeamSOILL. Together, this team represented the strength, dedication, and drive of communities across the state.
TEAM ILLINOIS AWARD COUNT
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
2026 Team Illinois Delegation
ATHLETICS
Kelsey Ferguson
Matthew Friedman
Tim McDonough
Sam Wagner
Matt Nelson (Head Coach)
Tim McDonald (Coach)
BOCCE
Tommie Knudsen
Tina Mango
Randy Mertes
April Papke
Ryan Fleck (Head Coach)
BOWLING
Jordan Derossett
Sean Hatch
Lizzi Jorgensen
Yadhira Macias
Scott Maess
Katie Maynard
Julian Rivera
Debbie Stewart
Matt Corso (Head Coach)
Darlene Baker (Coach)
GYMNASTICS
Evie Diem
Katie O’Neill
Mary Roman
Alexis Winegard
Kathy Sievers (Head Coach)
Glen Marks (Coach)
POWERLIFTING
Sheridan Coleman
Ryan Farrar
James Foster
Courtney Krueger
Mandi Parisi (Head Coach)
Brenden Cannon (Coach)
SWIMMING
John Cleveland
Val Densler
Melanie Harwood
Drew Kirkman
Christine Leverenz
Ryan Nash
Amanda Propheter
Rocky Rochlitz
Tara Murphy (Head Coach)
Jordan Chandler (Coach)
UNIFIED BASKETBALL
Grayden Alexander
Anthony Boyce
Josh Danta
Osaze Ikponmwosa
Jeremiah Jones
Calvin Kohl
Georgia Kohl
Sam LaMore
Zyire McCoffin
Isabelle Trudeau
Duke Wilson (Head Coach)
Lexie Cuppett (Coach)
Megan Reaska (Sport Manager)
UNIFIED VOLLEYBALL
Travis Brady
Dillon Buschmann
Mia DiGiacomo
Becca Gehle
Todd Mallo
David Mathews-Dedmond
James Moustis
Matthew Reczek
Maggie Ryan
Arik Sorensen
Shannon Steinbis-Vanatta
Marium Wahid
Julie Smith (Head Coach)
Dawn Williams (Coach)
Taylor Sweeting (Team Manager)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Ethan Jimenez
Annabella Torres
Katie McFadden (YLE Mentor)
STAFF
Carolyn Cronin
Brianna Beers
Taylor Combs
Greg Eberle
Eva Parisi (Coach)
Katelin Zandi
USA GAMES STORIES
Team Illinois Brings Pride, Performance, and Purpose to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
From June 20 to 26, Team Illinois competed on the national stage at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, joining athletes from across the country for a week defined by competition, connection, and shared pride. Representing communities across the...
Unified Sports May be the Future of Special Olympics, and the Connection We All Need
By Lily Goodfellow I had the chance to interview the President & CEO of Special Olympics, David Evangelista, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to David, Unified sports are the future. “I want the world to wake up and...
Team Illinois Arrives in Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The Delegation Prepares to Compete While Making New Friends and Enjoying the Opening Ceremonies By Lily Goodfellow The Illinois delegation arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, June 19 for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Everyone agreed that they were...
Thank You to Jersey Mike's
This March, our community showed up in a big way during Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving. Thanks to your generosity, from rounding up at the register to making donations throughout the month, you helped support Team Illinois and athletes competing at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
We’re incredibly grateful to Jersey Mike’s, their teams, and everyone who gave, volunteered, and helped spread the word. Your support makes a meaningful difference for our athletes.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
