Photo Gallery
TACOMA, Wash. — Fulfilling a core value of service, the Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted its annual Special Olympics Basketball Clinic on Saturday inside Olson Gymnasium.
"It was such a great success. We had close to 200 folks coming out and participating in the event and cheering on these athletes. A really great way to engage with our community and with all our different sports here at PLU," said SAAC Advisor and Women's Lacrosse Coach Melanie Rizzotti.
The clinic paired Special Olympics participants from the local area with student-athletes from the PLU baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, softball, and swimming programs. For the men's and women's basketball players, it was giving back on the only Saturday in January or February the team wasn't competing.
"There was a lot of energy, a lot of crazy shots, and a lot of good chemistry. This was a really fun place to be," said football and track & field student-athlete Connor Meade.
Meade wasn't the only Lute student-athlete that loved the atmosphere and the experience giving back at the clinic.
"Today was really fun seeing all the Lutes come together and just helping our community out and putting on this awesome event. Everyone was so passionate and having so much fun," said women's lacrosse student-athlete Kassie Diller.
PLU is a longtime partner with Special Olympics, holding a winter clinic annually since the 2011-2012 academic year. That collaboration is part of larger partnership between NCAA Division III and Special Olympics with the purpose of enhancing the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; providing a platform for recognition of Special Olympics and Division III athletes within their communities, and raising awareness of Special Olympics, its programs, and services.
"The athletes has so much passion and light and it was so fun to watch and be a part of," said women's lacrosse student-athlete Katrina Moran.
Participants from Saturday's clinic will return to Olson Gymnasium on Feb. 21, providing a halftime exhibition during PLU's home basketball games against in-state rival Whitman College.
Gallery: (1-10-2026) Special Olympics Basketball Clinic 2026
