Memories to Last a Lifetime: Team Indiana Reflects on 2026 USA Games

For Katie Hilt, serving as head of delegation for Team Indiana at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota was one of the greatest joys of her career.

Numerous meetings. Countless emails and phone calls. Organizing practices and team camps. All in preparation for the big event June 20-26.

“Watching our athletes compete with courage, determination and joy reminded me exactly why Special Olympics is so much more than sports and means so much to me,” said Hilt, senior director of sports and competition at Special Olympics Indiana.

“To every athlete, Unified partner, coach, family member and management team member, thank you. You represented Indiana with pride, supported one another through every victory and challenge and created memories that will last a lifetime.”

The delegation included 54 athletes, 23 Unified partners, 19 coaches, two caddies, one mentor and 11 management team members for a total of 110 people.

Indiana competed in 10 of the 16 sports offered: basketball, bocce, bowling, cornhole, flag football, golf, powerlifting, soccer, swimming and track and field. Plus, there were participants in the Youth Leadership Experience and Adult Leadership Experience.

This was the first USA Games for Hilt and Assistant HOD Kevin Aders.

“I had no idea what to expect, and honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a better group of management team and coaches to have experienced it with,” Hilt said.

“I don’t get to experience things on a delegation side many times, and this has got to be the best thing I have done in my Special Olympics career. I could not have done or experienced it the same way without each and every one of you. I know the trip wasn’t easy. The road to get here was not easy. There were many times it was the C, D, E plan that we followed, so I really appreciate each one of your flexibilities working with me.”

Aders serves as director of team sports and logistics for Special Olympics Indiana. For Team Indiana, he played a big part in transportation, including securing private jets and a commercial plane to and from Minnesota.

“As a parent of an athlete and being involved in the movement in so many different ways over 16 years, this has been one of the most rewarding moments I have had, and it is because of all of you on Team Indiana,” Aders said. “The memories will not be forgotten. You all have truly shown your abilities this week, and I have enjoyed being part of the team and supporting you all in your quest for excellence. Keep pushing.”

The delegation began its journey together nearly a year ago. The result was a fifth-place finish in the medal count among the 52 state programs and District of Columbia at USA Games.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all of you,” Hilt said. “The growth you’ve shown, not only in your sport but in your health, confidence and teamwork, is truly something to celebrate.”

She particularly appreciated seeing team members support each other at competitions.

“Watching Team Indiana support one another and represent our state has been incredible,” Hilt said. “I hope this experience has given you memories you’ll cherish forever and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Aders praised the team members who helped with various tasks, including picking up supplies, doing laundry, taping ankles and chauffeuring athletes.

“Some of them did not get to see a lot of competition, but we could not have been as successful as we were without you,” he said.

Hilt said a reception to celebrate Team Indiana’s accomplishments is being planned.

“Most importantly, I hope this isn’t your last Special Olympics experience,” she said. “There is so much you can take from this week and bring back to your local programs and communities. Keep competing, keep leading and keep inspiring others. Thank you for making this journey so special.”

Team Indiana shows appreciation

Soccer coach Rob Allen of DeKalb County said Hilt and Aders did a phenomenal job.

“This all went quite smooth, but you guys were visible, you were everywhere and the athletes got to interact with you guys,” he said. “You guys were phenomenal.”

Powerlifting coach Seamus Cox of Lake County said other coaches in his sport mentioned they weren’t aware of what was going on at USA Games, so he was able to share information thanks to what Hilt and Aders provided.

“Everything that they got from me was from you,” Cox said.

Thomas Huber, a cornhole Unified partner from Lake County, thanked Hilt, Aders, coaches, chaperones and support staff.

“It was a memorable week that will never be forgotten,” he said.

Several athletes shared the impact of the experience.

For Andrew Youngdale of Madison County, USA Games was extra special because he helped the flag football team win gold.

“It was great having everyone on the same team supporting each other and having each other’s back,” he said. “When I started participating in Special Olympics at 18, I never thought I was good enough to ever be on the national stage, just the local stage and just have the competitive rivalry of county vs. county. Now, I had a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s because of every single one of you.”

From fellow athletes, Hilt and Aders encouraging everyone to the medical and media teams and others working in the background, he said it all meant a lot to him.

“Now, we go back to playing against each other from different counties, but deep down, you’re all still my Team Indiana brothers and sisters, and I appreciate all of you,” Youngdale said.

Blake Buckner, a track and field athlete from Hamilton County, thanked the people who gave him the opportunity to be at USA Games.

“I would like to thank every single one of y’all for making this trip one of the most memorable I have ever had,” he said.

Elliott Miller’s first trip to Minnesota was memorable after helping the Unified soccer team win gold.

“That was such a great week to be with Team Indiana, and honestly, it felt like home,” the Boone County athlete said. “This family will be forever.”

This also was the first USA Games for Christian Huber of Lake County, who was on the cornhole team.

“Thank you to all the coaches for helping us get to Minnesota and compete for all the most amazing sports,” he said. “Every athlete and Unified team did such an amazing job the whole way. I’m so glad I got to experience something I’ve never done before, and most of all, meeting new people from Indiana and other areas.”

He described it as the “most amazing experience I have ever had.”

“This meant so much to me doing something so big that I have never done before,” Huber said. “I had so much fun playing my sport and being with my Indiana team and family the whole time we were there. I also had a ball meeting a lot of amazing states and making great friends. This is something I would never forget doing.”

Charlie Wilson of Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Counties said he’s proud of the coaches and Unified partners for keeping the athletes positive and making sure they had everything they needed.

“Thank you guys for always keeping us motivated and having the courage to be brave, strong, courageous and hopeful,” said Wilson, who was on the Unified soccer team. “We could not be any stronger without each other and everyone, so thank you for making everything possible for us.”

Swimming coach Mark Madden of Johnson County thanked the management team for making it a top-notch experience.

“As a first-timer, I can say it was the best of what humanity has to offer through sports,” he said. “The camaraderie, the spirit of fair play and competition were all present. It was so nice to see everyone come together and cheer/support each other in the endeavor of giving it your all and being brave in the attempt. It’s a core memory I will carry with me forever.”

Parents say thanks, too

Deanna Kucinski, a cornhole Unified partner from Porter County, thanked Hilt and Aders for a fantastic experience with memories and friends made. She played alongside her son, Richard Newton.

“I will totally miss everyone I met. I enjoyed every minute,” she said. “Thank you, Katie and Kevin, for this wonderful experience. It’s been a fantastic week. The friends and bonding is something Richard and I will remember forever.”

Danny Hightshue of Johnson County served as a caddy for his son, Eli Hightshue, on the golf course.

“What an incredible experience as a parent, caddy to have the opportunity to see everyone come together and do so well at their individual sports,” Danny said. “It’s truly a blessing to have my son be involved with such a great organization. Nothing but blessings to all, and look forward to seeing you all again.”

Rob Allen was fortunate to have his two sons on the soccer team. Brady was an athlete, and Nick served as a Unified partner.

“Thank you for taking a leap of faith and making soccer a part of the team,” Rob said. “We hoped for years, and when the opportunity came along, it far exceeded our expectations in terms of competition and fun. We were all proud to be a part of the team. Words can never express the feeling of getting to do this with two of my kids. Dream come true.”