Trio representing BBJ Counties at USA Games

Andy Hunnicutt is a veteran Team Indiana coach. Four years after leading the track and field team in Orlando, Fla., he is part of the soccer staff looking to bring home gold at the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis.

Hunnicutt joins two others from Special Olympics Indiana Bartholomew-Brown-Jennings Counties – track coach Renne Parks and track athlete Alexandria Gotoh.

Even though they are members of different sports, having a little bit of home nearby is never a bad thing.

“Representing BBJ and Team Indiana means being part of the team, and also, it’s like my second family,” Gotoh said.

Hunnicutt has been involved with Special Olympics since 2007, when his youngest daughter, Becca, began participating in bowling. He soon became a coach.

Through the years, he has added basketball, bowling, track and field, volleyball, cornhole and bocce and soccer to his coaching resume. His soccer experience also includes coaching at the club and high school level  for 47 years

“I have enjoyed being part of Special Olympics immensely,” he said. “I believe in the power of sport and the inclusion that has become part of my daughter’s life. Many opportunities have come her way (varsity cheerleader and prom queen at Hauser High School) that would not be available without the benefits of Special Olympics and the confidence that participating has given her.”

When he found out Team Indiana was going to have a soccer team in 2026, Hunnicutt did not hesitate. And when he wasn’t initially listed among the Team Indiana coaches, he didn’t panic.

It wasn’t long before he got the call to coach soccer.

“I was happy to verify that coach’s position and am thrilled to be participating this year,” Hunnicutt said.

The soccer roster includes six athletes and six Unified partners under head coach Rob Allen. That none have played with him before is no big deal, Hunnicutt said. There is plenty of skill to go around.  

“The strengths of the soccer team are that every one of the athletes, both Unified and Special Olympics athletes, are good soccer players that have good skills and an understanding of how the game is played,” Hunnicutt said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how well they can compete against other historically strong soccer states.”

Parks has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly four decades. She has been part of basketball, volleyball, track and field, horseshoes and bowling.

She said she focuses on building a team approach wherever she goes. She is proud of her work but did not expect to be named to Team Indiana.

“I was shocked and very surprised,” Parks said. “It means a lot to me knowing that I’m representing BBJ and Team Indiana.”

The track and field team includes eight athletes, all from different county programs.

“Everybody is growing as part of the team and very encouraging to one another,” Parks said. “All I want is them to do their best and have fun.”

Gotoh joined Special Olympics in 2016 and has participated in a variety of track and field events, including distance races in the runs, walks and relays. In field events, she has competed in the softball throw and standing long jump.

“What I like about being part of Special Olympics is being able to get my exercise for the day out of the way, and it benefits me by keeping me healthy,” Gotoh said. “I became involved through exercise, and I wanted to make friends.”

Gotoh has enjoyed meeting the other track and field athletes and training with them.

“I am looking forward to seeing everyone up for the challenge at USA Games,” Gotoh said. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and making more friends with experiencing USA Games.”

Hunnicutt said he’s glad to have two others from BBJ going with him to USA Games this time.

“I am very excited that Renee and Alexandria are also able to participate,” he said. “I think it’s a big deal for a local athlete, Alexandria, to be able to showcase her talents on a national stage and to represent our county program and state at this event. Being able to see these competitions in person is a gift that stays with me forever.”
He’s ready to experience USA Games for the second time.

“I really look forward to watching all the teams in soccer and also to see as much of the other sports competitions that I can squeeze in. I never get tired of watching the efforts of Team Indiana athletes competing at a high level.”