This weekend the sound of shoes squeaking on the court and basketballs going through the net will ring throughout California State University Long Beach for the 2024 Special Olympics.

Santa Clarita’s own Diva Sharks basketball team is set to make an appearance at the Special Olympics with hopes of winning the gold.

The Diva Sharks’ team has been training for months in preparation for the big tournament that is set to Tip off June 8.

“I think some people have the misconception that you just roll out the basketball, the baseballs or whatever and let the athletes take care of themselves and they goof around but it’s very dedicated,” said Diva Sharks Head Coach Scott Norton. “They strive to learn and be as good in any given sport that they possibly could be.”

The Special Olympics allows for one official team practice each week but the Diva Sharks upped the practices to twice a week.

The team would meet every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning for practice when weather permitted.

“One of the athletes said to me one day, ‘I’ve been doing the math since we’re practicing two days a week and other teams are practicing one day a week we’re going to get 30 extra hours of practice’,” said Norton.

With an extra practice in the schedule, all the players have an extra opportunity to solidify their already strong bond.

“We have an all-girls team and a lot of them I’ve known for a very long time since I was little,” said Diva Shark player, Lindsay Kautianen. 

If spending two practices a week with her teammates wasn’t enough Kautianen gets to work with one of her teammates at Albertsons, where she has been employed for nearly 15 years.

Even when Kautianen is off the court, basketball is still the focus as she watches her favorite WNBA player Caitlin Clark.

Kautianen even had the opportunity to meet Clark at the John R. Wooden Award Ceremony in Los Angeles back in April.

Diva Shark player, Lindsay Kautianen meets Caitlin Clark

“It was right before my birthday so that was a dream come true,” said Kautianen.

While Kautiainen is inspired by Clark, Coach Norton finds inspiration and joy from his players on the Diva Sharks. He says that while they all want to win, they are happy no matter the outcome.

“It is interesting to me that at the end of the day even though they go into it with their eyes set on the Gold and winning all their games, they can go 3-0  or 0-3 but at the end of the game it always seems that they are thrilled with the day’s activities,” said Norton. “They’re focused on winning but once the games are over the chips fall where they may and they’re happy with the results.”

Through coaching the Diva Sharks, Norton has learned patience and how to exhibit good sportsmanship.

“The athletes are so good to each other, you’ll be in a game and another athlete from the other team will fall down and my player would stop to help them get up,” said Norton. “Part of you as a competitor and a coach is thinking ‘no go in, score the basket.’  It’s such a wonderful experience that you really just learn to put the sport in its place and have a little bit of patience.”

For anyone that wants to cheer on the Diva Sharks, admission to the games are free and the team will play at 1 and 2 p.m. in the Gold Mine Gym at California State University Long Beach on Saturday. The Sunday schedule is yet to be released pending the win, lose record of teams during Saturdays tournament.

The Opening Ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and includes the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the cauldron. 

This marks the official start of the Summer Games and the end of the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s two-week, 1,100-mile relay carrying the Flame of Hope across Southern California. Along with the sports venues, the Games will have games, live music, police and sponsor booths, free health screenings for athletes, skill shows for young athletes, chances to cheer on local athletes and more.

“Summer Games truly showcase our mission to enrich and empower people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. The teamwork, confidence, spirit, and determination of our athletes define what sports are all about,” said Special Olympics Southern California President and CEO Kelly Pond. “There’s no limit to what Special Olympics athletes can achieve, and we hope the community will come to cheer on our local swimmers, runners and teams.”

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