On certain school days in Murphysboro, the gymnasium fills with the familiar sounds of basketball—sneakers squeaking, cheers echoing, and the rhythmic bounce of the ball. But for the students in the Tri-County Special Education Cooperative’s Choices Basketball Program, these moments represent something much bigger than a game. They are moments of belonging, confidence, and celebration.

The Choices Program itself is designed to serve students with moderate cognitive disabilities, providing functional academic instruction and life skills support from kindergarten through age 22. With classrooms located across multiple districts, including Murphysboro, Carbondale, Du Quoin, and beyond, the program focuses not only on academics but on helping students build the skills and relationships needed to thrive in school and in life.

The Choices Basketball Program is one of the most visible and joyful extensions of that mission.

Unlike traditional athletic teams, the Choices Basketball Program is designed to ensure that every student can participate in a way that feels meaningful to them. Some students take the court as players, learning how to dribble, pass, and work as a team. Others serve as cheerleaders, bringing energy and encouragement from the sidelines. Still others find their place as equipment managers, helpers, or enthusiastic “super fans,” proudly supporting their teammates and contributing to the experience in their own way.

“There’s a role for everyone,” explained Jennifer Cochran, Choices Program Supervisor. “It allows each student to participate in a way that builds confidence and lets them be successful.”

In Murphysboro, the program brings together students from Murphysboro High School and Carbondale High School, forming a unified team affectionately known as the “Devil Dogs,” a combination of the two schools’ mascots. Together, they practice once or twice a week, building skills and preparing for a season of games against other adaptive teams in the region, including programs in Du Quoin, Pinckneyville, and Marion.

Practices begin months before the first game, giving students time to learn the fundamentals and grow comfortable on the court. But the real magic happens on game day.

Games are held during the school day, allowing entire student bodies to attend. Gymnasiums fill with classmates, teachers, administrators, and community members, all cheering with genuine excitement. School bands sometimes perform, while cheerleaders join in the celebrations. For the students on the court, the experience is unforgettable.

“They become the superstars,” said Shannon Cook, a Choices teacher at Murphysboro High School. “You see their confidence grow. They love the chanting, the cheering, and the sense of belonging. It’s the highlight of their year.”

That sense of belonging extends far beyond the basketball court. The Choices classrooms are fully integrated into general education buildings, allowing students to interact with their peers throughout the day. They attend physical education classes alongside general education students, eat lunch together, and build friendships that enrich the entire school community.

At Murphysboro High School, those relationships are unmistakable. Students greet Choices participants by name in the hallways, offering high-fives, fist bumps, and encouragement. General education students volunteer to assist during activities like bowling and Special Olympics, forming buddy partnerships that create lasting connections.

At the end of each season, the program celebrates with a banquet and awards ceremony. Players receive medals and honors recognizing their contributions, while cheerleaders and super fans are acknowledged for their enthusiasm and support. Every student leaves knowing they played an important role.

The program itself has grown significantly since its early beginnings in 2012, when it started with a single classroom in Carbondale. Today, it has expanded into a regional effort, bringing together students, schools, and communities across southern Illinois.

Funding comes largely from fundraising efforts and community support, including T-shirt sales designed in collaboration with student art clubs. These partnerships reflect the widespread commitment to making the program possible.

But for the teachers, administrators, and families involved, the true impact of the program isn’t measured in wins or losses.

Rebecca Marten, a Choices Teacher at Murphysboro High, explains, “This program gives our students opportunities they might not otherwise have, and it helps them build confidence and meaningful connections.” Those are gifts that will serve them for a lifetime.