NEWARK, Del. -- Several members of the University of Delaware women’s basketball team and its entire coaching staff volunteered their time to referee at the 2009 Special Olympics Delaware School Team Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Bob Carpenter Center.

Among the Blue Hen players were freshman transfer Kayla Miller (top right) and senior Ethlynne Thomas. They were joined by associate head coach Jeanine Radice (bottom right), assistant coach Chris Campbell, and director of operations Liz Hayes.

During the opening ceremony, Radice told the crowd: “We are very excited to have you here at the University of Delaware. Our players and coaches are looking forward to being part of your big day. Play hard, have fun, and good luck.”

This event had special significance for Miller, who once participated in this tournament in the role of a Unified Partner. A Unified Partnet is a non-disabled peer who participates as a regular member on the team in an attempt to foster a positive relationship between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

“I played in this tournament as a Unified Partner for Special Olympics when I attended Redding Middle School, so it’s really neat to be a part of this event again,” Miller told Jon Buzby of Special Olympics Delaware. “I had such a great time and learned a lot being a Unified Partner back in middle school. It gave me a much better appreciation of, and respect for, people with disabilities.”

Miller, a former All-State player at Ursuline Academy, transfered to Delaware this past winter after starting her career at George Washington University. She will be eligible to play for the Blue Hens in December, 2009.

Friday’s tournament showcased school teams from all over the state competing in full and half-court games. Miller’s former team made a return appearance while two new schools - Waters Middle School and Lake Forest Central Elementary - made their first appearances.

Accoring to Hayes, a former Blue Hen basketball player in 2003-2005, this was a great experience for everyone involved.

“It was so much fun seeing the joy that the game of basketball brings to so many people. Today was special for so many people, and I hope to take part in it again next year,” Hayes said.