For those who are not familiar with the sport of Bocce ball, it is a game in which a white ball called a pallino is thrown and each team has four attempts to throw their ball closest to the pallino. The strategic structure of the game qualifies it as one of the three corollary sports that Montgomery County Public Schools offer to their student body.
Corollary sports include bocce, pickleball and allied softball, which offer athletic participation for all students, especially those with special needs. The diverse nature of the bocce team’s members drew senior captain McKenna Kupersmith to join the team. “I wanted to be a part of the bocce team because it allows me to work with individuals that have special needs. This is important to me because I am able to be part of a team that is inclusive,” Kupersmith said.
Bocce creates a welcoming opportunity for both students with and without special needs to play together as a team. “Bocce is a very inclusive sport and anyone can play. It’s a great way to meet new people and have the opportunity to engage with others. I want to improve the negativity surrounding the sport because Bocce is for everyone and is fun to play,” Kupersmith said.
The team currently holds the title of 2023 and 2024 state champions. They ended their last season undefeated with a record of 5-0. After their first two games of this season against Whitman on Dec. 18 and Quince Orchard on Jan. 9, they are currently undefeated. “Our team improved from last year since we went undefeated during the regular season this year. As a team we were able to improve our skills during practices,” Kupersmith said.
Looking toward the upcoming season in January and February, the team hopes to secure their triple consecutive victory as state champions. “We would love to win our third state championship in a row and are working hard to do so,” Kupersmith said.
Coach Steven McMahon Jr. manages the team alongside Kupersmith. “My captain is a great leader and she is crucial in modeling behaviors and skills that are necessary for our team’s success and for the newer players to understand what they need to aspire to be,” McMahon said.
Practices for competitions can be challenging and stressful as the game requires strength, control and accuracy. “We are focusing on being consistent in everything we do. A consistent approach to each opportunity so when it matters most these players will be able to fall back on what they learn and execute successfully,” McMahon said.
The bocce team is coed and open to all grade levels and levels of expertise. “Anyone who wants to be on the bocce team should definitely try out! It is a great way to meet others!,” Kupersmith said.
Their next two games are at home on Jan. 16 and Jan. 22. Their Jan. 22 game is their senior night where the team will celebrate their seniors’ last year on the team including Kupersmith. The following game will be at Churchill on Jan. 29 and is the last game before the divisional tournament on Feb. 1 at Bethesda Chevy Chase.
