February 27, 2025 - More than 220 special education students participated in Comal ISD’s 2nd annual Specialized Training in Athletics and Recreation (STAR) Basketball Tournament on Friday, Feb. 21, at Pieper High School.
The players represented most of the district’s middle and high school campuses and competed in 3x3 basketball games from 10-11:45 a.m.
“It was a great day of competition and fun,” says Trish Bishop, an adapted physical education teacher for Comal ISD who explained that basketball was the perfect addition to the district’s STAR program which has a long history of bowling and track.
“Basketball is a lifetime activity played in every gym and P.E. class,” Bishop says. “It is a full body workout that incorporates running, jumping, throwing, catching, hand-eye coordination and camaraderie between all participants.”
Additionally, the sport allows STAR athletes to become team members, explains Bishop which is something that all athletes should learn to be.
“Basketball teaches students that even if you miss your shot, your teammates will help you win,” she says. “It is through this understanding that teammates help each other to succeed, which is the basis of all team sports.”
This year, 33 3x3 teams competed in the main gymnasium at PHS while additional STAR athletes participated in a skills course featuring adaptive equipment in the practice gymnasium.
Of course, a team sport isn’t complete without coaches and referees, and this year’s STAR athletes had help from fellow students who volunteered to practice with them leading up to the tournament as well as serve as referees during the big day.
The more than 65 volunteers included high school students from the basketball teams at Davenport High School, Pieper High School and Smithson Valley High School as well as students involved in the PHS and SVHS Family and Community Services (FACS) program.
The SVHS Ranger girls basketball players served as referees for the 3v3 games, and they enjoyed sharing their love for their sport with the STAR athletes.
“I loved it,” says Julissa Vargas, an 11th grade SVHS varsity player. “I love how everyone had a smile on their face and how much each hustled.”
Teammate Olivia Lindner, a ninth-grade SVHS varsity player, is looking forward to volunteering again next year and hoping that her campus can host the tournament.
“I would recommend for anyone to volunteer with this tournament,” Lindner says. “It opens up your eyes and was a lot of fun.”
The teammates also were thankful for the opportunity to give back to the district as a team.
“I enjoyed sharing my love of basketball with others,” says Cyanna Cavazos, an 11th grade SVHS varsity player. “It was hard not to smile when they were on the court, and beyond that we were able to grow our bonds with each other as a team.”
The STAR program is just another way that Comal ISD is ensuring that every student finds his path to success.
Photo descriptions
-Mountain Valley Middle School STAR athlete Eli Williams watches the net with teammate Manuel Flores and referee Smithson Valley High School student Aliya Murphy.
-Spring Branch Middle School STAR athlete Joseph Jimenez takes a shot with teammate Hanna Nuernberg watching during the 2nd annual STAR Basketball tournament at Pieper High School on February 21.
-Smithson Valley High School STAR athlete Gabriel Barnes participates in the skills course during the 2nd annual STAR Basketball tournament at Pieper High School on February 21.
-Smithson Valley High School STAR athlete Cody Carroll takes a shot with teammate and SVHS student Jackson Williams watching.