Pruitt, 19, from Louisville is a student at Bullitt East High School. She has been involved in Unified programming for three years, participating in Unified basketball and bocce as well as other school activities.
“I’m proud to be selected and I am looking forward to cheering for our team. I am also looking forward to flying!”
Hetler, 15, who lives in Shelbyville, is also a student at Bullitt East. She has been involved in Unified programs at the school for two years, but she literally grew up with Special Olympics. Mya first volunteered with Special Olympics when she was four years old, helping present awards to athletes. Her great aunt Trish Mazzoni retired as the CEO of Special Olympics Kentucky in December after a 38-year career with the program.
“Special Olympics has shown me how one voice can truly make a difference in a community. It’s taught me the value of kindness, inclusion, and how important it is to treat everyone with respect. I’ve grown up with a strong sense of empathy, and making others feel included means a lot to me. It’s also helped me understand the power of teamwork and how working together can create positive change for everyone.”
Mount Washington’s Smallwood is the Assistant Principal at Bullitt East High School and has been very involved with their Unified Champion Schools programming. She helped Bullitt East become the second Kentucky school to renew their National Banner Award certification, which came in 2023. She has also regularly participated in the Polar Plunge in Louisville.
“Attending the 2026 USA Games is an incredible opportunity for my students, and I can’t wait to see the pure joy and excitement on their faces as well as on the athletes competing. I’m most excited and proud to be representing Team Kentucky on such a meaningful stage.”