By Catherine Thompson
APPLETON, WIS. – Some teams in the Spark Performance League (SPL) play to win. However, the Eagle Point Soaring Eagles play for something more – camaraderie, inclusivity, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be their year. They’ve come close to winning the championship so many times, coming up just short. Still, they make the most of every season – playing with heart, spirit, and hope.
“We’re always the bridesmaid and never the bride,” said Eagles coach Katie Neuman. “We’ve been in the finals so many times, but we don’t understand what happens when we get to the finals. We are basically undefeated every season, then we get to the finals, and we drop out.”
Lifespark Chief Independence Officer, Dr. Bill Thomas, SPL founder, has acknowledged the high level that the Eagles perform at and despite falling just that little bit short, they also need to earn their place in the championship.
“This is a league; there are no shortcuts,” he said.
“The real question is: what do they have to do to get those extra miles?”
Even though it is frustrating not to make it to the finals, the Eagles aim for more inclusiveness over success. “The reason behind the Spark challenge is strength, purpose, and belonging, and we really embody that mentality,” said Neuman.
All residents at Eagle Point are encouraged to compete in the Spark challenges. They can compete for three seconds or 30 minutes. Neuman just wants to give everybody a fair chance at joining the competition.
There are residents on the team who use assistive devices, such as walkers and canes. Others struggle with mobility or suffer from cognitive decline. There is also a big age range in teammates, the youngest being around 57 years old and the oldest being around 95 years old.
“We have everybody. We just really want to be a big, encompassing team, which is wonderful,” said Neuman.
The Eagles also have a great support system outside of the team itself through the Eagle Point staff, who are very involved with the team.
During their challenge against the Cardinals, the executive director, the regional marketing director, the director of nursing, and the dining director were all in attendance, cheering on the Eagles.
Kaya Adams, Dining Director, goes beyond cheering – she prepares weekly smoothies for the whole building after practices. She keeps it fun by changing up the flavors every week, but even more than that, it is open to the entire building, not just the Eagles team.
Neuman expressed the importance of getting enough protein to rebuild strength and muscle and getting a good night’s rest to help residents recover after a challenge. Because the team is so inclusive, recovery looks different for everyone. Neuman emphasized the importance of protein, rest, and personalized care. But nourishment isn’t only physical – team spirit fuels the Eagles just as much.
Recovery and nourishment are shaped by the people who show up, cheer loudly, and lift the team. That support doesn’t stop with the staff – the Eagles are supported by a community that rallies behind them. At Eagle Point, it’s about team bonding, connection building, and being stronger and better together.
There is one resident in particular who started a tradition of chants for the team. And every new addition to the team adds another chant so no one is left out. There is also a group chant where everyone chants together for the team.
“They’re kind of corny, but that’s great,” said Neuman.
Competition days at Eagle Point are something for the community to look forward to. There will be music playing, cheerleaders with their pom-poms, and chants that everyone participates in.
The group chant is a way for all residents, participating or not, to be a part of the team and the competition. Being able to cheer and show their support shows how bonded Eagle Point truly is.
Their favorite team chant says it all:
Soaring Eagles are the best
Opponent team, don’t take a rest!
Soaring Eagles like to fly
Oh my goodness, they are high!
Soaring Eagles as a team
Really have high esteem!
Soaring Eagles don’t slow down
If we want to win the crown!
Soaring Eagles on the run
My, oh my, they have fun!
Soaring Eagles plan to win
Maybe need a little gin!
