Soldier Returns Home to Surprise High School Girls Basketball Team at Sky Game

A soldier currently serving overseas returned home to surprise the high school girl’s basketball team he coached during the Chicago Sky game at Wintrust Arena on Sunday.

Justin Vinyard had not seen the West Central High School Lady Cougars he coached in over a year. Vinyard is deployed with an Engineer Detachment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He is currently stationed in Iraq, where his mission is to help support the warfighter.

While Vinyard has been away, the young athletes at West Central High School in southern Illinois have made it their mission to continue to motivate their beloved coach throughout his deployment. The girls have sent multiple care packages, worn warmups in his honor, and most recently attended the Chicago Sky game against the Los Angeles Sparks Sunday in order to accept an award in Vinyard’s honor at center court.

Unbeknownst to the team, Vinyard had flown back to Chicago to give the young girls a surprise of a lifetime.

“My heart dropped, I was so shocked,” said Emma Smith, a player on the Lady Cougars. “We all missed him a ton so we were all so excited. He means the world to us. Basketball is like our family, so he’s like family to us.”

As soon as the girls saw noticed their coach walk onto the court, the entire team rushed to surround Vinyard and shower him with hugs, tears, and affection.

“There were a lot of nervous butterflies in my stomach,” Vinyard said. “It’s kind of a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever experience again for awhile. It was one of those moments that I’ll remember for the rest of my life and I’m grateful for it. I’m glad I could share it with this team and these girls.”

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