SCITUATE, R.I., May 21, 2026 – Two Scituate High School athletic coaches, Stephanie Barlow, coach of the girls basketball, unified basketball, and unified volleyball, and Ron Oliveira, boys soccer coach, were recognized on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the inaugural Even Field Honors award for demonstrating inspiring sportsmanship, inclusion, leadership, and integrity through high school athletics. Even Field is a non-profit organization that promotes integrity, life skills, and leadership through sports.
The Even Field Honors Award is presented in partnership with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL), and aims to shine a light on experiences in school sports that elevate the game and inspire the best in everyone. The awards were presented during an in-school athletic assembly that included the Scituate High School unified basketball and volleyball teams, the girls basketball team, the boys basketball team, and the boys soccer team.
“Our core belief is that the way you win matters, that integrity matters, that competing honestly, and treating people with respect matters, and that bringing out the best in others matters,” said Even Field Founder and Executive Director Chuck Wilson. “You have two coaches at Scituate High School who exemplify what that means.”
Even Field was founded to promote integrity, life skills, and leadership through sports. The Even Field Honors Award aims to inspire more young people to make caring choices in sports and in life, and increase the number of youth sports programs that prioritize character and integrity.
“We are honored that two of our coaches were recognized for their character and integrity in the way they coach our students and compete in athletics across Rhode Island,” said SHS Principal Michael Hassell. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that our school community is known for sportsmanship, compassion, and inclusion.”
Oliveira, was recognized for the Even Field Honors award for demonstrating good sportsmanship and compassion during a match against Saint Raphael Academy, where a student-athlete with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was given the opportunity to score a goal.
“It was the student’s senior year, and it was a perfect time to let them have a special moment,” said SHS soccer player Cameron Healey. “It was a special moment for them, but also for us too. Seeing them get to celebrate after he scored was awesome.”
Barlow was also recognized for her dedication to unified sports. The unified sports teams at Scituate are inclusive athletic programs that integrate athletes with and without disabilities.
“At Scituate High School, we believe the way we win is by giving everyone an equal opportunity and allowing everyone to reach their full potential,” said Barlow. “Our students' perseverance and resilience is so inspiring to me, and it really keeps me going.”