Western Branch Softball Hosts Autism Awareness Game

Annual tradition continues with special jerseys, field decorations, and autistic students joining the teams.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An energetic, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the action and excitement of a high school softball game, with players in colorful jerseys and the field decorated with autism awareness symbols, capturing the inclusive spirit of the event.A celebratory scene of high school softball players in bright jerseys, representing the inclusive spirit of the annual Autism Awareness game.Chesapeake Today

The Western Branch High School softball team hosted their annual Autism Awareness game on Thursday, playing against King's Fork High School. The Bruins won 17-1, but the game was about more than just the final score. The teams wore special jerseys, had decals on their batting helmets, and the field was decorated to raise awareness for autism. Students with autism were also able to run onto the field with the teams, giving them a chance to experience the excitement of sports.

Why it matters

The Autism Awareness game started about 10 years ago by the Western Branch baseball and softball coaches, whose son Nathan is autistic. The event has since spread to other programs across the Hampton Roads region, showing the community's embrace of the cause and desire to provide opportunities for autistic students to participate in sports.

The details

Western Branch softball coach Sarah Wright and her husband Roland, the head baseball coach, started the Autism Awareness games to honor their son Nathan, who is autistic. The teams wear special jerseys, have decals on their helmets, and the field is decorated for the event. Students with autism are invited to run onto the field with the teams, giving them a chance to experience the excitement of sports that many take for granted.

  • The Autism Awareness games have been held at Western Branch for about 10 years.
  • The latest game took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Sarah Wright

The head coach of the Western Branch High School softball team, who started the Autism Awareness game tradition with her husband.

Roland Wright

The head coach of the Western Branch High School baseball team, who started the Autism Awareness game tradition with his wife.

Nathan Wright

The son of Sarah and Roland Wright, who is autistic and the inspiration behind the Autism Awareness game tradition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We started one year with t-shirts and then the next year we did jerseys and then we just made it a thing. Even my JV team wears the jerseys throughout the month of April and I think other teams have done the same thing.”

— Sarah Wright, Western Branch Softball Head Coach

“That's really important to us. We started it on a whim thinking let's do this for the kids here and the fact that other people have jumped on the bandwagon and want to make it special for kids around them and honor us and raise awareness for other kids, it's just great.”

— Sarah Wright, Western Branch Softball Head Coach

“I just want people to realize that they deserve the spotlight and they deserve to be recognized and experience these things that some of these kids take for granted. It's not something they get every single day and to have a moment out here, I think it really just lets them shine and it's important to grow like that.”

— Sarah Wright, Western Branch Softball Head Coach

What’s next

The Western Branch softball and baseball teams plan to continue hosting their annual Autism Awareness games in the future, with the hope that the tradition will continue to spread to other programs across the region.

The takeaway

The Autism Awareness games at Western Branch High School demonstrate the power of sports to bring a community together and provide meaningful experiences for students with autism. By creating a special event that celebrates and includes these students, the coaches are helping to raise awareness and promote inclusivity in athletics.