Under the late afternoon sun, the Okmulgee County Sharks gathered on the field for practice, their new black and blue uniforms catching the light as players stretched, laughed and prepared to take the field.

For a team built on determination, inclusion and teamwork, the new look represents more than just fresh gear.

The Sharks are part of the Okmulgee County Special Athletes Association (OCSAA), an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities. Through programs like baseball, athletes gain the opportunity to compete, build confidence and experience the pride that comes with being part of a team.

This season, the Sharks will take the field with a bold new identity.

The uniforms were made possible through a grant from the Viersen Foundation, which awarded OCSAA $10,000 last year. After covering other program needs, the remaining funds helped bring the team’s updated look to life.

And according to players and coaches, the change is noticeable.

“Last year we just had regular T-shirts,” volunteer and parent Glynis Coleman said while watching players gather for practice. “Everybody wore whatever they wanted on the bottom.”

While the team showed determination on the field, their appearance didn’t quite match the level of competition they encountered when traveling to national events.

“When we showed up to nationals last year, teams were out there looking sharp from head to toe,” Coleman recalled with a laugh. “And we looked like sandlot ball.”

That experience helped spark the push for something better, both for the team’s image and their confidence.

The result is a bold new uniform designed by Zoe McCaslin, owner of Mama M’s Designs. McCaslin worked closely with team members through group discussions to develop a look that captured the Sharks’ identity.

“They sent me their shark logo and we started looking at different options,” McCaslin explained. “I wanted something that felt like water movement and tied everything together.”

The final design features sleek black jerseys paired with split-leg pants accented in blue, along with star details and color highlights on the belt loops that help the uniforms stand out on the field.

“We went back and forth quite a bit,” McCaslin said. “At first we tried a full gray jersey, but the black just popped. It really made the whole uniform come together.”

Seeing the athletes wearing the finished product was a rewarding moment for the designer.

“It feels really good seeing them all together,” she said. “I was a little worried about sizing, but everything fits perfectly.”

For the team, the uniforms represent more than just style.

“Putting on a uniform connects everybody,” Coleman said. “When those guys step out there dressed like a team, with coaching and structure behind them, everything just works better.”

The Sharks are also experiencing growth behind the scenes as new coaches and younger volunteers join longtime supporters to help expand the program.

Coach Brodie Graffman, who began working with the Sharks last season, said the team has been steadily improving through focused practices and an emphasis on fundamentals.

“I had a couple practices with them last year and they did good, but there were definitely things we needed to work on,” Graffman said. “We’ve broken down the fundamentals, and it’s been an awesome change.”

Graffman also noted that new volunteers and younger athletes joining the program have helped bring fresh energy to the team.

“We’re bringing in younger faces, guys that are multi-sport athletes and know the game,” he said. “That’s only going to help us grow.”

The difference in the players’ confidence and ability has been noticeable.

“If this group played the group I started with, it would be a blowout,” Graffman said. “The confidence they’ve built over the last few months has been phenomenal.”

The season has just begun, with the Sharks opening tournament play in Oklahoma City on April 1. The team will also compete in the State Games later in the season.

For now, practices are underway and anticipation is building as the players prepare to represent Okmulgee County.

And this time, they’ll be doing it in style. “There’s no way you can put this uniform on,” one observer said, watching the team gather for practice, “and not feel confident.”