Fanning the flames: Local coach builds a homegrown Special Olympics team from the ground up

QUINCY — A few years ago, Quincy didn’t have a coed Special Olympics softball team. That changed when Coach Jeremy Hinkamper stepped in — and lit a spark.

Since fall of 2024, the Quincy Embers have grown from a small group of seven players into a full team of fifteen, competing in tournaments across the region. But their story isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about second chances, belief, and the power of community.

“I was told once during an anger management course that sometimes there’s only one shot at a particular opportunity,” said Hinkamper. “When I found out the only thing stopping Joshua Hill, a close family friend, from playing was needing a coach, I said, ‘Is that all?’”

From that single moment, coaching became something far greater than he anticipated. He credits generations of coaching within the Hinkamper family and a personal calling to not just show up — but to show up fully.

“I have experienced more than complications — and lots of laughter,” he said. “After our first practice, I became fully committed to being more involved than I originally thought was required or expected. I moved forward and didn’t stop.”

And neither did his team. Thanks to the dedication of the athletes, their families, and Hinkamper’s tireless efforts, the group has grown from a few players to nearly a full roster in just one year. Hinkamper has personally financed much of the team’s equipment, uniforms, and travel needs, while also organizing fundraisers to make sure no player goes without.

“I do this for the parents, the players, and everyone beside them,” he said. “I feel the foundation of a team starts with how each and every one of them feels after putting on that uniform.”

He sums up his coaching philosophy simply but powerfully:

“Don’t stop unless you know you’re wrong — ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary.”

That belief shows in players like Sam Ruble, who shared their journey from watching from the sidelines to standing on the pitcher’s mound.

“After I got leg braces, I thought I’d never play on a competitive team again,” Ruble said. “But Coach Hinkamper gave me the chance. I started last year as an outfielder, but when ankle issues benched me, he asked if I wanted to try pitching. I did — and I loved it.”

Sam now rotates between pitching and third base and says the Embers are more than just a team — they’re a family.

“Even though I can’t run anymore, I can still enjoy the game with my teammates and an awesome coach. Even if we don’t win or get an out or a strike, we always cheer each other on.”

The team, currently 2–1 after a busy June, is still growing. Sam noted how meaningful it would be to have more players — enough to scrimmage during practice. But what makes the Embers truly unique is what they wear: tie-dye jerseys, each one different.

“Our jersey color is tie-dye because each one of us is different, and each jersey is different. No two are alike. Since last year, our team has been a small ember, and now we’re burning brighter — growing stronger like a fire.”

As Hinkamper’s athletes head into a packed and promising competition season — including state track in Bloomington-Normal on July 20–21, a tournament in Beardstown on July 28, and a home game at Boots Bush Park on July 29 — their victories both on and off the field are a reflection of what can happen when one person says yes to being the difference.

If anyone is interested in getting involved with the Quincy Embers, contact Jeremy Hinkamper at hinkamperjeremy@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Jeremy Hinkamper.