FRANCISCAN SOFTBALL VOLUNTEERS TIME WITH MIRACLE LEAGUE

The Franciscan University softball team worked with the Miracle League of the Ohio Valley throughout its fall this year and the season wrapped up just a few weeks ago.

The Miracle League of the Ohio Valley is an organized baseball/softball league for special needs children and adults. The league enables children and adults to develop socialization skills and have fun playing baseball at a field specifically designed for them. The FUS softball team participated as a "buddy" at each game. The Buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the players in batting and running the bases, and being an on-field friend.

Freshman Ashley Kondracki remarked, "It was an amazing experience for the team to get to play and share the game they love with these children."

"The FUS softball team's participation in this program was an excellent chance to give back to the sport that has already given them so much," remarked head coach Jim Walker. "Sometimes, we take for granted the opportunity we have been given to be able to play college sports. But seeing these kids' passion for the game was inspiring and renewed the team's desire to work hard and never take for granted the gift they have been given."