FRANCISCAN SOFTBALL HELPS 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 before Thanksgiving.

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.

"It is a great way to give back to the community and serve those kids, and to teach them how to play the game that we love as a team is something that is pretty unique," remarked sophomore Kathleen Thompson. "Personally, Miracle League has affected me in many ways, especially being an education major. I think it's great to get out there with kids with exceptional needs and serve them. They always put a smile on my face." 

Sophomore Dennise Carrazco echoed her teammate's sentiments saying, "As a team, it's good for us to give back to the community. It not only builds a greater bond among ourselves but with those in the Miracle League. As we see, there are some returning players that can't wait to see the 'Franciscan Softball Team' and that's something that I looked forward to personally. They are just elated to see us and we are glad that we can put that smile on their faces."

"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."

"We get to give back to the game that we love with the sisters that we love" – Franciscan softball prayer.