Greensboro College Softball Takes Time out of Busy Schedule to Give Children “the Best Time of Their Lives”

(GREENSBORO, N.C.) – While the Greensboro College softball team has had plenty of accomplishments on the field under third year head coach Whitney Gelin, the team’s most rewarding impact may come off of it. Among the numerous volunteer opportunities that team takes part in included a recent stop at the Miracle League in High Point, NC.

The mission of the Miracle League is to provide opportunities to all children with special needs to play baseball regardless of their abilities. The idea for the league started in 1997 and has since grown to 240 teams across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia.

Even with classes and fall practice underway, The Pride took time out of their busy schedules to partner with the Miracle League’s “Buddy” system. As part of the “Buddy” system, each player is paired with a volunteer helper.

The duty and goals of a Miracle League “Buddy” is to protect your buddy at all times, assist them according to their needs, allow them to have as much freedom as possible to play, and most importantly; have fun.

For senior utility player Brittany Evans, the chance to volunteer for the Miracle League carries extra meaning. Evans, whose brother has cerebral palsy, cherished her experience with the Miracle League because it is “nice to give them [the Miracle League players] the opportunity to play and I appreciate it because my brother never had anything to partake in. It gives the players the same rights and backgrounds as their peers without special needs.”

She also said the most enjoyable part of the opportunity is “seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces and helping to give them the best time of their lives.”

Another senior, first baseman Kelsey Burkett, said the biggest impact that volunteering has had on her is that it “is a great way for people to be humble and help kids. It is only three hours out of my day and it is enjoyable and rewarding.”

According to Burkett, the highlight is “seeing the kid’s laugh, have fun and do what they want to do.”

The Greensboro softball team will continue to assist with the Miracle League on a regular basis. For more information on the Miracle League, visit http://www.miracleleague.com/home.html.

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