Field Hockey Welcomes Kate Michael on Draft Day
Oct 07 | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Prior to Friday's game against No. 10 Michigan, Rutgers Field Hockey will welcome a special member to their team. Kate Michael will be introduced at a signing ceremony as the newest team member and join the Scarlet Knights as a captain for the game against the Wolverines.
Kate was matched to Rutgers Field Hockey through Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that aligns children with life-threatening and chronic illness with college teams to provide uplifting experiences. Kate is a 13 year-old from Edison, N.J. and is battling hydrocephalus from a wheelchair. However, she continues to fight and her spirit has inspired the Rutgers team.
"We're so happy that Kate has allowed us to be part of her life," said Meredith Civico, Head Field Hockey Coach. "She is such a tremendous person with a wonderful family and the fact that she will captain the team against Michigan is testament to the power of sport. It brings together people from all backgrounds and all situations and I'm thrilled that Kate has forged such a strong friendship with the team."
Indeed, Kate has forged a deep bond with many members of the team. Senior Sarah Regn discussed the impact that Kate has had on her and the team as a whole.
"Role models can come in many shapes and forms," Regn said. "When Rutgers Field Hockey thinks of a role model we immediately picture a spunky, sassy, and very bubbly 13-year-old from Edison, NJ: Kate Michael. In thirteen years of life Kate has overcome mountains of obstacles which include her diagnosis of spina bifida, hydrocephalus, apraxia, deafness, as well as overcoming numerous surgeries. This superwoman of a teen has been a constant inspiration to R team, just as we have hoped to be an inspiration for her. The friendship between Kate and RUFH seemed to ignite immediately as we shared a love for chicken fingers, hair, makeup, the movie Frozen, and especially each other."
For Sarah, the impact that Kate has had on the team cannot be overstated.
"When you see Kate, whether your day is going well or not, her smile will light up your world and you will find whatever stresses you have, simply do not matter. Kate can command a room with her lively spirit and is always ready to bring some fun. All of Kate's amazing attributes have allowed her integrate into our team effortlessly."
"Draft Day is another moment, another chance to experience something special with my girl Kate. Having her officially a part of R team is a reminder that we are all a part of something bigger than the individual, we are a part of a family and culture that reminds the world "you cannot limit me". Kate's energy, spunk, and radiance is something that deserves to be acknowledged and Draft Day is just one way for R family to show our appreciation to this phenomenal 13-year-old role model. So thank you Kate and I am so happy that the cold never bothers you because you are R our personal ray of sunshine."
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