OBERLIN, OH - On Friday, September 9, Oberlin College softball officially signed six-year old Peyton Hayes to the roster.
"We are so excited to welcome Peyton as an official member of the Oberlin softball family, said Head Coach Sara Schoenhoft. "Her positive attitude, bright spirit, and determination are going to make her a valuable member of this team."
Peyton, who turned six on July 2, is a native of nearby Lorain, Ohio. In April of 2015 she was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
Peyton has congenital myopathy, which is a very broad term for any muscle disorder present at birth. She can walk, but mostly uses a wheelchair for mobility. Although often in pain, Peyton is still usually always smiling! With all of her battles, she truly epitomizes what it means to be a fighter and is sure to be an inspiration to the Yeowomen.
"We are honored and humbled to have Peyton join our softball roster and the Oberlin Athletics community," said Delta Lodge Director of Athletics and Physical Education Natalie Winkelfoos. "Peyton is sure to inspire us with her smiles and strength, and partnering with Team IMPACT is a privilege for us all."
Peyton was 'drafted' by the Yeowomen through Team IMPACT, which is a non-profit organization designed to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses. One of its missions is to give those children an opportunity to experience a team atmosphere and have some fun.
"Meeting Peyton was a really great experience," said sophomore Hannah Rasmussen. "At first she was shy and obviously reserved, but I could tell she was warming up to us. Seeing the way she smiled every time we talked about her having 14 new big sisters made me sure that we were the perfect fit for her. We are all so excited to welcome Peyton into our close, loving family. I know that Peyton is a special kid and that we will learn so much from her."
Despite her difficulties, Peyton is like any other six-year old who enjoys playing with dolls, going to the beach, swinging in her wheelchair at the all-abilities playground, shopping at Toys R Us, and watching toy reviews on her tablet.
"The people at Team IMPACT have been very helpful in this process and we are so grateful to have this opportunity to work with them and welcome Peyton and her family to our team," explained Schoenhoft. "We can't wait to hang out with her on and off the field and continue to get to know her and her family throughout the year."
Softball's new addition comes just as their non-traditional season begins. The Yeowomen have completed a full week of practice and are excited to add Peyton to their roster. Peyton will be sporting No. 3 this season, which is her favorite number.
About Team IMPACT
- Team IMPACT is national organization, based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
- Team IMPACT children are drafted on to college athletic teams, local to where they live and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation.
- Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 800 children with collegiate teams at over 300 institutions in 43 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 25,000 student athletes.
- Team IMPACT is actively looking for more children to participate in the program. Do you know of a child ages 5-15 who could use a social or psychological boost and would benefit from the support and camaraderie that comes from being a part of a team? Refer them to Team IMPACT! Visit http://www.GoTeamIMPACT.org to learn more.
