KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan gymnastics coach Penny Jernigan announced the signing of 5-year old Justine Hawley to a National Letter of Intent, making Hawley the youngest member of the WMU gymnastics team. Hawley was paired up with the Broncos through a program called Team IMPACT.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @WMU_Gymnastics

Hawley, a native of Battle Creek, Mich., just turned five at the end of March and has been battling a condition known as Ehler's Danlos Syndrom (EDS). EDS is a connective tissue disorder that primarily affects the joints, knees, hips and shoulders. When Hawley was born, her feet were turned inwards and were touching her shins. She walks with braces now and struggles with her balance. The family is currently working to get her a wheelchair, but they are unsure of how reliant she will be on it.

She will be a member of the Broncos gymnastics team for the next two years. She officially signed her contract last Wednesday, April 4 inside University Arena alongside her family and seven current WMU gymnasts including senior Kira Hoy, who connected the Broncos with Team Impact, Rachel Binkley, Taylor Buis, Katie Jennings, Stacie Harrison, Dominique Militello and Amelia Mohler.

"JJ" is thrilled to become an honorary member of the WMU gymnastics team and hopes to bring them good luck during the next two seasons. The relationship between Justine and the Broncos is all made possible by Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that helps children forget about their illness and become a part of something bigger.

For more information on Team IMPACT, CLICK HERE.
Fans can also follow JJ on her Facebook page: @JJsEDSjourney

Watch full coverage of Justine's signing day: