Softball | October 02, 2019

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan softball team and head coach Kathy Leitke announced the signing of 10-year-old Jillian Abbott to the team. In a ceremony attended by Jillian, her family and the Bronco softball team, Abbott signed a National Letter of Intent, joining the team through the help of the nonprofit organization Team IMPACT.

Abbott is affected by Crohn's disease, an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that can have debilitating impacts on everyday life. It has no known cure. The disease carries with it lifelong symptoms and complications, as well as frequent treatment and therapies to help ease the conditions.

Through Team IMPACT, Abbott is partnered with Western Michigan and has become an official member of the team for two years. Bronco Athletics has previously participated in the Team IMPACT program, with WMU gymnastics signing then five-year-old Justine Hawley in 2018. Team IMPACT seeks to pair children with chronic illnesses and collegiate athletics to help improve the child's confidence and sense of belonging, primarily through inclusion on sports teams. Abbott will be welcome to attend team practices and games, bonding with the team as her schedule allows.

"The coaches and women on the team have been wonderful so far," said Sarah Abbott, Jillian's mother. "Being a part of their team has been great for Jillian's self-confidence and has helped her enjoy things she used to dread, like infusions, because some of the team has been coming and spending time with her during them."

Sarah Abbott found out about Team IMPACT through an online support group for parents with children afflicted by Crohn's and Colitis. Being from the area, she was eager to find out about WMU's participation in the program, and Jillian was quickly paired up with the softball team, who recently applied to be a part of the program.

The Wednesday ceremony was held in the Seelye Athletic Center and saw Abbott signing her National Letter of Intent (NLI), making her an official member of the softball team.

Leitke spoke of Abbott, the time she has already spent with the team and the impact she has had as Bronco softball has gotten to know her. Abbott, after signing her NLI, was given a gold Bronco helmet to wear this upcoming season. Senior Samantha Pico, the team's community service committee leader, and fellow senior Mackenzie Swinehart, discussed their one-on-one time with Abbott.

"Just like she looks up to us, we look up to her," said Swinehart. "She has so much strength. She reminds us to keep fighting every day."

For more information on Team IMPACT, CLICK HERE.

#WeWillReign