Dec. 11, 2013

Photo gallery from Saharah’s adoption day

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Back in the fall of 2010, new Gamecock softball coach Beverly Smith welcomed a presentation from then junior Sam Arbaugh on the team connecting with disabled children in the South Carolina community.

Four years later, South Carolina has adopted Saharah as a part its softball team, a child who is overcoming a myriad of medical issues after having a brain tumor removed in 2008 through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Introduced to the team in late November, the Chesterfield, S.C., native Saharah had a day for the ages in the adoption ceremony.

Met at the entrance to the stadium by assistant coach Calvin Beamon and director of operations Kacey Friedman, Saharah and family entered the team room to a chorus of applause, as the entire Gamecock softball team greeted them upon arrival. Signing a letter of commitment presented by associate head coach Lisa Navas, who was instrumental in setting up the day, Saharah officially became a part of the family and promptly was introduced to her new “sisters,” as the team refers to all of their teammates.

The team proceeded to lead Saharah back to the locker room, where she was shown her locker along with many gifts, some of which got laughs and big smiles from the newest team member. After a picture, Saharah stepped onto the grass at Beckham Field, where she got the chance to swing the bat, run the bases and enjoy more time with the team, all while her name was showcased on the scoreboard’s screen. A few more moments, and Saharah drifted off to the batting cage, where she continued to work hard like her big teammates.

“We are so excited to welcome Saharah to Carolina Softball and add a new sister to our family,” said Gamecock redshirt junior Julie Sarratt, who spearheaded the event from the student-athlete side. “Saharah is such an inspiration, and we can’t wait to get to know her more throughout our season.”

Smith noted how it was a wait for getting a “friend” to join the team, but how that wait meant a good thing since there were no eligible kids battling tumors in the area. Now Smith hopes the team can lift Saharah’s spirits through calls, Skype sessions, emails and more until the family can come back to Columbia sometime during the spring. She knows her student-athletes will benefit from Saharah’s

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is dedicated to partnering children with brain tumors with college and high school athletic teams to help improve the quality of life for the kids.

South Carolina begins its 2014 season on Feb. 7 in the Carolina Classic against Iowa. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.