Stonehill Softball Drafts Ari Gallagher from Team IMPACT

Hanover, Massachusetts native becomes newest member of Skyhawks softball program

Ari was presented with her own locker

EASTON, Mass. (April 9, 2018) – The Stonehill College softball program has announced the signing of Hanover, Massachusetts native Arianna Gallagher to its program during a draft day through Team IMPACT at the Sally Blair Sports Complex on Saturday morning prior to playing a doubleheader against the College of Saint Rose.

Arianna, 14-years old, was diagnosed at the age of one with Williams Syndrome. This syndrome is a genetic condition that causes different developmental delays and medical complexities. Arianna has to monitor her cardiac status because of the affects it takes on her heart. She also had a spinal fusion three years ago.

Team IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, Play Against Challenges Together), a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams to form life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes, matched Ari with the softball team and they first met at a Saturday morning practice in mid-March.

"Ari was very upbeat, had a smile on her face that was extremely contagious, and when I first introduced myself she gave me a hug right away," stated sophomore Kazi Walker (Quaker Hill, Connecticut/Waterford). "We couldn't have asked for a better match. This team is already very enthusiastic, so adding one more person to the group will just mean more memories and smiles."

On Saturday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m., it was official, Ari signed her name on the line and became the 18^th member of this year's softball team. At the ceremony, Ari was given her own Stonehill softball jersey (#14), fitting her age, a matching softball cap, a bag filled with goodies, and of course a picture with Ace. By signing the contract, she agreed to be a part of the team by coming to practices and games whenever she can and representing her teammates by wearing her Stonehill gear.

Ari threw out the first pitch prior to softball's doubleheader versus Saint Rose

"I want to thank Team IMPACT for the wonderful work that they do, so that we could have a match with Arianna," remarked Head Coach Ken LeGrice. "It was a long recruiting process, there were a lot of colleges and universities that were interested in signing Arianna and we are pleased to have her sign with Stonehill today. Her energy, enthusiasm, and friendliness will inspire us every day when we step on the field."

In attendance was the entire softball team, Ari's family including her mother, Michelle, her father Tim, and her grandfather. "We are on cloud nine from such an amazing day!" exclaimed Michelle. "It is truly one of the best days of Arianna's life. We are forever grateful."

Ari was also surprised with her own locker in the softball locker room filled with a helmet, a bat, a rally towel, and a ball signed by the whole team. Following the signing, Ari threw out the first pitch of the Skyhawks doubleheader against the College of Saint Rose.

Stonehill (5-16, 4-7 NE10) is scheduled to host Merrimack College on Wednesday, April 11 for a doubleheader on Fr. Gartland Field with a starting time of 3:00 p.m. in Northeast-10 Conference divisional play.

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