March 18, 2010: Athletics

Members of the Ohio Wesleyan women’s lacrosse team surround Violet at the team’s adoption ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Julie Duffy

An Inspiring ‘Teammate’
OWU women’s lacrosse team ‘adopts’ 7-year-old Violet

The Ohio Wesleyan women’s lacrosse team had an especially memorable home opener on Wednesday.

After a 19-5 win over Mount St. Joseph, the Battling Bishops celebrated by hoisting their newest team member, Violet, to their shoulders.

The team recently “adopted” Violet, a seven-year-old girl who is battling a rare type of malignant brain tumor. During the game, Violet stood on the sidelines with the team, wearing her own OWU jersey with the number 11.

On Tuesday, the team held a formal “adoption” ceremony to honor Violet. Along with the women’s lacrosse team, the Ohio Wesleyan baseball, football, and men’s and women’s soccer teams also were present to show their support. The football team has adopted Violet’s two brothers, involving the whole family in the experience.

The adoptions were arranged through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a non-profit organization that pairs collegiate athletic teams with children with brain tumors. Violet was paired with the Ohio Wesleyan women’s lacrosse team in late February. The team goes in small groups to visit Violet every week and communicates with her via text messages daily.

Violet’s mother, Robin, emphasized how much the team is a support system for Violet and her family. Robin believes this experience will give Violet strength and hope in the upcoming months. Violet will be back in the hospital soon for surgery, chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and 6 weeks of radiation treatment.

At the adoption ceremony, team captain Lauren Rogers ’10 also expressed her appreciation for this new relationship with Violet. “She has changed our priorities and passions. She inspires us to fight because she does every day,” says Rogers. She calls the experience “eye-opening and uplifting.”

Head coach Julie Duffy makes sure Violet is fully involved with the team, referring to her as “assistant coach” and putting Violet’s conditioning suggestions, such as long distance running, into practice. Duffy realizes the impact Violet has on her team. “It has already made them realize that there are people dealing with tougher things in life and that they can’t take any moment for granted.”

Although Violet will not be able to attend the next few games, she will still be with the team in spirit. The Bishops have laced their shoes with violet-colored laces so that Violet can be with the team on the field for every goal and victory.

– Amanda Kosmata ’12