The Park University softball program and Chloe Wilson are a perfect fit for one another. The 7-year old was born in 2018 and had a hard start to life with a Congenital Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis at just 6-months of age. Through Team Impact though, Chloe is now officially part of the Park Softball Team for at least the next two years.
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.
It can be rare that Chloe would have the same opportunities to be on a high school or college team, but through this collaboration she is officially a Park Pirate.
Chloe put ink on it at her official signing day at 3pm on October 28 on the flagship campus of Park University in historic downtown Parkville, Mo. It was a joyous occasion for all involved and the connection between Chloe and the team radiated.
“I’ll like you guys forever & ever”, said Chloe to members of the team following the signing. This connection has been building over the fall, as Chloe and the team had a tea party together in September. Members of Park softball can’t wait for more time to build this bond with their little teammate and are brainstorming more ideas to spend time together before spring practice and games get going.
Chloe’s mom, Carol jokingly said, “She is getting comfortable and she’s already started to lead the team”. Following the signing, she also said “We are so grateful to be part of this opportunity, as the first family with Team Impact to match with Park University. Hopefully we can get the word out there and there can be another child to celebrate with in the future”.
Head Coach of Park Softball Lindsey Derry set up the time well at the signing saying, “We’re here to celebrate Chloe and her commitment to Park! We are super excited for everything that she gets to learn from our team and what we will learn from her and her family. We are all here to build this community and I think that’s really special. Especially what it means to be a Park Pirate and the pride that we carry at Park University”.
Park’s Athletics Director summed it up nicely to Chloe what the commitment means, “What you’re signing is committing to the right way to play and that’s what we take a lot of pride in being part of the NAIA and Park University. Congratulations today!”
Some members of Park softball were present at Davidson Elementary in the North Kansas City School district when Chloe was named a Student of the Month and are also hoping to hear her perform in the school’s choir.
We look forward to seeing how this relationship blossoms and of course to the see the star of the show, Chloe, at the Park Softball Complex for some games.
About Chloe
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite TV Show is The Amazing World of Gumball
Favorite Color: Pink, Purple, Violet
Favorite Song or Walk-up Music: Anything Taylor Swift
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