JOHNSON, Vt.—Last month, the Johnson State College softball team kicked off the 2013 season by drafting 11 year-old Shaina Herring of Worcester, Vt. to this season's line-up. The newest Badger has already made a lasting impression on the team and coaching staff.

Last year, Herring was diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). Herring has been paired with the Johnson State College softball team with the through Team IMPACT; a Massachusetts based non-profit which aims to improve the quality of life for children facing adverse issues. 

Herring has been in and out of the hospital multiple times over the past year so playing sports, which is a passion of hers, has been challenging. Herring has been through biopsies, surgeries and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment every three weeks. As of February those treatments are behind her making it possible for her to spend time with the softball team. According to Herring, her "favorite number is 24," and she "likes the colors neon green and pink."  Her favorite sports are basketball and most importantly, softball.

Freshman Connor Kelsey said, "It was great to see Shaina at our practice and see her smiling. It gave me another reason to push through knowing she was there supporting us while we were supporting her." Junior Amber McCollock added, "She's a hero in my eyes, and I truly look up to her and her strength."

Johnson State looks forward to sharing many more practices and games with Herring and her family. The JSC Badgers will be promoting awareness of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this spring and hope to raise money to go towards research in honor of their new "teammate."

Team IMPACT is a non-profit chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing adverse issues and events by establishing and expanding vibrant team-based support networks.Core to their model is harnessing the power of teamwork by matching these courageous kids with college athletic teams. Team IMPACT children are drafted onto local college athletic teams and become an official member of the team for the duration of their treatment and beyond. For more information on Team IMPACT, visit www.goteamimpact.org.