SAGU's softball team has been keeping busy this fall with off-season practices. On top of their training, they began a unique partnership with the Miracle League of Ellis County.

The Miracle League serves children and adults who suffer from any type of physical or mental disability that might cause them to be excluded from conventional baseball or softball leagues. The partnership between the Miracle League and SAGU softball has created a special opportunity for both sets of athletes.

Miracle Leagues Marcus Armstrong says, “To our athletes, the SAGU girls are nothing short of heroes. The SAGU girls really have no idea the magnitude of the impact they make on those kid's lives and experience.”

For the SAGU athletes, the feeling is mutual. Coach Sarah Harman explains, “They have just embraced those kids and it’s so heartwarming to see the interactions between the kids, parents, and athletes. My girls have said that they have learned so much by working alongside this organization.”

While Harman was working in Alabama, she learned about the Miracle League in Tuscaloosa and had a great experience with the organization. Once she arrived in Waxahachie, Texas, she found a Miracle League in Arlington and signed up her team to volunteer. While volunteering in Arlington, she was told Waxahachie is in the process of starting a league of their own.

“I got in contact with them and they were so excited to have us volunteer as buddies for the children,” explains Harman.

Each SAGU player gets paired with a child and is their “buddy.” They assist them with batting and running bases while they are on the field. For players in wheelchairs, SAGU athletes will help them with batting and push them around the bases.

“These kids have so much joy on the field regardless of the outcome and that’s something we talk about as a team,” remarks Harman, “showing that joy of softball through Jesus, focusing and enjoying the process and celebrate the gifts God has given us rather than worry about outcomes.”

Because of the unique disabilities of the Miracle League participants, they are raising awareness and money to build their own field that will be able to include and welcome all people with special needs.