ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University softball team welcomed its newest member to the 2019 roster Monday evening in a special draft day ceremony. Elaina Haglund officially became a member of the Royals squad in partnership with Team IMPACT.

"The biggest thing with Elaina is she brings just pure joy everywhere she goes," said Head Coach Penny Foore. "Whenever she walks in the room everybody is happy. She can really give us a sense of what sports are really all about and its bringing people together that's really special."

Elaina is 14 years old and is a native of Andover, Minn. with her parents, twin brother, and little brother. Elaina was diagnosed with William's Syndrome in 2006 when she was 1.5 years old but has not let that affect her ability to enjoy numerous activities. As a team member, she will attend practices, games, team dinners, events and more. Elaina will wear the No. 29 jersey for the Royals this season attending as many home games as she can. Her signing day, which took place inside the Robertson Center Gym, included an intro from Coach Foore, presentation of her jersey, media availability for local television and was capped off with what was her favorite part of the night, cake.  

"It's all about God today," said Haglund. "Remember that God always loves you and just have a lot of fun." When asked if she was excited to join the Royals softball team Elaina had one word to say and that was, "YES!"

Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston, MA that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,700 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 49 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes. The child joins the athletic team and the student-athletes join the child's support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie and support while the student-athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency and perspective they can't learn in a classroom.