VERO BEACH, Fla. – It was more than Team USA hopefuls taking the field at this year’s U.S. Women’s Fast Pitch Camp as Kaydence Barnes – a 16-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient – joined the athletes for the two-day camp held at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. Granting the wish for Kaydence was the Make-A-Wish Foundation after she expressed that her ultimate wish was to “meet the U.S. Women’s Softball Team” – a wish USA Softball was thrilled to help fulfill.
Kaydence has battled with epilepsy her entire life, while recently being diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Traveling all the way from Topeka, Kan., Barnes was joined with her mom – who she credits for getting her involved in the game – as well as her best friend Taryn and aunt Jenny, who have been two of her biggest supporters throughout her journey. Her love for the game started when she was six years old and has only grown stronger ever since.
“Once I gave softball a shot, I instantly fell in love,” said Kaydence. “It allows me to meet new friends who always turn into family. It allows me to compete, and most of all – which is my favorite – it allows me to slide and dive on the field whenever I want.”
That love and passion for the game is what formed one of her three wishes for the Make-A-Wish foundation – to meet the U.S. Women’s National Team, which was joined with a wish to meet Patrick Mahomes and Kevin Hart. When asked which wish she wanted the most, it was the sport she loves the most that came to mind.
“I chose this wish because it was the wish that involved what I love most – playing softball,” she said. “I remember watching Team USA on TV when I was younger and my mom saying to me ‘that could be you one day’ – and I mean, here I am… Hanging out with the team and the coaches.”
Throughout the camp, Kaydence joined the athletes on the field as a bat girl while also getting to know them off the field – an experience she noted as her most favorite. “The girls are so fun and goofy and nice. They’ve truly made me feel like a part of the family – They are incredible.”
At the conclusion of the camp, Kaydence was presented with an Olympic softball jersey signed by her favorite athlete – Cat Osterman, who just so happened to also be the one to present it. “That was truly something I never thought would happen. I can’t stop crying because of how happy I am,” Kaydence expressed.
A true advocate for children of all ages with disabilities, Kaydence aims to be an example that you can do whatever you want to do with the right amount of effort and hard work. “It doesn’t matter who you are and having a disability is nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn’t define me, and it shouldn’t define anyone else, either.”
Click here to learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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