The UF volleyball team welcomed its newest teammate on Friday. (Photo: UAA Communications)
Photo By: Dakota Williams
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gators officially welcomed their newest teammate, 3-year-old Sophia Murrillo, at a ceremony held on Friday.
In front of her family, newest teammates and the entire volleyball family, Sophia received her Florida jersey and gifts from the team.
Sophia and the Gators were paired together through the Friends of Jaclyn organization. She loves Minnie Mouse, the Wizard of Oz and purple.
"Sophia, you now have 16 sisters, supporting you for life," head coach
Mary Wise said. "We want to thank you for giving us this opportunity to welcome you into our family."
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors or other childhood cancers. They also raise awareness through their Adopt-A-Child, Safe on the Sidelines and Guardian Angel programs.
"We are so excited to have Sophia here with us on the team," said sophomore
Thayer Hall. "All 16 of us are going to have her back and we are so thankful to both Sophia and her family."
As much as the team will keep Sophia in high spirits over the course of the season, the positivity and light that Sophia brings to every situation will only lift the Gators as they enter into the 2019 season.
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