When UIndy head coach Melissa Frost and her softball team were partnered with 13-year-old Indianapolis native Emmy Steele through Team IMPACT, they knew they were gaining a new teammate. What they didn't know at the time was just how much of an impact that new teammate was going to have on the Greyhounds.
 
Team IMPACT is a national non-profit organization that matches children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams across the country. Emmy, specifically, has a condition called Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (WSS), a rare genetic disorder that can cause challenges most middle schoolers aren't forced to confront.
 
But as Emmy deals with those challenges every day, she has become a ray of sunshine for the entire Greyhounds' softball team.
 
"Emmy is a constant reminder to go out and play the game we love, with passion and joy," said UIndy senior Shelby Cook. "Having Emmy on our team has given us a new purpose and something to play for that is bigger than ourselves."
 
"She reminds us that the game is bigger than ourselves and to work hard for each other every day," added sophomore Abbey Brown. "She is our biggest supporter, which makes the hard days so much easier to push through. She has brought the team closer with her big heart and has definitely made her impact on each and every one of us."
 
A CHAMPIONSHIP IMPACT
UIndy's all-time winningest coach, Frost fielded one of her youngest-ever rosters last spring. As with all young teams, the Greyhounds went through some growing pains early, hovering just above .500 at midseason.
 
Things began to click for the Hounds, however. Thanks in no small part of Emmy and her influence.
 
"It was truly so rewarding being able to see Emmy's face light up after a big win," recalled Brown. "She wanted it so bad for us, which made us push so much harder. She knew exactly what to say in her pre-game videos to pump us up and take down the opponent."
 
UIndy would run off seven consecutive wins to close the month of March and later won 10 of its final 14 regular-season games.
 
During the Greyhounds' championship run at the GLVC Tournament, Emmy was in constant communication with the team, and when the Hounds reached the championship game, she even made a surprise appearance to cheer on her team in-person.
 
"I believe that being able to talk back and forth with Emmy during the tournament is truly what kept us hungry and fighting every game," shared Cook. "Seeing her at the championship game probably meant more to me than it did to her."
 
"Seeing her in the stands brought us a lot of energy and desire to win for her," added junior Cara Cooper. "Emmy is such an inspiration to us and winning that championship with her being there made it more meaningful."
 
"Having Emmy with us for the championship game is something we will never forget," Brown threw in. "It was truly so rewarding being able to see Emmy's face light up after the win, and her excitement and seeing how proud she was of us made all the hard work so worth it."
 
A LIFE-CHANGING BOND
Emmy has made a profound impact on the UIndy softball team, but the Greyhounds hope they can be a beacon of light in her life as well.
 
"I hope Emmy knows she will forever have 19 built-in sisters," Brown said. "I hope she knows she is never alone. She means the world to us, and we will always be there for her and her wonderful family."
 
"If anything, I hope Emmy learns how much we love and adore her for who she is," commented Cook. "She is the light in a dark room, and her personality truly uplifts all those around her. I hope she knows that she will always have us as her teammates and sisters, and that she can turn to us whenever she needs support."
 
The bond between Emmy and the Greyhounds has been life-changing for everyone involved, and it's a relationship that will remain special for a lifetime.
  
"Emmy means the world to us," added Cooper. "She is the most loving girl and has truly become a part of our sisterhood. She has become the reason why we push ourselves above and beyond each day."
 
The relationship between Emmy Steele and the UIndy softball team is a testament to the power of connection and the impact it can have on both individuals and teams.
 
Emmy's presence has brought a new perspective and inspiration to the Greyhounds, helping them achieve greatness, on and off the field. In turn, the Greyhounds have provided Emmy with a supportive and loving community, helping her develop self-confidence and other important life skills. The unique partnership exemplifies the positive influence that sports and team dynamics can have in overcoming adversity and creating lasting bonds.