By Marc Hardin
NKyTribune contributor
Northern Kentucky University is announcing some big news on Tuesday. The softball team is signing 12-year-old Destiny Owen, a multi-faceted youngster from Florence.
Destiny comes to NKU from Team IMPACT, a Boston-based national non-profit that connects children ages 5-16 facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams. Destiny is courageously battling gastrointestinal disorder and a sleep disorder.
Norse coach Kathryn Gleason said her squad wants a strong fighter in its midst so it is a win-win situation all around.
“We are so excited to have Destiny as part of our team. It’s a good fit,” the coach said. “I think Tuesday’s going to be a big moment, a great day for all of us.”
The team met Destiny at a pizza party during the fall schedule. She has attended a handful of NKU practices. Tuesday’s 3:45 p.m. “Draft Day” celebration on campus at HC 226 makes things official. That day, Destiny will become a full-fledged member of the softball team. She will attend Norse practices, games, team dinners, events, and more.
“Hopefully, we can take her out some time and have some fun and maybe have her hit off a tee,” senior Kara Meter said.
Destiny’s big day will include a news conference, the signing of a National Letter of Intent and special remarks by Gleason. The coach said Destiny brings some special assets to the Norse including determination, strength, courage, an outgoing personality, and a winning smile.
“She is always smiling when we’re around her,” the coach said. “And she always has something to say. Our kids have taken to Destiny and she has taken to them. She’s special.”
Meter, one of four ambassadors who will help coordinate a schedule with Destiny, likes having her hanging around the softball field.
“The team was extremely excited when we got the message that a new player is coming. When we heard it was Destiny, we thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Meter said. “It’s been nice having her at practices. She eases our minds.”
Destiny was diagnosed four years ago. The mission at Team IMPACT is to improve the quality of life for children facing debilitating illnesses through the power of team while forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. The child becomes part of the athletic team and the student-athletes join the child’s support group.
Coach Gleason first heard about the organization several years ago while coaching at Michigan State. She was eager to help make an impact on a young person’s life when she came to NKU and so were her players. She believes that it was their destiny to meet Destiny.
“When they contacted me two months ago and said they found her, I was so happy,” Gleason said. “Our philosophy around the athletic experience includes being involved in the community. We’re fortunate to be able to help somebody out and it’s good for us.”
Team IMPACT has matched nearly 1,600 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 48 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes who experience lessons of courage, resiliency and perspective that can’t be learned in a classroom. For more information, visit goteamimpact.org.