Courtesy: University of Virginia Athletics
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Head swimming and diving coach Todd DeSorbo announced the signing of Cary Lynn Fields on Friday (April 27) with a special signing ceremony at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Fields, a 6-year-old from Bumpass, Va., was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in 2011.
Fields signed her draft day letter with members of the Cavalier swimming and diving team present. As an official member of the team, Fields will attend Virginia practices, meets, team dinners, events and more.
“It was great having Cary Lynn and her family join our team today in Charlottesville,” DeSorbo said. “Team IMPACT is a fantastic cause and our student-athletes have had a great experience being involved with Cary Lynn. She is a 6-year-old that loves the water and music. Our staff and our student-athletes are excited to have her joining our program and we look forward to having Cary Lynn on the deck at future practices and home competitions.
“Her mother told me she was up at 5 a.m. this morning wanting to put on her orange and blue for the day’s signing. To know that we are having that type of impact in her life is heartening. We welcome Cary Lynn to the Wahoo family and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with her and her family.”
Fields and the Cavaliers connected through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
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- 6-year old Cary Lynn Fields with the Virginia swimming team. Fields signed a draft day letter to attend practices, meets, team dinners and more through Team IMPACT
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- 6-year old Cary Lynn Fields with the Virginia swimming team
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- 6-year old Cary Lynn Fields with the Virginia swimming team
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- 6-year old Cary Lynn Fields with the Virginia swimming team
I have (had) a 15 year old daughter with CP that passed away 6 months ago. This story warmed my heart. I wish I would have thought about doing something like this for her.
Wow, DeSorbo is a lot younger looking than I expected. I love his red glasses though.
what an inspiring bunch. love the picture. God Bless
It is not enough to be an expert in something to be a leader. It is not enough to know swimming to be a great coach. You also need to inspire and create a positive perception about your program. People love to be inspired and they follow great leaders that do that. Looks like DeSorbo is great leader in and out of pool.
Incredible. Such a great idea for the team, coaches, family, etc. I hope more teams follow suit. Great, great idea.
Nice PR stunt, Todd
Nice morals, swack
Yeah, nice job stuntin DeSorbo
Other great coaches have similar outlooks on life……. “The only disability is a bad attitude”…https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/watch-dabo-swinney-shares-special-relationship-clemson-manager-david-saville/
You don’t need to be a fan of Desorbo as a coach to recognize that Desorbo as a person is an outstanding guy.
*sees heartwarming post about college team making a disadvantaged child feel special*
ok but how can I use this to attack the coach?
Anyone else read the headline and think, “And I thought Sophomore year commitments were extreme!” ?
This is awesome!