ASHLAND, Va. -- A local six-year-old overcoming tall odds signed a national letter of intent to join the Randolph-Macon women's lacrosse team Friday. Allie Jones is fun loving, with a smile to brighten any day, but she’s been through a lot in her six years.
Born three months pre-mature, Allie’s lives with Cerebral Palsy and her stomach and colon doesn't work. She faces multiple transplants in her future.
“She has an IV in her chest. It is hooked up 24 hours a day seven days a week,” Allie mom, Amanda Jones said.
Allie Jones signs with the women's lacrosse team
Despite her circumstances, Amanda said her daughter's resolve is limitless.
Thanks to Team Impact, an organization that matches courageous kids facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams, Allie found herself a new support team.
“When she signed her celebratory letter for us today it doesn't say for the next four years it says forever,” said RMC lacrosse coach MK Geratowski.
Allie Jones signs with the women's lacrosse team
Allie officially joined the lacrosse team as a new mid-fielder Friday. During the official press conference teammates presented Allie with her very own lacrosse stick.
She also got the jersey she will wear for the Yellow Jackets this season, number 32.
The squad’s new pint-sized secret weapon sharpened her skills on the Randolph Macon turf as she took in her first practice with her new teammates.
“She looks so forward to coming here and seeing 'my team,'” said Allie's mother.
Allie may never play in a single game, but that does not matter to her new team.
“She is there at everything. She gives her all at everything. She is a support system to all of us,” said Allie Walker, Junior lacrosse player at RMC.
The team says Allie has already made a big impact on their team from the sidelines. Having her spirit and bright smile as a part of their program has already made their season a success.
Allie
“Allie Jones joined our team and were so excited about that,” said Randolph Macon lacrosse player Alex Lightfoot.
“I can’t believe she has gone through so much and she is such a happy girl,” said another player.
It is that fighting spirit the Yellow Jackets hope to harness on the field.
Amanda said this day meant so much for her daughter and their family, “I will never be able to thank the coaches and players for what they've done for Allie.”
