Photo Gallery

GLENSIDE, Pa. – As the Arcadia softball team prepares for the 2016 campaign, head coach Sarah Norris made an announcement of a new addition. In conjunction with the Friends of Jaclyn Foudation, eight-year-old Jordyn Visalli became the newest member of the Knights' program.

The Glenside native came to campus October 7, 2015 to sign her letter of intent and meet her new teammates before being formally introduced to campus during Arcadia's women's volleyball match.

"Our team is elated to welcome Jordyn to our family," said Norris. "We are very thankful to Friends of Jacyln for making this relationship possible especially because Jordyn and her family live so close to Arcadia's campus!" 

The purpose of the Friends of Jacklyn Foundation is to pair children battling pediatric brain tumors with college and high school sports teams across the country. The aim is to create lasting relationships between the student-athletes, the children and their families, which will offer support and friendship through their fight with the disease.  

Born with Neurofibromatosis (NF1), Jordyn was diagnosed at the age of eight months. NF1 causes tumors and childhood cancers to grow anywhere on or in the body and also affects multiple body systems. She also suffers from kidney failure. She has been diagnosed with a tumor on her cerebellum and one or her hypothalamus, and recently a third tumor in her brain.

Despite her condition, "Jordyn is energetic, motivated, determined and full of love. She supplies enough energy for a small city, and her energy is contagious and brings happiness to everyone that knows her. She is a fighter and in her own words 'BRAVE'" says Jordyn's mother Jodi.

"We hope to have her at most home games, team functions and anything team related that she would like to be a part of," noted Norris.  "We hope to bring Jordyn laughter and joy to take her mind off of any day-to-day struggles, and in turn she will help the members of our team grow and inspire us with the resilience and positivity she exudes each day."