Rebekah Llorens is happy to be a fan every time she volunteers for the West Michigan Miracle League with her Hope College women's basketball teammates.
The Hope senior co-captain relishes the opportunity to witness and assist youth with physical and mental challenges playing baseball in an environment created for them and their families.
"The line that the organization uses is true: you may think you're changing the lives of the kids, but the kids definitely change you!" said Llorens, a standout post player on the women's basketball team who is studying history and music at Hope.
"We love helping them out and playing with them. Their spunk, personality, and pure joy at the chance to play baseball definitely challenges us and our priorities. There are more important things in life than sports, but the Miracle League is an awesome opportunity to empower kids whose daily living is difficult.
"We get to witness that empowerment and joy, and I think that's pretty cool."
The West Michigan Miracle League is located in Rockford, about 15 north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. it features a field with special playing surface that allows even children and teens who need walkers or wheelchairs for mobility to play baseball.
Members of Hope's women's basketball and softball teams have volunteered since the Miracle League's debut in 2013.
Tony Comden, West Michigan Miracle League's founder and president, is grateful for volunteers like Hope's student-athletes, including coach Brian Morehouse's women's basketball team.
"Brian's teams really care," Comden said. "I've been impressed with Hope in general, and Brian's team in particular, and how they interact with our Miracle League kids. They want to be there, not because somebody told them, but because they want to be."
Llorens has impressed Comden with her sincere engagement with Miracle League participants.
"She's not just standing next to the child, she's talking with them, encouraging them and giving them high-fives," Comden said. "I always strive to pair her with the kids that have the most severe impairments. It can be a challenge, but she's so engaging, comforting and very comfortable with them. She becomes part of the enjoyment of playing baseball for them that day.
"It's a blessing to have them, and Rebekah, in particular."
Llorens enjoys every minute at the West Michigan Miracle League.
"Joy always comes to mind when I think of Miracle League. There's no experience like it, and the kids are so excited to be there," Llorens said. "Their joy definitely rubs off on us!
"The field offers freedom, for however brief a time. These kids come and they all get to play and be superstars for a game. That wouldn't be an option in a regular league. The kids are excited to play, and the parents are excited to give their kids the opportunity to play a sport that the kids probably watch but can't try conventionally."
The Miracle League players offer lessons on perseverance and toughness, even to elite NCAA Division III athletes like Llorens and her Hope teammates.
Llorens recalls one learning moment vividly.
"I stood in the outfield with my buddy in the third game, our last of the afternoon. I hadn't been on my feet that long in a while, & I was tired!" Llorens said. "I dropped into a squatting position to relieve my legs, but before I knew it my buddy pulled me up by the arm. I teased him about his not letting me rest, and he replied 'No!' He could only reply to yes-or-no questions."
"I stood for the rest of the game with him. If he could stand out in the field, then so could I. I'll never forget it!"
