The softball program is hosting its second annual Be The Match drive during Saturday's doubleheader against Evansville and encourages all fans to take the opportunity to join the National Marrow Registry.

Everyone involved – then-12-year-old Andie Kalemba, Andie’s parents, Stan and Michelle, and members of the Valparaiso University softball program – knew that February 8, 2016 would be a special night. That evening, in conjunction with Team IMPACT – a nonprofit that creates team-based support systems for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses – the Crusaders welcomed Andie as an official member of the team, as she signed a Letter of Agreement to join the Valpo program.

But nobody could have anticipated not only the positive impact that being a member of Team IMPACT and the Crusader softball program would have on Andie, but also the impact that Andie would have on all the members of the softball team. Now in her third season as a Crusader, we take a look back on Andie’s time with the program in their own words with Andie, former Crusader Jorgi Calombaris and current Crusader Brenna Boyle.

Being a member of the Valpo Softball program has given Andie a support network of friends and teammates, who have been there to support her every step of the way as she has moved from middle school into high school.

Andie: “Being a part of Team IMPACT and Valpo Softball has definitely changed me over the years. It helped me improve my personality and creativity and it helped me to be happy with who I am. It has also helped me with being brave and standing out from the crowd in a positive way. Team IMPACT reminds me that my opinion matters and it taught me that I can do something and I don’t have to be scared anymore.”

Jorgi: “I have seen Andie grow into a confident young lady. She is fierce. She is fearless. And she brings her personality wherever she goes. I have watched Andie tell her story to strangers. I have watched Andie inspire an entire community and do so without skipping a beat. Andie is mature beyond her years and I think has found her voice over the past few years she has spent as a Crusader.”

Brenna: “Andie has grown into an amazing young woman. At first Andie was a little shy, but now she is outgoing and fits in with our team perfectly. She is always laughing, dancing, and having a great time when she is around us. She has tremendous confidence in herself as she is now a freshman at Lake Central High School and doing so well. I think being a part of this team has encouraged her to just be herself, because she is pretty awesome.”

Andie: “Being part of the softball program has helped me grow. I get surprised by my own strength and my athleticism. I used to not care about sports and I would get frustrated in a gym class because I was never strong or I was always easily exhausted.  Now, I love playing sports in the gym. My favorite is softball!  I also am surprised by the fact that I don’t get very upset if I fail a test or if I didn’t get a lead role in a play. The team taught me that failure is a part of life and you have to make something positive out of it.”

Over the last few years, Andie has been a part of many memorable moments with the team – perhaps none more memorable than the team’s run to the 2016 Horizon League Championship.

Andie: “One of the biggest moments that stood out to me was when the team and I won the Horizon League championship. Throughout my life before Team IMPACT and Valpo Softball, I had never won any medals or awards, so it really helped boost my confidence.  It taught me that any role you have in something makes a big difference.”

Brenna: “I knew right away when Andie joined our team that she would have a big impact on this program, but little did I know how big an impact she would actually have on us. I truly believe that Andie was our "secret weapon" during the Horizon League tournament because of the positive vibes that she brought to the dugout. It wasn't just a coincidence that we won the tournament the same year she came to our program.”

Jorgi: “I wholeheartedly believe a lot of our success that year had to do with Andie. She is a fighter, and I think our unexpected run through the tournament that season represented a bit of the fight she helped to instill in us.”

But it’s not just the big moments that have meant a lot to Andie on the field – sometimes, the smallest moments bring a smile to her face as well.

Andie: “Another moment that stands out to me is when I’m in the dugout during games. Once one girl is done batting, the next player doesn’t automatically go pick up the bat and give it to another player – instead, they let me get it on my own. If they do pick up the bat, they would give it directly to me. It may be a minor choice, but to me it makes me feel so great about myself and it tells me that the team trusts me handling their equipment.”

While softball brought Andie and the Crusaders together, the relationship between the players and Andie extends well beyond the diamond.

Jorgi: “When Andie signed to become a part of the Valpo Softball program, she became a part of our family. She told us on that signing day that she wanted best friends for life. And that is what we’ve become. She supported us, and in turn, we wanted to support her in every way we could. Andie was in a play last winter and we wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to cheer her on, especially since she spends most of her days cheering for Valpo Softball. Best friends show up for each other, and that is what we try to do through our friendship with Andie.”

Brenna: “Inside of softball, Andie is our teammate. Outside, she is our friend. Andie is such a fun-loving girl, so it is always fun to have her around or even just to text her throughout the week. We like to hang out with her during the summer by going to dinner or to get ice cream to catch up and hang out. The most fun time we had with Andie was when we all got the chance to see her perform on stage at her middle school play last year. Just like in softball, she had to practice long and hard so she can perform to the best of her capabilities on stage. She was a rock star and we loved being in the crowd watching her do what she loves. They joy on her face said it all. We look forward to supporting her more in the future as she is in another play in just a few weeks.”

Andie: “Knowing that I have a strong and amazing softball team behind me no matter what makes feel absolutely amazing! They support me in everything I do, whether it’s getting an A on a difficult test or performing in a play. If I have a bad day at school, they always cheer me up. I love how they include me in their activities like going out to eat or throwing a party. I’ve made lifelong best friends that I can always talk to, and I’ve had incredible experiences I will always remember.”

The impact Andie has had on the Crusaders over the past three seasons has been immeasurable, both on and off the field.

Brenna: “Having Andie as a part of our team is truly a blessing. She has impacted me in ways I never even thought possible. She reminds me that there’s more to life than softball and to always have a positive outlook on life no matter what. I have been able to have a special relationship with Andie, especially since we live in the same town. Her family supports me in everything I do in life and I am so thankful to know them and to have such great people in my life. Even though I am graduating this year, I know that we will stay close forever.”

Jorgi: “Andie has been nothing but a blessing to the Valpo Softball family. Part of Team IMPACT’s purpose is to partner athletic teams and provide children the opportunity to be positively impacted, but Andie has given Valpo Softball far more than anything we will ever be able to give back to her. I can’t imagine having played my final two years as a Crusader without Andie as my teammate. When I think back on my playing days, I remember Andie’s smiling, uplifting personality that was always there to greet me game after game, win or loss. Andie added to the culture of the program just by being herself. I can confidently say that one of the greatest things to ever happen to Valpo Softball was the addition of Andie to the program.”

Having recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her bone marrow transplant, Andie has a lot to be thankful for – the years she has been able to spend with Valpo Softball and the relationships she has built being right up there.

Andie: “I want to thank Team IMPACT for pairing me with Valpo Softball and want to thank my parents for signing me up for Team IMPACT and always believing in me. I want to thank everybody on the Valpo Softball team for loving me the way I am, for being interested with what I have to say and do, and for cheering me on, both on and off the field!”