Ainsley is a spirited and courageous 7 year old who is so caring and determined. After our team attended the Friends of Jaclyn Challenge banquet at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston, prior to the Northwestern vs. Georgetown game, they were inspired to adopt a girl to be part of our own team. Ann Elliott, our assistant coach and Northwestern graduate, was able to connect our program with Ainsley, since her mom is an academic adviser at Northwestern. Our team met Ainsley and her family right before our "Fight Kids Cancer" game against our conference rival, Evanston Township High School on April 22. The girls immediately fell in love with her. The team presented her with a jersey and soon she had blue and green painted on her face and was on the sidelines as part of the team. Ainsley ran with the team onto the field for starting line ups, lined up for the National Anthem and then cheered on the team during the game. But the love and support didn't end there, Ainsley came to team dinners, playoff games, our team banquet and even to the birthday party for my 7 year old daughter. Her mom even let her stay out way past her bedtime when she cheered our team on winning the state championship. It has been awesome having Ainsley and her younger brother Cully around our team, as they have taught our players the importance of cherishing each day, showing love for others and how to deal with adversity.

This is from Carly Tschantz, an All-American on our team who sums up what Ainsley means to our team.

"Since we met you Ainsley, I've always carried the thought of you one my shoulder like a guardian angel. On the field, I never took my 'Ainsley' bracelet off even when we were suppose to; instead, I put a sweatband over it so you would always be with me on and off the field. You inspired me through so many tough times, and when ever I saw you at games, Carbos, or the banquet everything else didn't matter. You not only affected this whole team and helped us win a state championship, you taught me how to live life to its fullest. You're the little sister I always wanted, and this summer we will be dancing to a lot of Hannah Montana; I promise."

This is from Ginny Gummersall, an All-American who will continue playing at Boston College next year on how much Ainsley has inspired our team.

"The day our team met Ainsley, our eyes were opened and we all learned the true meaning of "unbreakable spirit." Although she is just a tiny little girl, she has a giant sized heart and a soul that is both joyous and wise. How could a little girl so bubbly and full of life be dealing with cancer? And if she can do what she does, most definitely the rest of us can deal with ANYTHING. For Ainsley, and because of Ainsley, I aspire to celebrate every single day for what it is and never take even one small special moment for granted. In this way, Ainsley is our true angel and we dedicate this magical season to her."