Spotlight: Duke, 7

Our seven-year-old first grader is a team player. With his wide grin and shining blue eyes, he’s the teammate making his friends laugh on the sidelines. A three-sport athlete who has played flag football, basketball and baseball, he’s quick to point out his preference. “My favorite is baseball. My favorite position is pitching.”

Before his father’s last deployment, his dad coached his flag football team. “I liked having my dad coach,” he said quietly. Typically reticent, he lowered his eyes, remembering. Then, with a sudden smile, he added, “My team was the Panthers, but my dad called us the Eagle Panthers because he liked the Eagles so much.”

Our DWYERFIRE athlete was five that year, the last year his father would coach his team. In the past year and a half, he has grown in so many ways. As his athletic skills have progressed, so has his attitude. This past basketball season, he scored more points, showed more confidence, and had more fun than ever before. As he begins a new baseball season this spring, he’s excited to be on the same team as good friends. He looks forward to playing his favorite sport and will work hard to make this a special season.

“I like playing sports because I like being on a team,” he shares. “Last year, I hit a home run!” We hope to see many more home runs in this young athlete’s future. But, more importantly, we look forward to seeing how his sports experiences continue to shape his character, help him form a positive outlook on life, and keep that mischievous grin lighting up the dugout.