VIDEO: UCF Knights, FSU Seminoles Softball Programs Unite For Cancer Patient Julie Spurlock

JULIE THROWS OUT FIRST PITCH

ABOVE VIDEO: Thanks to the University of Central Florida and Florida State University softball teams, Julie Spurlock of Merritt Island, Florida, for a short time, was able to forget her illness and have fun.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Every once in a while things fall into place exactly as planned, and a recent night in Orlando was one of those times. For a 17-year-old girl battling cancer good times are hard to come by, and when they do, they are very special.

Thanks to the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Florida State University (FSU) softball teams, that 17-year-old girl, Julie Spurlock of Merritt Island, Florida, for a short time, was able to forget her illness and have fun.

Recently, the then number one team in the nation—FSU, traveled to Orlando to take on UCF in a non-conference softball game. The stands were packed with supporters of both schools.

The fans were treated to a very good softball game, and although the home team came up short, they did not go down easily to the top ranked team in the nation. The score was 2-0 going into the 7th inning. The Seminoles added two more runs and finished with a 4-0 win.

Julie had been sent a video clip of support from the FSU players to encourage her to keep battling in her fight against cancer and was hoping to meet the team one day.

She had also received a video clip from the Knights, and wanted to meet them too.

With FSU scheduled to play in Orlando, the timing was perfect for her to meet the players from both teams. That’s when things started to fall into place.

UCF Coach-Renee Gillispie and the UCF administration set things in motion for Julie to not only meet the team, but have her throw out the first pitch. This reporter had already been in communication with Coach Lonni Alameda of FSU, and Julie was going to have her chance to meet the Noles as well.

Julie was allowed to go on the field and meet the FSU players and coaches before the game. She was set to meet the UCF coaches and team after the game and things continued to work perfectly.

With a packed house, and players lining the base paths, Julie threw a perfect strike to start the game!

After the game, something very special occurred as both teams met at the pitcher’s circle, held hands, and prayed for a speedy recovery for Julie. It was one of the most touching tributes I has ever seen.

For a brief moment the players and coaches set aside the hard fought game that just took place, and came together as one. They focused on what’s really important; not a 4-0 victory by one team, but the health of a young person who wants nothing more than to lead a normal life.

Thank you UCF and thank you FSU for allowing things to fall into place exactly as planned.

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