Wolverines Welcome Team IMPACT Teammate Anna Abrams
11/7/2018 6:40:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's gymnastics team officially welcomed 13-year-old Anna Abrams of Commerce Township, Michigan, to its team on Wednesday (Nov. 7) in partnership with Team IMPACT.
Abrams signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Wolverines in a ceremony at the Donald R. Shepherd Women's Gymnastics Training Center. She will be welcome to attend team functions including practices, meets, team dinners and more.
"It is a huge honor," said Anna. "I am so blessed to have such an amazing team to support me as much as I will support them. I want to say thank you to Coach Bev (Plocki) for allowing me to have such an amazing opportunity."
Abrams has mild cerebral palsy in her legs but maintains an active lifestyle. She has been involved with dance for more than 10 years and previously took gymnastics lessons as well as playing Miracle League softball and swimming. Her family started a sled hockey team in their area with Anna's father, Steve, serving as the coach. Anna also likes to act and sing.
"Anna has always wanted to be a part of a team, but because of her condition she hasn't been able to fulfill that dream," said Rhonda Abrams, Anna's mother.
Abrams signs her NLI at the Shepherd Gymnastics Training Center as Plocki looks on.
The Abrams family learned of Team IMPACT through another child and their family. The child was a patient at the hospital where Rhonda works, and they started sharing stories about their children when the organization came up. Anna has been an inspiration to the team in the short time they have gotten to know her.
"It is exciting to make it official," said junior Maggie O'Hara. "She has been a lot of inspiration and motivation for us. She brings a lot of happy, positive energy to the gym. She comes in with a big smile every time she comes to the gym."
Joining Anna at the ceremony were her mother (Rhonda) and father (Steve) as well as the Wolverines team and staff. She becomes Team IMPACT Michigan teammates with Larry Prout (football), Brendan Randolph (men's lacrosse), Aiden Hansen (men's soccer), Jude Stamper (men's basketball) and Phoebe Keech (women's lacrosse).
Players Mentioned
