Athelte Highlight: Kristin

My name is Kristin, and I’ve been playing Miracle League baseball for three years. If I had to describe Miracle Park in one word, it would be exciting.

I love being outside and playing baseball with all my friends. My volunteer baseball buddy, April, is always there for me and helps me feel happy and confident. I truly love everything about Miracle League. I also play using a beeper ball, which helps me hear the ball so I can hit it.

Being part of Miracle League has helped me grow in so many ways. It has helped build my confidence, teamwork skills, muscle coordination, exercise, and patience. My family loves coming to watch me play and cheer me on as I’m part of a team. We also enjoy all the arts and crafts, bingo, and extra activities with Terry Hagen.

To me, Miracle Park is a special place that brings our community together. It has inclusive spaces where everyone can come and enjoy being together. I truly love Miracle Park.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Terry Hagen, who always goes above and beyond to make Miracle Park the happiest place for everyone. And I’m already looking forward to playing bocce and basketball as more opportunities open at the park.

Athlete Highlight: Travis

Travis, 25 years old, has played Miracle League for four seasons, and one word his family uses to describe Miracle Park is inspired. What they love most is the joy that fills the park, from the athletes and volunteers to the families, crowd, and even the therapy dogs that visit. Everyone is simply happy to be part of the community.

Through Miracle League, Travis has grown in confidence and independence. Last season he caught a ball for the first time, and now he can hit the ball without a tee. Being part of the league also gives him time with peers and the chance to be on the field without his mom right beside him, knowing his friends are there to help if he needs it. Because Travis isn’t eligible for many daytime programs, Miracle League gives him a safe and fun way to stay active and connected to his community and friends.

The Padres is Travis' team, they play on Wednesday nights.

For Travis’ family, this opportunity is incredibly meaningful. For years they heard many “can’ts”, that things wouldn’t be safe or possible.  His mom says, "There are many things that we know he will not be able to do. We've been told no so many times. "He's a liability" and "He wouldn't be safe." We've have had to accept that while some of his best friends play college and now pro football he would be on the sidelines. He'd be the biggest smile on the sideline, but the field, with his friends, wasn't a possibility. With Miracle League he gets to be free from Mom and on the field while his family gets to come and cheer. That's something he didn't have before and he does now. Thanks to Miracle Park he has a light to shine in."

Travis also loves spending time on the playground, especially swinging with his nieces and nephew, and his family says the inclusion of people of all ages is what makes Miracle Park so special. They are deeply thankful for the volunteers who make the games possible and for Terry Hagen, who they say has a heart of gold. 

Athlete Highlight: Layne

Layne loves the swings on the playground.

For Layne and his family, one word describes Miracle Park best: joy.

Layne has been part of Miracle League for three seasons, and the experience has become something his whole family looks forward to. His parents say what they love most is being part of a community that accepts them exactly as they are with no explanations necessary. At Miracle Park, there is no pressure, and everyone is celebrated.

Being involved has given Layne the chance to spend time with peers outside of a school environment, building friendships and simply enjoying being a kid. For his parents, it has also provided something rare and meaningful, the opportunity to just show up and be present with their son. In a life that often requires careful planning, Miracle Park offers one beautiful thing that is simple and easy.

Layne especially looks forward to soccer and basketball in Phase 2, where he’ll have even more opportunities to play and connect with others. But some of the most meaningful moments happen off the field. His family says Miracle Park is truly Layne’s happy place, especially when he’s on the playground, swinging as high as he can with a huge smile across his face. Those moments are priceless for their family.

Through Miracle Park, they’ve also met other special needs families, something that reminds them they are not alone on this journey. Layne’s family is especially grateful for the volunteers who make the games possible, the staff who keep the park running smoothly, and for Terry Hagen, who they say is simply amazing.

For Layne and his family, Miracle Park is more than a place to play, it’s a place filled with joy, connection, and belonging.

 

Athlete Highlight: Sam

Athlete Highlight: Sam

Sam has been part of Miracle League at Miracle Park for four seasons, and his family says the experience has been vital. From team events to time spent on the playground, Miracle Park has become a place their family loves.

Through Miracle League, Sam is learning what it means to be part of a team. He’s developing important skills like listening, receiving coaching, and working alongside his teammates. Most of all, he’s having fun and feeling included, something that means the world to his family.

Sam especially looks forward to playing flag football and basketball in Phase 2 on the multi-purpose field, where he'll get to run, compete, and celebrate with his friends. One of his proudest moments came last March when he received the game ball, a moment they will never forget. In the photo, Sam is proudly holding that game ball, a symbol of his effort, teamwork, and joy.

His mom also shared that “Terry Hagen is an angel from heaven,” and their family is grateful for the people who make Miracle Park such a special place.

For Sam and his family, Miracle Park is more than a place to play, it’s a place where inclusion, growth, and joy happen every single season.

Athlete Highlight: Allie

Allie is kicking off her 6th season of Miracle League baseball this year! She loves playing because it’s the one place where she can simply be with her friends, have fun, and feel completely at home. The joy she feels when she steps onto the field each season keeps her coming back year after year. 

                                                 

At the park, Allie gets the chance to step away from family and caregivers and enjoy her independence on the field. That freedom means everything. It gives her the confidence to be herself, build friendships, and experience the excitement of being part of a team. 

She especially loves that Miracle Park is built on true inclusion for all people, creating a space where everyone belongs. And she’s already counting down the days until Phase 2 opens so she can try something new and start playing basketball next.

Athlete Highlight: Chris

One word Chris’ family uses to describe Miracle Park is amazing. After just one season in Miracle League, it has already become a place filled with fun, friendships, and unforgettable moments. Chris says his favorite part is simple, it’s always a great time being there with friends.

Chris is naturally social and loves meeting new people. Miracle League has given him a place where he truly feels like part of a team and a community. Being surrounded by peers and teammates has helped him build friendships and confidence while doing something he loves. His family is grateful that Chris has such a wonderful outdoor park where he can play safely with his peers. The welcoming environment has helped him feel comfortable being himself. Chris loves to talk, share his thoughts with everyone, and proudly celebrate his hard work, especially by wearing his medal everywhere he goes. 

Looking ahead, Chris is excited for Phase 2 and the chance to play flag football and basketball. His family says Miracle Park is a beautiful place where everyone is loving, accepting, and friendly, a safe space where Chris can explore, grow, and spend time with the people he proudly calls his friends. They also want to give a special thank you to Terry, who they say is amazing and has been such a joy to meet. Chris’ family is also incredibly thankful for the coaches and volunteers, whose patience, support, and genuine joy help make Miracle League such a special experience for everyone.