From Case Western Reserve University Athletics
The Case Western Reserve University volleyball squad set out to become more than a team in 2014. With their theme of "Ohana," the Spartans established a goal of becoming a family. Now through work with Team IMPACT, the family has grown with members from outside of the program.
As stated on the Team IMPACT website, the organization aims to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. This season, the Team IMPACT draft matched the Spartans with 16-year old Sarah Chmielewski of nearby Shaker Heights.
For the Chmielewski family, the timing could not have been better.
"Sarah's invitation to join the team came at the perfect time," said Ben Chmielewski, Sarah's father. "Because Sarah is deaf, in addition to having cerebral palsy, it is difficult to know what she understands about the transition from high school to college. We were concerned that Sarah would be confused and feel left out as she will not be going to college. Now, as a member of the Spartan volleyball team, Sarah is enjoying the college experience and making new friends."
The Spartans initially connected with Sarah this past spring. Shortly after, she interacted with the team at pizza parties, joined the squad at CWRU's Relay for Life, and went on a shopping trip to the Beachwood Mall.
"Our time with Sarah reminds us how important nonverbal communication is and how you can clearly demonstrate warmth and acceptance with facial expressions," said Head Coach Karen Farrell. "We hope we can provide an extra layer of support for Sarah and offer her the opportunity to be a part of a team and build relationships with individual team members."
In the summer, junior setter Robyn Marks (Waterford, Mich./Waterford Mott) and junior outside hitter Katie Best (Sewickley, Pa./North Allegheny) joined Sarah at the Parade on the Circle, an annual event in University Circle for more than 20 years.
"Although Sarah is in a wheelchair, deaf and mute, she is still a teenager who loves to have fun with friends and shop," said Marks. "You can see her excitement every time we are with her. It is so meaningful to all of us to see the impact we can make on somebody by a simple wave. She constantly reminds us to enjoy the simplest things in life as well as the things we take for granted every day like the ability to play a sport. We are so excited to have her as a part of our team, so we can all grow together."
Sarah was officially welcomed to the team at its annual alumni event in late August. That gathering provided special memories as CWRU volleyball alumni Amy Wheelock Nader and Rebecca Mellis Melina had taken care of Sarah during her younger years.
Sarah has also attended an away volleyball match and was in the stands at the Spartan football season opener against Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.) on September 6. Ironically, Sarah's older brother, Nicholas, is a defensive tackle for the rival Tartans.
"Sarah was very excited to be in the stands watching her brother's team play with her Spartan teammates by her side," said her father. "She always looks forward to meeting up with her teammates."
Sarah will remain with the Spartans throughout the season as the team and family continue to work toward the goals of the relationship.