Five-Year-Old "Roz" Abbott Becomes Newest Member of Women's Basketball Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio-- Wednesday morning, the Wittenberg Women's Basketball team added a new member to their roster. Five-year-old Rozlyn "Roz" Abbott from Sidney, Ohio signed her letter of intent to officially become a Tiger. She was joined by her parents, Anne and Matthew, her brother Ryan, and Associate Head Coach Kelly Mahlum in front of many Tiger fans.

The team held a "draft day" for Roz through Team IMPACT, an organization that strives to "improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team." Roz suffers from epilepsy and encephalitis, dealing with both illnesses since the age of two.

Senior Ali Miller, and a few other team members, got the chance to spend some time with Roz before her draft day out at Young's Dairy. "She was goofing around with us… she's just really, really sweet," Miller said.

Becoming an official team member Roz was given her own Wittenberg jersey, her own locker inside the women's locker room, including a magnet with her name on it, and was given a tour of the HPER center by the team. Afterwards, she got to sit down with the team and enjoy some of her favorite foods while getting to know her new teammates. Roz will get to join the team at different events throughout the season and will be invited to sit on the bench with them during games. 

Written By: Kristina Fultz