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The Alabama softball team welcomed a new teammate as the Crimson Tide paired up with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Wednesday at the Alabama Softball Complex clubhouse.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama softball team welcomed a new teammate as the Crimson Tide paired up with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Wednesday at the Alabama Softball Complex clubhouse. Krystin Pruitt, a seven year-old from Jasper signed a non-binding letter of intent to join the Alabama squad.

 Krystin was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, an organization that connects children with brain tumors and athletic programs, Krystin was welcomed Wednesday evening by the entire Alabama softball team, including coaches and staff members at a ceremonial signing day event. The Crimson Tide is the first athletic team from the South to participate with the foundation.

"This was awesome," Krystin’s mother Stacey said. "It is always good to see the out-pouring of love and compassion. It is really overwhelming to see what people have done to reach out to her."

Krystin, joined by her mother Stacey and brother Kaleb walked into the clubhouse and was welcomed by a standing ovation. The family was then seated and Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy proceeded with a signing day ceremony that included the signing of a non-binding NLI for the 2009-10 season.

"I think any time you can have a real world situation brought into a collegiate athletic atmosphere it is a huge benefit for these student-athletes," Murphy said. "It is almost like a fantasy land to play in college sports and an opportunity like this can only be a real learning experience for the kids."

Krystin was showered with Alabama gear, including a pink jersey with her name on it and softball equipment. As a new member of the team Krystin also had a surprise waiting for her in the locker room as she was given her own locker with nameplate, stool and gear alongside the other members of the Crimson Tide.

The dual missions of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation are to improve the quality of life for the kids living each day with a brain tumor and to raise awareness of pediatric brain tumors. The mission statement of the organization is to "Live in the Moment, Play in the Moment."
 
For more about Krystin’s story visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/krystinp <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/krystinp> . For more about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation please visit: http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/ <http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/> .