5 year-old from Fort Mill newest Winthrop Eagle

Though he is just now learning the game and can’t quite yet catch the ball, 5-year-old Chase Kent of Fort Mill is the newest member of Winthrop University’s baseball team – and the Eagles’ coach and players say they couldn’t be more thrilled.

Chase, a kindergartener at Riverview Elementary School, was diagnosed with leukemia last year and has joined the team as part of TeamIMPACT, a national nonprofit that pairs children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams through support and camaraderie. The children, ages 5-15, become official members of the team from draft day through graduation.

Winthrop head baseball coach Tom Riginos said the mission of TeamIMPACT caught his eye and when he heard what the Boston-based organization was all about, he “knew we were all in.”

Riginos said coaching and playing is about more than just sports – it’s also about teaching life lessons and grooming players into the best young people they can be.

“’Difference makers,’ that’s the word we use,” he said.

Chase’s mom, Mary Kent, said that although Chase is shy at first, being around the players has already boosted his confidence.

“We are so excited and so thankful,” she said. “He definitely is a fighter, he’s proved that already.”

Mary Kent said it means the world to her for her son to have this opportunity. The first seven months of Chase’s treatment was especially tough, she said, with the family making weekly visits to Levine’s Childrens Hospital in Charlotte.

“Eleven months ago, I didn’t know where we were going to be. I didn’t know if he would be in a hospital bed,” she said.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Bryce Kent, Chase’s dad.

While Chase’s cancer is now in remission, he will receive chemotherapy for the next two years.

“He never complains,” Bryce said. “He’s the toughest kid I know.”

Chase’s dad said that it means everything to him for his son to be able to have as normal a childhood as possible.

“He just really wants to be a normal kid,” Bryce said.

The players asked Chase for his autograph and presented him with a baseball with a handwritten note.

“To Chase,” Chase read, with some help from dad. “First home run of the year.”

Chase and his older brother Jordan, 8, will get to hang out with the team in the dugout and locker room during games.

Jordan said he’s excited, too.

“I like baseball, a little,” he said.

“(Chase) brings out a little smile in each of us every day,” said Eagles player Kaden Hepler, adding that it is “incredible” to have Chase on board.

Player Roger Gonzalez said it is an honor to have Chase on their team.

“It’s a blessing…it’s something that means a lot to us.”

Chase’s dad said TeamIMPACT gives Chase something fun to be a part of while also providing him with positive role models.

“This is stuff that kids would kill to do,” Bryce Kent said.

“Chase is going to be our luck this year,” said Jack Frost, assistant athletic director for Winthrop media relations.

“I agree that he’ll bring you some luck,” Chase’s mom said. “We’re looking forward to the spring season.”

Riginos said that while he’s certain Chase will have a positive experience, it’s his players who will gain the most.

“He’s going to impact our lives more than we’re going to impact his,” Riginos said.

This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 2:26 PM with the headline "5 year-old from Fort Mill newest Winthrop Eagle."