Meet the Newest Buckeye, Kinley Strohl – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 18, 2016
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – It was a big weekend for the Ohio State women’s volleyball program, adding Kinley Strohl to the Buckeye Family in conjunction with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Kinley, 10 years old, was officially adopted by the Buckeyes during a ceremony Thursday night. A fun weekend concluded with the team supporting and watching Kinley at her cheerleading competition on Sunday.
Kinley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblasic Leukemia on September 6, 2011. She was presented her very own locker in the Ohio State locker room, one she will maintain permanently as the newest member of the team. She signed the dotted line to make it official with an “NLI’ cake.
“We have never been so excited to have such a beautiful soul like Kinley join our buckeye family,” Kylie Randall said. “Kinley lit up the room on Thursday night, and brought so much joy and spirit with her. Her toughness and strength are aspiring to everyone on the team, and we are so excited for all the amazing memories to come.”
Kinley was joined by her parents, Michelle and Ryan, and her 13-year-old brother, Carter, for the adoption ceremony. In addition to Michelle telling her story to the team, the founder of Friends of Jaclyn, Denis Murphy, spoke to the group about the creation of their organization and what their goals are.
“It’s awesome being a part of her story,” Audra Appold, said. “She’s our new little sister. It’s so cool that we are doing this while I’m a freshman as I get to spend the next four years with her and even past my graduation. This program is so neat and is helping children and families everywhere. I feel so lucky to be a part of this and can’t wait to form a relationship with my new little sis.”
Friends of Jaclyn is committed to improving the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers and to raise awareness through their Adopt-A-child, Safe on the Sidelines and Guardian Angel programs. The group pairs afflicted children and their siblings with local high school and college sports teams, campus clubs and arts programs in the community.
