Under the leadership of Head Coach Tim Walton, the Florida Gators women’s softball team has proven that their impact extends beyond the diamond. The team is championing UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital’s renovation — the transformation of units 44 and 45, which house the pediatric medicine and surgical units.
The Gator women’s softball team brought their dedication directly to the children and families they aim to support, visiting pediatric patients last month. The players spent time offering smiles and encouragement to children and their families, creating a moment of joy in challenging times. They toured unit 44, currently under construction, to see the enhancements first-hand.
Senior outfielder Korbe Otis reflected on the team’s visit to the hospital and the renovations underway on unit 44.
“The changes being made will improve patient experiences and quality of care, allowing families to feel more comfortable during their time at the hospital,” Otis said. “Even just a little more comfort can make the hospital feel less scary.”
Otis, who hopes to pursue a career as a physician, found the visit especially meaningful. Signing the construction site wall alongside her teammates was a powerful moment for her.
“It’s rewarding to know we left a mark on a place where thousands of children’s lives will be impacted for years to come,” she said.
She shared that several of the young patients they met have dreams to one day play sports.
“I hope meeting with the patients brightened their day and gave them something positive to focus on. For some kids, talking about their sports aspirations gave them a goal to look forward to and to fight for,” she said.
The team encourages fans and the community to join them in supporting this transformational project. Contributions to the renovation effort will directly enhance the healing environment for pediatric patients, ensuring they and their families have access to private, state-of-the-art care.
Walton said that Florida softball has always made it a priority to help others.
“Supporting the renovation of units 44 and 45 is our way of giving back to a hospital that serves so many children in need. We want the kids and their families to know we’re cheering for them every step of the way,” he said.
The Gators’ dedication to this effort is deeply connected to the memory of Heather Braswell, an 11-year-old who joined the team in 2009 as an honorary teammate through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Heather, who inspired the players with her courage while in remission from medulloblastoma, became an integral part of the Gators family.
When Heather’s cancer returned in 2013, the Gators rallied around her, wearing yellow hair bows and sunflowers during games to show their support. Sadly, Heather passed away in 2014, just months before the team secured its first national championship.
In Heather’s honor, the team created the “Heather Braswell Above and Beyond Award.” The award is voted on by the players and bestowed to the one who best exemplifies what it means to be a Gator, not just on the field, but even more about what it means to be a Gator off the field. They also launched “Sunflower Saturdays,” a tradition that began as a tribute to Heather but has evolved into a platform to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.
By combining their competitive spirit with a passion for giving, Florida Softball continues to lead both on and off the field. Together, they aim to bring hope, healing, and a brighter future to the children and families at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
Learn more about the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital renovations.