Ohio Wesleyan University Athletics

The Ohio Wesleyan men's lacrosse team welcomed 12-year-old Gabriel Eberhard as the Battling Bishops' newest team member during a press conference held on Tuesday at Edwards Gym on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

"I am really happy to join this team, and I think it will be a great fit," Gabe said.  "I think I can help you, and I know that you guys can help me."

Gabe was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in 2006 and has had more than 30 surgeries, spending time in hospitals in Philadelphia and Columbus.

Ohio Wesleyan head coach Mike Plantholt said that he knew Gabe would be a perfect fit with the Bishops, noting that Gabe knows that responsibility is the key to his success, and in that respect, Gabe was no different than any other member of the team.

Gabe offered that his responsibility might help convince his parents that he was ready for his own phone.

Senior co-captain Max Tennant said that "Gabe has been able to bring a positive attitude that is contagious, and makes everybody smile on days good and bad."

"Game days and practice days, this is the first thing he mentions," said Mary Beth, Gabe's mother.  "He is loving being a part of this."

"We have already seen a new fire and a new spirit from Gabe being part of the team," said Ryan, Gabe's father.

Gabe was given his own jersey and helmet bearing No. 23.  

Gabe and the Ohio Wesleyan men's lacrosse team came together through Team Impact, a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston, Mass., that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team Impact has matched more than 1700 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 49 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes. The child joins the athletic team and the student-athletes join the child's support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie, and support while the student-athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency, and perspective they can't learn in a classroom.