On a softball field in Fairfax, inside a huddle of college players is a little girl who is very much a part of the team.
Tara Sankner is 10 years old and has been diagnosed with a type of cancer called astrocytoma. She has brain tumors.
Tara has been "adopted" by the George Mason University women's softball team with help from a foundation called Friends of Jaclyn.
The foundation pairs kids with brain tumors with high school and college sports teams.
For George Mason coach Joe Verbanic, little Tara was a perfect recruit.
"Her energy was so high," he said. "Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. It was so cool right from the very start."
Tara gets to spend time in the dugout during games. She cheers on the team whether they win or lose.
On Saturday, she will get to throw out the first pitch at their game against St. Joseph's.
"She is so tough," said player Christina Gabriele. "She comes to our games when she's feeling terrible and when she's had a tough week. If someone so small and someone so young can do that, it really makes you think you can do that too."