The Florida Gators softball team, a part of the University of Florida softball program, has a nontraditional tradition of wearing yellow sunflowers in their hair, usually for Saturday games, in honor of Heather Braswell. Heather was a teenager with brain cancer who inspired and touched the softball team deeply. The tradition began in 2009, with the Gators adopting Heather in 2010 through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Heather was matched up with the softball team when she was 11 years old fighting cancer. Her mom crafted sunflowers for all the girls on the team, and the Gators continue to wear them in her memory.
The Gators adopted Heather in 2009 through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, who pairs cancer patients with sports teams. The girls wear the flowers in honor of Heather, a teenager who passed away from brain cancer in 2014. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation paired Heather with the softball team, and the connection was immediate. The Gators continue to honor Heather with sunflowers, symbolizing pediatric cancer awareness. Each year, fans receive gray T-shirts with a sunflower printed on the front.
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation sunflower hair ties are inspired by the bond between Heather and her University of Florida Softball teammates. Each Florida player wears a sunflower on Saturdays to honor Heather Braswell, who died of brain cancer in 2014 at the age of 17. The Gators’ softball team plays like the Champions they all are, and the tradition of wearing sunflowers in their hair is a testament to the importance of childhood cancer awareness and the love and support of their fans.
📹 LLWS Softball 2019 Championship – Louisiana vs North Carolina
River Ridge, LA vs. Salisbury, NC (Championship) Aug 14, 2019.
Why is Florida State wearing pink?
Florida State Athletics and TMH’s ‘Paint it Pink’ partnership raised $12, 672. 06 to support the Walker Breast Health program in the 2022-23 academic year. Florida State head coach Brooke Wyckoff, who has a cancerous mass removed at TMH, is currently undergoing light preventative treatment while balancing her daily duties as head coach. The Seminoles are aiming for their fourth ranked win of the season and their third AP Top 15 victory, having previously won over No. 11 Tennessee and No. 11 Virginia Tech.
What does wearing a sunflower mean?
Hidden disabilities, which may not be immediately apparent, can be challenging for others to recognize and understand. These disabilities may include learning difficulties, mental health issues, mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments, asthma, COPD, lung conditions, chronic illnesses like renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders. Wearing a sunflower can help people with hidden disabilities identify their additional needs and help others understand their unique challenges. Not everyone with mobility issues uses a wheelchair, not everyone with a visual disability uses a cane, and not everyone with a hearing disability uses a hearing aid.
What is softball yellow?
The color of a standard NCAA softball is optic yellow, with an RGB of 223, 255, 79. The NCAA and NAIA instituted the color change in 2002 due to the closer proximity of the pitchers’ mound to home plate. This made it easier for hitters to pick up a yellow ball as it reaches the batter’s box. The softball was also hardened inside for a livelier ball, allowing for more offense. The NCAA Softball Tournament committee consistently favored Texas over OU as the No. 1 seed.
Who wrote a whole new world twisted tale?
A Whole New World is a darkly themed book that explores themes of greed, economic disparity, and street rat gangs in the Kingdom of Agrabah. The plot revolves around the “What If?” trope, where Aladdin loses the lamp to Jafar, leading to a romantic journey. The book has a dystopian revolution vibe, matching the energy of the Hunger Games books. The author introduces new characters and adds depth to existing characters and places.
The story maintains its original Disney magic while matures for older fans. The book is part of the Twisted Tales Series, but readers don’t need to check out those books to enjoy this one. Overall, A Whole New World is a recommended read for fans of dark Disney stories.
Why is Florida softball wearing yellow today?
The Gators played their fourth annual “Yellow Game” to honor children battling cancer and remember those who lost their fights. The color symbolizes the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s efforts to fund research and eliminate childhood cancer. Fans received gray T-shirts with a sunflower printed on the front, and the Gators wear sunflowers in their hair every Saturday in remembrance of Heather Braswell, an honorary member who died from brain cancer at 17.
What do the sunflowers symbolize in it?
Sunflowers symbolize joy, positivity, strength, good fortune, admiration, and loyalty. They represent hope and optimism in difficult times, and bright yellow sunflower bouquets are a great way to express joy and appreciation. Sunflowers are known for following the sun, demonstrating loyalty and faithfulness. They provide food and health benefits through their seeds and oil, and in a spiritual sense, they stand for seeking truth and enlightenment, similar to how they reach for sunlight.
Why are people wearing sunflowers?
The sunflower lanyard is a discreet way for people with invisible disabilities to express their need for help or consideration. It doesn’t reveal the specific disabilities or how they can help, but suggests that they might need extra assistance. For instance, someone with Autism might need to turn down lights or be quiet, while someone with arthritis might need support with moving or opening things.
The lanyard can be used in various ways, such as providing an aisle seat for someone with Irritable Bowel or Bladder Syndrome, or allowing them to ask for help from a support person. If they don’t feel comfortable discussing their disability, they can attach an ID card to the end of the lanyard, providing additional information about their condition and the support they may need.
Why does the UF wear sunflowers?
Former player Heather Braswell was honored by the Gainesville Gators by wearing yellow sunflowers in their hair. Heather’s mother, Terri Braswell, articulated her profound gratitude for the gesture, noting that it evoked a complex emotional response, encompassing both tears and a sense of warmth. The sunflowers have served to increase awareness of Heather’s life and the significance of acknowledging her contributions to softball.
What is the significance of the sunflower?
Sunflowers are a symbol of positivity and joy, with their bright yellow petals and sun-like appearance evoking happiness and warmth. They can uplift spirits and bring a sense of optimism to any space. Scientific research shows that sunflowers can increase happiness and reduce stress levels. The vibrant color and unique shape stimulate the senses, triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting hormones. Sunflowers also symbolize loyalty and devotion, creating a more cheerful atmosphere.
Why is Florida wearing sunflowers?
From 2009-14, the Florida softball program honored Heather Braswell, who had a brain tumor after 5 1/2 years of cancer-free living. Braswell passed away in 2014 at 17. The Gators honor Braswell with yellow sunflowers, symbolizing pediatric cancer awareness. Florida hosts a “Yellow Game” each year, incorporating yellow accents in uniforms and on the field. Skylar Wallace, the best player in the league, was named SEC Player of the Year.
Who was Heather Braswell?
In 2009, Heather Braswell, a woman afflicted with a brain tumor, was on the verge of being adopted by the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and the University of Florida softball team. This was after she had been battling the disease for over a year.
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There are a lot of negative comments about Peterson’s attitude. I don’t think it was so much a bad attitude… I would much rather coach a kid who cares about the game ( as she does) than a bunch of kids who won’t stay off their phones and giggling/playing around in the outfield. I love her attitude toward that game… shows she cares.
Gotta love all the hockey masks these girls wear as though they hit the ball hard enough to leave any marks other than smudging their makeup… Oh, that explains it. But I guess when you have zero future in a professional sport, you need to stay as pretty as you can. Hard to take a sport seriously when the headgear options are cap, visor, headband, and hair bow.