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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team introduced its newest member on Thursday (Jan. 26) during a signing ceremony before a packed Hospitality Suite inside the KSU Convocation Center.
 
Eight-year old Cate Zavitz was introduced by head coach Agnus Berenato before signing a ceremonial letter that made her an honorary member of the women's basketball team. She was joined by her parents, Sam and Brian Zavitz, grandmother (Ama), friends, KSU players and coaches, members of the Department of Athletics and media.
 
Zavitz has been diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis (ARCI) – A form of skin disease in which her skin grows too fast where she has excess skin on her body, causing her body to overheat easily which decreases her ability to sweat and control her body temperature.
 
The match between Zavitz and the Kennesaw State women's basketball program was arranged through Team IMPACT, a national organization, based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
 
Following the signing of her letter, Zavitz was presented a No. 35 jersey by Berenato and gifts from each member of the team. She then took questions from the media.
 


When asked how it felt to join the Owls, Zavitz said: "It feels great because I always wanted a sister or a brother because sometimes it gets a little lonely when I don't have someone to play with. I feel great and so excited I'm being drafted to be an official member of the team."
 
Berenato said she is happy to have Cate as a part of the program, and added that both she and the team draw inspiration from the team's newest member.
 
"I think this really brings it close to home, and they bonded immediately with Cate and her family," Berenato said. "I think it's a way for them to give back and show gratitude to KSU."
 
The match has significant meaning to the Zavitz family, which lives in Cumming, Ga. Cate's mom, Sam, is a Kennesaw State alum.
 
"Oh my gosh it was my home team, and it was amazing and I was really excited," Sam said. "I had no idea they would match us over here because we live an hour away. So, we were thrilled to get a match here and it brings back so many memories being here."
 
As an honorary member of the team, Zavitz will attend Kennesaw State home games and will watch from the sidelines.  She will be recognized during an upcoming game and featured during a future ESPN3 broadcast.
 
After visiting USC Upstate on Saturday (Jan. 28), the Owls return home to the KSU Convocation Center on Thursday (Feb. 2) when they host NJIT at 7 p.m.
 
For more information on Team IMPACT, visit www.GoTeamIMPACT.org.
 
For Additional Information on ARCI, visit the official website at http://www.firstskinfoundation.org.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.   
   
  
 
 

 

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