Cornell University Athletics

The Big Red women's basketball team held a special Draft Day celebration for 8-year-old Karina Hill of Ithaca on April 22, 2019 in front of media and a capacity crowd in the Hall of Fame Room in Friends Hall.

Hill, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in 2012 was paired with Cornell prior to the 2018-19 season by Team IMPACT, a national non-profit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team. During the year, Hill attended practices, games, team dinners and other special events.

"We've been recruiting Karina all year long," said Dayna Smith, the Rebecca Quinn Morgan '60 Head Coach of Women's Basketball. "We've been hoping that she'd stick it out with our program and officially join our program."

Hill, who will be an official team member through the 2019-20 season, was joined at the press conference by her parents, Maurice and Chelsea, while her grandmother and four sisters were in attendance. After signing her "letter of intent" Coach Smith presented Hill with an official team jersey.

"She really epitomizes what we want from a Cornell women's basketball player," said Smith during the press conference. "She's dedicated. She loves the game of basketball. She's super feisty. She's tough. Don't let this little smile fool you. She's tough as nails. And probably the number one attribute that we love about her is that she's a great teammate. She's the first person on that bench to high five us and give us a smile and encourage us when we make a mistake."