At the end of July 2015 I received a call from the coach of new collegiate baseball team for The University of the Fraser Valley. After some visits to the University and meetings with the coach I signed a letter of intent to play with the team. It has been quite an amazing journey since that time. From getting registered for classes and finding a spot in residency on campus and moving out on my own , very exciting.
Just prior to heading off to school the Make a Wish Foundation organized an amazing couple days for me. They brought my dad and I over to Vancouver and put us up at a The Fairmont Pacific Rim, incredible experience, the next day we were chauffeured to Nat Bailey Stadium where I threw out the first pitch and then received a “dream” amount of baseball gear. A wish come true! I later received two signed jerseys from Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays, speechless !
The University is great and I have made many new friends, I am enjoying my classes - especially psychology which I am considering focusing on.
Playing college baseball has been awesome, my coaches and teammates are great and we completed or first year as a club team and this year will be eligible to compete for the Championship. Our team is heading down to Idaho in October to play games against Lewis Clark State which is one of top four year baseball programs in the USA , amazing opportunity. Also later this year we will be heading down to play a serious of games in Arizona and Vegas!
As far as managing my CF it is tough at times with my baseball and school schedule however I always get it done. Like my dad has always told me; I am not a CF person, I am a person who happens to have CF, and as long as I am committed to my health and treatments anything is possible.
I think he is right, as here I am playing college baseball and going to University.
Always believe in yourself and never ever give up on a dream.
I would also like mention my wonderful grandparents Ken and Lorrie Sleightholme who recently passed away. I would not be the man I am today without the support and love I received from my grandparents growing up. Rest in Peace.
We will beat CF!
