Sami Jarjour
Everyone who walked into East Stroudsburg University’s basketball facility received a smile and a hello. They responded in kind to one of the campus’ most well-known students.
“I always say, ‘It’s Rachel’s world,'” ESU women’s basketball coach Diane Decker said. “‘We just live in it.'”
Grace, ESU’s unofficial campus mayor, expanded her world with the trip of a lifetime. She went to California for five days with her parents, Deb and Tom; Decker; and ESU women’s basketball player Ann McKnight.
Golden State Warriors guard and two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry flew everyone out to give Grace the chance to meet him, her basketball hero, and attend one of his games. The trip never would have happened had Grace, a 22-year-old with Down syndrome, not developed a bond with the ESU women’s basketball team.
ESU team manager Rachel Grace got to meet her hero Friday night. Thanks so much to @StephenCurry30 for making her dream come true!https://t.co/xvfFNDMHIk pic.twitter.com/SgLxUD8p08
— ESU Warriors (@ESUWarriors) March 17, 2018
Now as a senior, this is what happened for Grace:
For your March Madness withdrawal:
This young lady is the women's basketball manager. She has Down syndrome. Her name is Rachel Grace.
She just got 10 (TEN) points on her Senior Night. Here are 8 of them. And a steal ???? ? @SONTHoops
pic.twitter.com/blbf0hVTto— Stuff That Matters ?? (@StuffMattersPod) March 15, 2020
