Izzy’s Wish Upon A Badger
April 01, 2019 | Volleyball, Badgers Give Back, Varsity Magazine
Volleyball surprises young girl with birthday party
MADISON, Wis. — Everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday and no one throws a better surprise party than the Badgers.
This spring, the Wisconsin Volleyball team adopted five-year-old Izzy Eaton onto their squad and when they discovered her sixth birthday was right around the corner, they set out to plan the ultimate surprise party.
Izzy has undergone thirteen major surgeries in the last five years due to a Gastrointestinal motility disorder, but that hasn't slowed her down. She is known for her bubbly spirit and intense love for Bucky Badger. She can be seen regularly sporting her red and white overalls and Bucky leggings to school.
Complete with a balloon drop, canvas painting, and a screening of her favorite movie, Izzy's sixth birthday party was one for the record books.
"We had an amazing time! Izzy has not stopped talking about it since we left, and she told everyone at school that she got to meet the girls and Bucky," shared Payge, Izzy's mom.
The highlight of the party was when the Volleyball team surprised Izzy with a special guest, Bucky Badger. From the second he arrived, Izzy was glued to his side. They played with balloons and Play-Doh and even painted canvases for one another.
The day would not have been complete without a dance party to Izzy's favorite tunes. Izzy showed off all of her best dance moves as songs from Moana and The Lion King blasted throughout the Volleyball locker room.
After an enthusiastic rendition of Happy Birthday and the presentation of Izzy's birthday gifts, the team knew they could not be without their newest player as they start their spring season. The girls instantly made plans to meet up with Izzy at their next home match versus Green Bay, and they couldn't be more excited to welcome her back.
Birthdays may come and go, but these memories and friendships will last a lifetime. On, Wisconsin!
