WASHINGTON D.C. – Maryland women's soccer student-athletes Darby Moore, Emily Kift and Sarah Kovalchick, along with head coach Ray Leone, visited with children at Children's National Health System in Washington D.C. Tuesday.

The trio of players played soccer and broadcasted a live show that played to the various children at the hospital. The group also presented with children with signed Maryland women's soccer balls and gear.

“It was the experience of a lifetime,” Leone said. “I'm really proud of Darby, Emily and Sarah because they were great at connecting with the kids and putting smiles on their faces.”

The visit was highlighted by a trip to Seacrest Studios, a multimedia broadcast studio named for television and radio personality Ryan Seacrest. The players conducted a radio/TV broadcast in conjunction with the kids that was shown throughout the hospital and featured a call-in portion.

In their hour visit, the group also played soccer and learned dance moves from the kids in attendance. Kift even entertained the kids with her juggling skills. The section of the hospital was visited by Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky on Monday and various other notable figures throughout the years including first lady Michelle Obama.

Serving the nation's children for more than 140 years, Children's National Health System is a proven leader in developing and providing innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children's National offers nationally and internationally renowned pediatric healthcare experts whose specialties include innovative research and treatments as well as clinical experience that gives them credence to discuss myriad of health and safety topics.

Below Sarah, Emily, and Darby share their thoughts and some memories from the trip.

Sarah Kovalchick
“The trip was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Seeing how tough those kids were and how easily they were able to smile and have fun despite whatever their circumstances were was really inspiring for me. It was awesome to see the environment that Seacrest Studios created for the kids. It was a place where nothing but fun mattered and the kids could do whatever they wanted. They made us feel like such celebrities, even though for us, they were the stars. We met one little boy in particular who ruled the studio and was teaching us dance moves. If you weren't in a hospital you could never tell he was fighting the battles he was. The kids we met really taught us to never give up and to never lose your positivity. It was a great reality check for us to see that any problems we have or frustrations we encounter are so small compared to what these kids are going through and how mature they've handled it at such a young age. They do such a great job at the studio and I without a doubt would do it many more times!”

Emily Kift
“Visiting the hospital and getting the opportunity to hang out with these amazing kids was something I'll never forget. It was a nice reminder that the little things we stress about are ridiculous compared to what these kids are going through. There was a young boy in particular who made us all smile throughout the entire visit. He walked out around like he owned the studio. He even taught Ray how to whip and dab! His positive energy and maturity at such a young age was incredible.”

Darby Moore
“I honestly didn't know what to expect when Ray asked me to go to the children's hospital. It was really an amazing experience to bring some fun into the lives of kids who are dealing with so much. I liked the fact that Seacrest Studios had an open door policy even while we were broadcasting so really any kid at the hospital could get in on the fun!”

– Terps –