KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After two straight losses, One Knox Soccer beat Forward Madison in Saturday's game, 2-0. The team's first kick went to special guest UT pitcher Kirby Connell.
Connell was seen taking the first kick to a player who then caught the ball in a baseball glove.
After the game, Connell had a meet and greet where fans could take photos and get his autograph, with a portion of the ticket proceeds going to East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
"I got involved with Children's Hospital around 2-3 years ago," Connell said. "I had to do some community service and went up there to the hospital and hung out with the kids, interacted with the kids, interacted with the families and I've loved it ever since."
Connell said he tries to go back to the hospital twice a year.
"They spend time and money to watch us play, so for us to be able to give back to them is truly amazing."
