The following was published in the December 3-4 edition of The Kearney (Nebraska) Hub and is reprinted here with permission.

Tampa University’s “No. 1 Fan” sat alone in the front row, screaming words of encouragement during the semifinals of the 2005 NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship.

“Come on Tampa ...You can do it. Come on Tampa,” hollered 18-year-old Elyse Marinelli. “Pump it up. ... Do something. I believe in you. ... Do this for me.”

A timeout was called, and Marinelli quickly jumped to her feet. That’s her time to shine. Time for her famous cartwheels, followed by the splits and high fives with other fans.

Marinelli, who has Down syndrome, is a 4-foot-9 bundle of energy. Her sister, Tarah, is an outside hitter for Tampa.

Tampa’s players refer to Elyse as their “No. 1 Fan,” a title Marinelli doesn’t take lightly.

“I am their favorite fan. I work hard to be the best fan. I love the team,” Elyse said. “They are like family. ... I have one sister on the team, but they are all like my sisters.”

Sitting alone in the front row, Elyse screams during every point. “Unless we get behind,” joked her dad, Bob.

It’s not uncommon for Elyse to run the length of the floor, waving her arms and convincing fans — from all teams — to get on their feet and cheer.

Players from Dowling College and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania gave Elyse team shirts after seeing her cheer during the Elite Eight, and a Truman State University fan gave photos to the family of Elyse cheering.

“We’re so proud of our daughter. It’s pretty overwhelming to see the warmth and open arms people have for her. As a parent, that’s pretty special,” said Elyse’s mom, Cynthia.

The Marinellis traveled to Kearney from their hometown of Hudson, Florida.

Saying Elyse is passionate about volleyball, especially “her” Tampa Spartans, is a major understatement. She began cheering for her sister seven years ago, when Tarah was a freshman in high school, and rarely misses a game.

She writes a letter of encouragement for Tampa the day of each match. Each player and coach reads the letter in the locker room before they take the court.

“I write every word from my heart,” Elyse said. “I try to encourage them and get them ready to play.”

Elyse has been active in the Special Olympics for many years, competing in track and field, gymnastics and soccer. She also serves as a global messenger for the Special Olympics and gives many motivational and fund-raising speeches.

“She gives us a lot of joy, and it’s nice to watch her bring other people joy,” said her dad. “Elyse is a special girl.”