HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College volleyball team added a very special new player on Friday night, Maddie Gainey of Hartsville. Maddie was named an honorary Cobra for the night as the team's special guest for their match against Converse College.

Maddie is just eight years old and she suffers from Juvenile Rheumatroid Arthritis. A huge sports fan, the Cobra volleyball team made her an honorary Cobra for the night and gave her a volleyball signed by the team to honor Maddie as she prepares to take part in another special day, the 2011 Arthritis Walk.

On Oct. 8 Maddie will be the Pediatric Honoree at the 2011 Arthritis Walk. Maddie and her team of walkers will walk to help raise money and awareness for those like her that suffer from arthritis.

If you would like more information on Maddie or the 2011 Arthritis Walk visit Maddie's Arthritis Walk Site.