A little girl with a dangerous heart condition is now the star of a softball team.

Paula Rieber is only 5 years old, but she has a very complex heart condition. It meant open heart surgery before she was even a year old.

"There's no question she will need another open heart surgery," said mother Cindy Rieber.

On Thursday, she mingled with the women of Florida Tech's softball team.

Paula met the players through an organization called Team IMPACT. The national program is aimed at improving the qualify of life for children facing tough illnesses.

"For her to get this opportunity when she's young, and to be with a group of girls as awesome as our team, it's super special," said pitcher Amanda Kahn.

Thanks to the agency, she will be drafted as an honorary team member at a special ceremony Friday night.

Team IMPACT has matched some 700 children at more than 300 schools across the nation.