Live Like Line. These are the words that echo in my mind weeks after seeing Miracle Season. Not what you live like, or what attributes people use to describe you, but what legacy did you leave behind, and is it one others should mimic? Based on an inspiring and tragic true story, Miracle Season dives into the life of Caroline “Line” Found (Danika Yarosh) and her best friend Kelly (Erin Moriarty). Line is an effervescent, outgoing teen who copes with her mother’s illness through an insatiable passion for volleyball. Although faced with the inevitable passing of her mother, Line manages to approach each day with enthusiasm and optimism, which is very contagious to those around her. The life of the party, the charismatic team captain, one half of a pair of best friends and the glue holding this whole story together, Line was more than a friend, daughter, or athlete; she was sunshine to the lives of so many.

After Caroline’s unexpected death, her father (William Hurt) is left angry at God and shaken in his faith. Her teammates, town—and even more affected, her best friend Kelly—sink into a fog of grief. Determined to channel the girls’ grief into something productive, just like Line did, Coach Bresnahan (Helen Hunt) convinces the girls to resume playing volleyball. With the goal to “Win for Line” the girls are able to reclaim hope and discover a greater cause in the process: to “Live Like Line.”

Unlike normal inspirational sports movies, where the sport is the star, Miracle Season delivers a meaningful and deeply touching film, which uses volleyball as a backdrop, not a main character. The storytelling and acting is compelling, allowing viewers the chance to get to know each character deeply and really sense their pain, triumphs, and healing throughout the story. We meet coach, who seems dejected and lost after her own personal issues; we follow Kelly, always somewhat in the shadow of Line as she struggles with her best friend’s passing and learns to become her own person while still honoring her friend’s memory; we see a hurting, grief-stricken father muster the strength to support the daughters of others; and we watch as a community comes to life again.

Miracle Season is a fantastic film, and in my opinion, a must-see for youth and young adults. Bring the family, bring your youth group, and leave the theatre inspired to live with charisma, hope and joy – to live like Line.

We are pleased to award Miracle Season the Dove Seal of Approval for All Ages.