
The Roos family — Jonas, Tricia, Cameron and Annabelle Marie — at their home in December 2014. (Photo by Amy Nordyke)
By David Sedeño
The Texas Catholic
When Annabelle Marie Roos was born on Dec. 29, 2014, her cheeks were pink and full of life, surprising not only her family, but her doctors as well.
It was a testament, her mother—Bishop Lynch Volleyball Coach Tricia Roos—would say later, to the faith, hope, and mercy of God’s love.
Annabelle Marie Roos was born with Trisomy 18. Months earlier, when doctors told her mother she should have an abortion, forget her and try for another child, the young and popular coach said “no.” She was being called to fight for her daughter and to witness to others in her situation as she prepared to lead her team to a third straight state volleyball championship.
This is the story of Annabelle Marie Roos and her inspiration to a high school volleyball team, a community and a family who heeded God’s call to protect life.