WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A Texas university has made a Rhode Island teenager who died in 2017 an honorary member of its soccer team.

WPRI-TV reports that Texas A&M University recently sent a package to the family of Gianna Cirella that included a banner, an accepted student's packet and a note by soccer coach G Guerrieri.

Gianna was a junior at Toll Gate High School in Warwick and a goalie on the soccer team when she died from sepsis. She was 16 and dreamed of attending Texas A&M.

Guerrieri wrote in the letter that he was impressed with Gianna's accomplishments and her family will always be members of the Aggie soccer family.

Her mother, Tara Cirella, says she was moved by Guerrieri's gesture and hopes it and Gianna's spirit inspire others to spread kindness.

Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com

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