Carrie Underwood is adding 'actress' to her already stellar resume with the opening next month of her big screen debut, 'Soul Surfer.' [Watch a sneak preview of the film below.]

The film, which features an all-star cast including Academy Award winner Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and AnnaSophia Robb, is the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost her arm at age 13 in a shark attack. The story chronicles Bethany's determination to overcome her disability through the support of her family, friends and faith.

Carrie stars as Sarah Hill, a church youth leader who encourages Bethany to begin surfing again. The supportive friendship drives the young surfer to a first place finish at the NSSA National Championship, a goal Bethany pursued even before the shark attack.

"Being a part of this was like wow, this is a perfect platform for me to do a lot," says Carrie on her decision to take the role. "If a few of my fans come to see the movie because I'm in it and see how great it's gonna be -- and learn about Bethany and how they can apply these things to their lives, it's totally worth it."

'Soul Surfer' hits theaters nationwide April 8. Click below to watch the just-released movie trailer.


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