Carrie Underwood is adding 'actress' to her resume with the opening next month of her big screen debut in Soul Surfer.

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 the age of 13 in a shark attack.

The story displays 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 get back to surfing. The evolving and supporting friendship drives the young surfer finish in first place at the NSSA National championship, a goal Bethany pursued even before the devastating shark attack.

"Being a part of this was like wow, this is a perfect platform for me to do a lot," Carrie says regarding her decision to take on 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. Be sure to watch the just-released movie trailer!!