Theodore, who lives with EOE, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference at the John Francis Kennedy Champions Center on Monday, January 23. He will take part in many activities with the team, including games, practices and other team events.
Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit, has developed a unique multi-year program that connects children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with collegiate athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children based on socialization, empowerment and resilience.
“Team IMPACT is excited to officially see Theodore join the Minutemen,” said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast for Team IMPACT. “We are proud to partner with UMass Athletics to create lifelong bonds and life-changing results between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
Massachusetts has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, bringing together seven children from its women’s basketball, lacrosse, hockey, baseball and football teams.
“Today was a great day,” said Martin. “When recruiting, you always try to add value to your team. Theo’s spirit, who he is and what he stands for, will help our team continue to grow and become bigger and stronger.”
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT’s unique multi-year program enlists children facing serious illnesses and disabilities on collegiate athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT directs a symbiotic relationship between teams and children that focuses on socialization, empowerment and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively providing confidence and independence build up. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has connected more than 2,300 children with more than 700 colleges and universities in 49 states and impacted more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know an interested child or team, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
media contacts
For UMass Athletics: Riley Ubben, [email protected]
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, [email protected]
For full coverage of the UMass men’s basketball team, follow the Minutemen on Twitter at @UMassMBB, on Instagram and Facebook at @UMassBasketball, and online at www.UMassAthletics.com.
