FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mariella Officially Signed with the Saint Michael's Women's Soccer Program on October 1.
COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's women's soccer team is proud to announce the addition of 11-year-old Mariella Desjardin of Burlington to its roster through a partnership with Team IMPACT. Desjardin was introduced on Sunday, October 1, in the Tarrant Recreation Center's Varsity Media Room.
Team IMPACT is a national non‐profit organization that improves the quality of life for children facing chronic or life-threatening illness through the power of team. Desjardin, who wears No. 34 and has joined her team at practices, games and other team functions, manages a kidney condition but is an active youngster who enjoys playing soccer and being outside.
"We are extremely happy to have Mariella as part of the program," said head coach Wendy Elles. "She has joined us at so many events already, and we truly consider her a member of the team. We've enjoyed developing relationships with her and her family, and she is just fantastic. I think she's mixing in really well and is going to add a lot to the program."
Team IMPACT has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment and resilience.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Mariella officially join the Purple Knights," said Team IMPACT Regional Director of Programs, Northeast Emma Simches. "We are proud to work alongside Saint Michael's College, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Saint Michael's is a long-time partner of Team IMPACT, joining many Northeast-10 Conference counterparts in its involvement, as the baseball, men's basketball, field hockey, men's ice hockey, men's lacrosse, and men's and women's swimming & diving programs have welcomed Team IMPACT teammates in the past 12 years. For more information about Team IMPACT, visit goteamimpact.org.
-Release provided by Saint Michael's athletic communications-
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 12 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
