Jerry, Shawn and Eloise Signed with Their Respective Teams.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American International College Department of Athletics and Team IMPACT— a nonprofit that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams for two years — hosted their first-ever AIC Field Day and triple Signing Day at the Henry Butova Gymnasium on Friday night. Five local Team IMPACT matches and families from AIC, as well as student-athletes were in attendance. Three of those Team IMPACT matches signed their letters of intent to officially join their teams: Jerry signed with the baseball team, Shawn with the men's basketball team, and Eloise with the field hockey team. Current Team IMPACT matches Xavier (ice hockey) and Sofia (women's volleyball) and their teammates were also in attendance.
- Jerry, 8, is from Springfield, MA, and has a respiratory disorder and Down syndrome. In August of 2023, he was matched with the AIC baseball team. Whether on the field or off, Jerry and his teammates support each other through wins, losses, surgeries, and more. He refers to the guys as "his team" and excitedly looks forward to every interaction with them.
- Shawn is 9 years old and from Feeding Hills, MA. He has a GI condition and was matched with the AIC men's basketball team in September of 2023. In the time since, Shawn and his teammates have quickly bonded, going above and beyond to support each other and stay connected.
- Eloise, from Longmeadow, MA, is 12 years old and lives with multiple diagnoses, including a genetic disorder, autism, and a GI condition. She was matched with the AIC field hockey team in the summer of 2023. Eloise loves going to games and practices on campus with her teammates, who equally love supporting Eloise at her Miracle League games and other activities.
The goals of this event were to welcome Jerry, Shawn, and Eloise to their new teams; recognize and celebrate Team IMPACT's work with AIC, including five active and 14 all-time matches; and raise awareness for their life-changing program. The Field Day included games and activities, a dunk contest, photo booth, scavenger hunt and more.
AIC student-athletes were in attendance, including Justine Lalli, a Team IMPACT Fellow and member of the AIC field hockey team, and Taylor Wildes, Team IMPACT Fellow and Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant.
Team IMPACT has touched the entire nation, originating in Boston and expanding with more than 3,500 matches at more than 750 colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting the lives of more than 75,000 collegiate student-athletes.
To learn more about Team IMPACT or to get involved, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
- Release provided by AIC athletic communications -
AIC Team IMPACT Event (4/26/24)
ABOUT TEAM IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto 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, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 3,500 children with 750+ colleges and universities in 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
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.
