But when Gannon joined the Penn State football family through Team IMPACT in 2024, something changed. He didn’t just gain a favorite team; he gained a brother. That brother is Penn State football student-athlete Cooper Cousins. 

From the moment they met, Cooper made sure Gannon knew he belonged. Whether they’re arriving together on the team bus or spending time with the Nittany Lions, Cooper has created a space where Gannon isn’t seen through the lens of hospital stays, treatments, or diagnoses. Instead, he’s welcomed as an essential part of the team. 

For Gannon’s family, that sense of belonging has been life changing. 

“Cooper Cousins, Penn State Nittany Lions’ football and Team IMPACT didn’t just give Gannon a team; they gave him a lifeline,” his family shared. “Cooper gave him brotherhood when the world felt isolated. Cooper gave him belonging when he was in the ICU and hospital rooms tried to make him feel different.” 

Their friendship extends far beyond football; it’s built on showing up, standing together, and making sure no one feels alone. 

“On that field, he isn’t the kid with fragile bones or on chemotherapy,” his family said. “He walks in proud off the team bus with Cooper and the entire team. He is a brother, he’s family. They fight for each other. They carry each other, and Cooper has never—not once—let Gannon stand alone.” 

That unwavering support has given Gannon something every child deserves, the confidence and security to simply be himself. 

Team IMPACT matches are about creating moments of joy, but they’re also about building relationships that endure life’s toughest battles. Cooper’s friendship reminds us that the greatest teammates aren’t measured by statistics or wins, but that they’re measured by the way they make others feel seen, valued, and loved. 

For Gannon, Cooper has become far more than a teammate; he’s a brother. 

And as Gannon’s family so perfectly put it, “This isn’t just football. This is love in its purest form.” 

The post Friendship Series: More Than a Friendship—a Lifeline – Gannon and Cooper, Penn State Football appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Dan’s perspective on what it means to be part of a team has helped anchor the organization’s identity from the beginning. From the moment Team IMPACT became an idea to the very first match and the 4,500+ matches since, Dan has been with Team IMPACT for every step of the journey.

A collegiate lacrosse player himself, Dan understands firsthand the unwavering support, collaboration, and identity that come with being part of a team. For Dan, that idea of team has always been important. “To me, a team is a group of individuals who commit to something bigger than themselves,” he said. “They share a common goal, support each other through challenges, celebrate success together and create a sense of belonging. It’s a community that provides encouragement during difficult times and relationships that last beyond the game.”

That definition has been more than a sentiment—it has been a guiding principle behind how Team IMPACT connects children with college athletic teams across the country. It reflects the lived experience of thousands of matches: kids, families, and student-athletes forming relationships that extend far beyond the field of play.

Over the past 15 years, Dan has consistently emphasized the ripple effect of those relationships. Dan hopes everyone who experiences Team IMPACT experiences the program as more than a match but a life-changing and life-long network of support. “Team IMPACT is truly making a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said, calling the program a “win-win-win scenario” for all involved. “The kids who are matched receive unwavering support, strength and camaraderie from their college teammates as they face medical challenges that pull them out of school and away from friends. The family members benefit from seeing their loved one be able to just be a kid for a change, away from hospitals and doctors, and they gain their own support through the relationships that are formed through the match. And the student athletes are taught lessons about real courage, resiliency, and a life perspective that cannot be learned in a classroom.”

This win-win-win has become one of the clearest expressions of the connection that strengthens everyone it reaches. Reflecting on that growth, Dan credits the collective effort that goes into everything Team IMPACT does and the community that has grown from being united in support of a common mission for the past 15 years. “It’s truly unbelievable to see how far the organization has come in 15 years,” Dan said. “From the first few matches in New England to reaching almost 5,000 matches across all 50 states at 500 colleges and universities is humbling and something that we don’t take for granted. We would not have been able to achieve this growth without the support we have received from our amazing TI staff, dedicated board of directors, and loyal supporters across the country.”

That sense of humility and gratitude has remained central to Team IMPACT’s journey. While the numbers reflect scale, the heart of the work remains deeply personal—not only for the staff and program participants but for the supporters who first brought Team IMPACT to life.

For Dan, the journey that brought Team IMPACT to where it is now is just as important as the future of the organization, each moment guided by the same goal: to make more matches. “I look forward to continued growth across the country with the goal of finding and matching every eligible kid with a team,” Dan said.

As we reflect on the broader impact of the past decade and a half, we remember some of the things that matter most: the lives changed, the community built along the way, and the impact that comes when we’re all united behind the same mission. “As I reflect back on 15 years of Team IMPACT, it makes me proud to see the to see real, tangible differences that the organization has had in improving so many lives,” Dan said. “To be able to do all of this alongside close friends who share a vision and passion for our mission has made the journey that much more meaningful. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we still have ambitious goals for the future, and we won’t stop working until every child with a serious illness or disability can experience the power and the magic of Team IMPACT.”

The post 15 Years of IMPACT: Dan Kraft, Team IMPACT Founding Board Member and President, The Kraft Group-International appeared first on Team IMPACT.

The post Michigan’s Zoë Bormet gets involved with Team IMPACT appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Ellie, who lives with Williams Syndrome, was matched with UGA cheerleading through Team IMPACT in 2025. Coming into a large team of over fifty members creates some uncertainty, but the UGA coach worked with Team IMPACT to make a smaller board of nine cheerleaders that would help integrate Ellie into the team fully. Among those nine were Hannah.

From the start, Hannah and Ellie shared an unbreakable bond. Hannah always begins every practice by greeting Ellie and making sure to partner up with her at games. She made sure that Ellie never felt out of place in the team environment. After only a few months of being matched together, Hannah texted Ellie’s family this message:

“I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to be a part of sweet Ellie’s life! She just lights up the room, and I just am so thankful Team IMPACT allowed us all to meet! She is something so special and y’all have done an incredible job with her. She makes my days! Little girls just like her are exactly who make me so excited for my future career. She is the sweetest, HILARIOUS, loving little girl! Can’t wait to see y’all again!”

To Hannah, this may not be a big moment, but to Ellie’s family, it showed the difference that Team IMPACT can make in both an athlete and families’ life. The small moments are what makes the pair’s relationship stand out, with Hannah being in communication with Ellie’s family, and making it a point to be the first to include her; it shows how much she cares about Ellie.

“To watch the impact both ways, on Ellie from Hannah – giving her confidence and acceptance in a world that struggles to do that, and Hannah from Ellie – giving her an opportunity to learn about a child with special abilities and see the world through her eyes – is truly a gift,” Ellie’s family shared.

When Ellie decided to get involved with the “Big Hearts” talent show with ESP, Inc and showcase UGA cheers, Hannah was the first and only volunteer to get on stage with Ellie.

Hannah demonstrates that showing up excited is a game changer in the teammate bond, and that her support and excitement for Ellie’s wins, big or small, makes the world a difference. Hannah’s presence on stage made Ellie feel special. Performing cheers in front of a crowd with her UGA teammates was a huge moment for her confidence.

“What I love about Hannah is that she loves me, and I love her back, and she’s my bestie,” Ellie shared.

Ellie and Hannah show us that Team IMPACT is not about being included only on the big stage, but also backstage. Showing support in the little moments, and including teammates, is where the pair’s bond makes a difference.

The post Friendship Series: “She loves me and I love her back.” — Ellie and Hannah, Georgia Cheer appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Nadiya is fully blind due to a genetic disorder, but her teammate Taylor makes sure she is always informed. Since they met, Taylor has made it her mission to ensure Nadiya feels included, informed, and valued as a member of the team.

“Taylor has taken the time at every practice and meet to come over to Nadiya, always making sure she introduces herself first,” Nadiya’s mom, Michelle, shared. “This is key as Nadiya is fully blind and sometimes identifying people by only voice is a challenge.”  

Taylor’s consistent thoughtfulness has helped create a special bond between the pair. At every swim meet, Taylor makes sure Nadiya can follow the action in the pool by describing what is happening. This began as a simple act of inclusion, but it laid out the foundation for a meaningful friendship built on trust, understanding, and genuine care.

“Taylor always takes the time to say hi, and she always describes everything that is going on in every OSU meet because I can’t see it,” Nadiya said. “At OSU team meals, Taylor helps me get food. I like how she walks me through the line and describes all the food that is there, and she sits next to me too.”

For Nadiya, the little moments matter. Taylor’s care allows Nadiya to not only navigate events, but to fully participate in them.  

Their friendship extends far beyond the pool. When Nadiya’s family visited Niagara Falls over the summer, Taylor was home nearby in Buffalo. Despite being on her summer break, she made it a point to meet up with Nadiya for dinner. Taylor has even introduced Nadiya to her mom, adding another layer to their relationship. Gestures that may seem small for Taylor make a huge difference for Nadiya, building her confidence and sense of belonging.  

Taylor has supported Nadiya in both the good moments, and the disappointing ones, reminding her of her value after Nadiya participated in her school’s goalball team. Taylor displays the meaning of being a teammate, showing up every moment.  

The impact of Taylor’s friendship is shown through how she acts. She includes Nadiya without making her feel different and offers support without taking away Nadiya’s independence. Through the small and intentional acts, she ensures that Nadiya experiences every moment as a true member of OSU Artistic Swim.  

The connection between the pair is so strong that when asked who she would like to be placed next to in the team locker room, her answer was immediate: Taylor. Through Team IMPACT, Nadiya gained a team. In Taylor, she gained a friend who makes sure no moment goes unseen.  

The post Friendship Series: The Little Moments — Nadiya and Taylor, Ohio State Artistic Swim appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Amelia, who was born with a heart condition, was matched with GCU dance through Team IMPACT in 2024. Since then, she and her little sister Ellie have been welcomed with open arms.  

Among the cheer and dance teams at GCU, two teammates stood out to the family: Kiki and Christianna.  

“Katey (Kiki) has gone above and beyond making Amelia and Ellie feel special and part of the team,” Amelia’s mom, Robyn, shared with Team IMPACT. Whether it is teaching Amelia how to cheer, organizing an Easter egg hunt, making her a “special assistant” during the team headshots, or including her in games, Kiki has been a role model for Amelia and Ellie and made them consistently feel like they belong.  

“She has given so many hours and so much love. She is such an amazing person with the kindest heart.” 

Christianna has also played a huge role in both Amelia and Ellie’s time with Team IMPACT, helping them gain confidence and learn new skills throughout their time with GCU dance. “She always gives them so much attention and love,” their mom said. “From coordinating games, carrying Amelia across campus on her shoulders during parades, dancing with her, putting her on top of the cheer pyramid, and helping her find confidence, Christianna has been such a blessing and the best teammate!” 

“You can see how Amelia really looks up to Christianna,” her family shared, “she has been such a blessing and the best teammate.” 

Both Kiki and Christianna have helped Amelia discover true confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging at GCU, reminding us that Team IMPACT has the power to change children’s lives through the power of friendship and allowing children to be a part of a team.  

The post Friendship Series: Finding Confidence Through Friendship — Amelia, Kiki, and Christianna, GCU Dance  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight the ripple effect of community alongside our partners at the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). We sat down with Heidi Baskfield, the Vice President of Mental and Population Health at CHA and the Executive Director of Speak Our Minds, a nonprofit affiliate to CHA focused on mental health system transformation work, to discuss the importance of a program like Team IMPACT on the physical and mental wellbeing of children facing serious illness and disability. 

We see the power of our program through the stories and experiences of our program participants every day, but that power is backed by numbers that help validate this work.  

Among student-athletes involved with Team IMPACT, 83% report improved mental well-being, 84% say they are more resilient, 89% say they are more civic-minded, and 95% say they are more aware of their ability to make a difference. For children participating in the program, 87% report increased physical activity, 82% report improved cooperation with medical care, 82% report improved independence with medical care, and 78% report improved ability to advocate for themselves with medical teams  

These numbers tell a powerful story, but the human experience behind them tells an even bigger one. “When we think about one of the key drivers for depression and anxiety in youth who are at higher risk of suicide,” Heidi said, “it’s this feeling of isolation, feeling alone and disconnected. What Team IMPACT offers is an actual way to solve for those feelings of isolation. It’s a way to create immediate levels of inclusion.” 

At Team IMPACT, inclusion is the driving force behind everything we do. These relationships go far beyond game days and practices. Teammates become support systems, locker rooms become safe spaces, and children who may have once felt sidelined become valued members of a community that has their backs. “The athletes inspire this understanding of hard the things that you can do, that you can surmount, the challenges that you can overcome,” Baskfield shared. “Through physical pain, you can use mental resilience to engage with and create positive outcomes. I think that is what comes from being part of a team and being able to look to and lean on the people around you to help you work through tough times.” 

“What the research shows is that when your mental health is strong, your physical health outcomes are higher, better, improved,” Heidi said, “and when we don’t support and manage those mental health elements of a disease state, we stop seeing the kind of consistent management on the day to day. That’s the same on the mental health side.” Without this consistent focus, Heidi warned, we’re going to see alarming trends in children’s mental health. “Between 2016 and 2021,” she said, “we saw an over 50% increase in mental health cases in the emergency department for kids ages 3-18, and we’re going to continue to see suicide as a leading cause of death for youth ages 5-18. That’s all preventable.” Through awareness, inclusion, and programs like Team IMPACT, we can begin to turn the tide on those trends. 

“Team IMPACT is helping deliver immediate engagement and support for the youth that they work with, and the youth then are giving this sense of connection and meaning and really making Team IMPACT feel part of a health care team,” Heidi said. “It’s not just about getting you on the field or on the court. It’s about making a difference in how you handle your disease or illness or condition.” 

Just as meaningful is the impact these relationships have on families. Parents and caregivers navigating difficult medical journeys often carry enormous emotional weight. Through Team IMPACT, families find hope, encouragement, and moments of joy in the middle of uncertainty. “What stood out to me was not just how fundamentally different the patient was as a result of the partnership with Team IMPACT, but the family as a whole,” Heidi shared. “The partnership offers hope and positivity and change, as much for the families as for the patients.” 

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that addressing youth mental health requires community-wide commitment, compassion, and action. It requires creating environments where children feel seen, valued, and connected. 

And at their cores, that’s exactly what Team IMPACT and the Children’s Hospital Association are about. “I think at the most basic core of Team IMPACT and CHA is this real sense of humanity,” Heidi said. “How are we creating human-centered connection? The value of Team IMPACT is keeping people and humanity at the forefront.” 

As we continue working to expand access and awareness, we remain committed to building experiences that strengthen both mental and physical wellbeing for children and families across the country. For Heidi, the partnership between Team IMPACT and CHA has potential to change the game for so many children experiencing physical and mental health struggles. “I would say more is better in this situation,” she said. “If you’d like to be a part of an experience that brings joy to your child, then Team IMPACT is the place to be.” 

To learn more about youth mental health advocacy and resources this Mental Health Awareness Month, please visit Speak Our Minds. And to be part of a community that brings joy, belonging, and hope to children facing serious illness or disability, Team IMPACT is the place to be. 

The post Mental Health Awareness Month: The Power of Connection, Inclusion, and Team with the Children’s Hospital Association  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

From day one, Liam found his place with the Miami Ohio hockey team. But within that team, one relationship quickly grew into something especially meaningful: his friendship with Blake Mesenberg.

For the last year and a half, Blake has been what Liam’s mom, Melissa, calls “a major player in Liam’s life.” What started as a teammate connection quickly evolved into a genuine, steady bond. “Liam knows that no matter what, he can always call Blake and talk to him about anything,” Melissa said, “even if Blake is home for the holidays or on summer break. Blake makes Liam feen seen, loved, and a part of the team.”

That connection was nearly instant, entirely unexpected, and 100% authentic. “When we met Blake, we realized he was special,” Melissa recalled. “We didn’t know how easy it would be for Blake and Liam to just fall into a genuine friendship.” Blake takes interest in everything Liam is doing, supports him through his medical journey, cheers him on in every aspect of his life, and takes time to truly see how Liam is feeling. As a parent, Melissa has been blown away by the genuine care and connection her son found in Blake. “Blake makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together,” she said, “not because he has to but because he wants to.”

This consistent and continued connection has helped Liam blossom, both with the team and in his personal life. Liam has not only found a team—he has found himself. “Through this journey, Blake has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life,” Melissa said. “Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend.” Which, for Melissa, is huge. “Liam has never had a group of friends prior to joining the team, making it hard to have a birthday party. Blake made sure Liam’s 16th birthday was memorable, and Liam still talks about that night months later.”

For Liam and his family, Blake is more than a teammate—he’s a role model, a friend, and a brother. “From a parent standpoint, you want your children to have friends like Blake,” she said, “selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake has exceeded all our expectations on what a teammate and friend should be while we are all on this Team IMPACT journey together. Blake is more like family to Liam.”

Friendships like Liam and Blake’s are at the heart of what Team IMPACT is all about. It’s not just about adding a name to a roster—it’s about building relationships that change lives with student-athletes who will shape futures.

“The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it,” Melissa said. “He is a leader of high character, with a genuine heart. We love the bond our son has with him, and we are thankful Liam has been blessed with such a great teammate. Blake Mesenburg is a teammate worthy of celebrating.”

The post Friendship Series: Teammates Turned Family — Liam & Blake, Miami Ohio Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

It’s rare to find a pair that embodies that spirit more than Jenni Anne and Berkeley from Georgia Tech Cheer.

Jenni Anne is 13 years old and lives with genetic and neurological disorders, including Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome and Chiari Malformation. She was matched with the Georgia Tech cheer team in April of 2024, and she has brought strength, humor, and heart to her team every day since. And alongside her is Berkeley, a teammate, a mentor, and, as Jenni Anne proudly calls her, her “GT Bestie.”

From the very beginning, there was something special about their connection. Jenni Anne felt at ease with Berkeley right away, and that comfort quickly turned into something deeper—a friendship built on trust, laughter, and understanding. It’s no surprise that Jenni Anne nominated Berkeley for Team IMPACT’s Teammate of the Year. Jenni Anne describes her “GT bestie” as the person she wants to call after a great day at school, when things get hard, or when she is sick. It’s a connection built not just on shared time but on genuine understanding and acceptance of exactly who the other is.

That sense of ease didn’t happen by accident. Jenni Anne’s mom, Abbi, shared, “From the moment Jenni Anne met Berkeley, you could tell it was going to be a very special friendship. Jenni Anne felt so comfortable with Berkeley from day one and we noticed how natural their conversations were.” This comfort helped Jenni Anne ease into a normality she doesn’t always get to feel. “When Jenni Anne is with Berkeley and the tea, we get to watch her be a ‘normal’ teen,” Abbi said. “For just a little bit, the hard has disappeared, and she just gets to be Jenni Anne, a normal teenage girl laughing with her friends.”

For Abbi, this means more than words can say. “As a parent of a child with additional needs, it means the world to see your child not only accepted but genuinely loved and understood,” she said. “Watching the special bond between Jenni Anne and Berkeley has been such a gift, and it’s hard to put into words just how meaningful it is.”

Abbi has noticed Berkeley’s impact comes from the care she puts into every interaction, through both the big gestures and the everyday moments. “One special thing about Berkeley is she is so intentional,” Abbi said. Berkeley not only includes Jenni Anne but makes sure she is fully integrated into the team culture. And it’s not just Jenni Anne but her sister, Caroline, who feel the embrace of Berkeley and the entire team. Whether it’s giving a heads-up about unexpected schedule changes, helping Jenni Anne navigate environments she can find overstimulating, attending Jenni Anne’s events and catering to her interests, Berkeley approaches every interaction with thoughtfulness and care.

Their friendship doesn’t stop at practices or games. It carries into everyday life: the weekly FaceTime calls, homework help, and rounds of Jenni Anne’s favorite game, Uno. “This is a special time that Jenni Anne holds sacred and is the best part of her week,” Abbi said. “It is so special to get to listen to the phone calls and watch the most genuine interactions unfold.”

Berkeley always makes time to foster and prioritize her friendship with Jenni Anne. Her commitment extends beyond friendship into advocacy. She has included Jenni Anne and Caroline in her master’s thesis work, helping create a “special workshop” designed to improve how kids with medical needs are understood by their peers. “This is something that Jenni Anne looks forward to and is so proud to be a part of helping Berkeley, but it also shines a light on how truly incredible Berkeley is and what a big heart she has,” Abbi said. Berkeley  actively participates in Jenni Anne’s family’s annual fundraiser for Weidemann-Steiner Syndrome. “It means so much to Jenni Anne that Berkeley comes along with some of the other cheerleaders, even though it is right before finals and a super busy time for them,” Abbi said. “Throughout the entire time, she let Jenni Anne lead the way around the event. She encouraged her and listened. It’s a reflection of who Berkeley is—someone who not only shows up but works to make the world more inclusive.

Through it all, Jenni Anne’s confidence has grown “leaps and bounds,” Abbi said. And it has been such a joy for her to see her daughter be able to put her challenges on the back burner of her mind and just get to feel like a typical teenage girl.

“Berkeley has made it possible for us as parents to see Jenni Anne truly have a best friend, and that is the greatest gift.”

The post Friendship Series: A Bond That Goes Above and Beyond – Jenni Anne & Berkeley, Georgia Tech Cheer appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Raegan is an 11-year-old who lives with congenital nystagmus and auditory neuropathy. She’s resilient, spirited, and full of heart. Through Team IMPACT, she was matched with the Winthrop University softball team, where she met teammates that quickly became friends. The friendship with one of those teammates, Emmy Cardenas, quickly turned into more of a sisterhood—one that landed Emmy with the title of 2026 Team IMPACT Teammate of the Year.

From the very beginning, Emmy showed up—not just as a teammate, but as a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and joy. “Emmy Cardenas is truly sunshine in human form,” Raegan’s mom, Eryn, said. “As a parent, I am beyond grateful for the relationship that Raegan and Emmy have cultivated over the past year through Team IMPACT. Emmy is patient, kind, caring, thoughtful, relatable, understanding, and most importantly, ever-present. There is no doubt in our minds that Emmy Cardenas IS Team Impact’s Teammate of the Year!”

Raegan seconded that statement, saying, Emmy is the kindest and happiest person you will ever meet. If sunshine was a person, it would be Emmy, for real!” For Raegan, Teammate of the Year isn’t a strong enough sentiment to what Emmy means to her. “Emmy should be Teammate of the Century, if you ask me! But I’m not the one who got to name the award,” she said.

Emmy didn’t just welcome Raegan onto the roster—she embraced her fully, making sure she felt seen, valued, and included every step of the way. Whether it’s time spent at practices, moments shared off the field, or simply being a steady, supportive presence, Emmy has helped Raegan grow not only as a teammate, but as a confident young person who knows she belongs. “Raegan has grown in confidence and has learned how to be a great teammate and even better friend,” Raegan’s mom, Eryn, said. “Being matched with Winthrop Softball has been an incredible experience for Raegan.”

And Raegan’s impact has been just as powerful. Her joy, determination, and love for the game have left a lasting mark on the Winthrop softball program. Raegan is the team’s biggest supporter, celebrating every win, softening every loss, and handing out her signature “Home Run Necklace” for every big hit. Together, Raegan, Emmy, and the entire Winthrop softball team have created a bond rooted in trust, laughter, acceptance, and love.

Which is what friendship—and Team IMPACT—are all about.

Congratulations to Emmy and Raegan on being named Team IMPACT’s 2026 Teammate of the Year!

The post Friendship Series: Sunshine in Human Form – Emmy and Raegan, Winthrop Softball appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Team IMPACT Fellow and Temple volleyball player Katie Hickey, who is currently interning with Team IMPACT’s student-athlete development team, has experienced this impact from multiple perspectives: as a student-athlete, a teammate to a Team IMPACT child, a Fellow, an intern, and now as a future social worker. 

Katie is in her first year of Team IMPACT’s Fellowship program and also recently completed her fifth year of collegiate volleyball at Temple University, where her team is matched with 10-year-old Lainey. Katie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology last May and is in school earning her master’s degree in social work. 

Katie’s connection to Team IMPACT started with Lainey, who has been a member of the Temple volleyball team even longer than Katie, and the experience quickly became something Katie will carry with her long into her career. It also altered her entire collegiate experience, directly inspiring her decision to become a Team IMPACT Fellow and later apply for an internship at Team IMPACT. “I had heard such great things about Lainey and her family, so when I finally got to meet them, they surpassed everything I had been told,” Katie recalled. “Lainey is such a bright young girl. Becoming her teammate is something that I’ll always look back on and be so grateful for.” 

From team celebrations to pool days, match days and just spending time together, Katie says every moment with Lainey has added to an experience she and her teammates will never forget. In addition to Lainey, Katie credits one of those teammates, Taylor Davenport, for being a driving force in motivating her to get more involved with Team IMPACT. “Lainey, as well as my teammate Taylor Davenport, were the main reasons for my interest in Team IMPACT,” Katie said. Taylor, who served as a Team IMPACT Fellow from 2021-2024, helped build the foundation at Temple for Katie to keep building upon. “Although Taylor would always be a huge part of Lainey’s TI experience as well as in her life, once she graduated, I thought it might be a good time to step up and apply,” Katie said. 

Since then, Katie has learned so much about Team IMPACT that has just deepened her connection to the program. Katie quickly learned that Team IMPACT is about more than game days or special events—it’s about belonging, purpose, and community. “Since becoming a Fellow, I have learned so much more about what makes Team IMPACT, and I have found a community of like-minded people who care about bringing people together,” she said.  “I have found Team IMPACT to be important for student-athletes in many ways since joining. For one, it allows student-athletes to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It allows them the opportunity to work with other student-athletes from around the world. Team IMPACT gives purpose. Many student-athletes find a personal calling through Team IMPACT.” 

Katie says she is one of those student-athletes. Her friendship with Lainey and her work as a Fellow further solidified her connection to Team IMPACT’s mission, so when it came time to find an internship, there was one organization at the top of her list. 

Katie became a Student-Athlete Development intern at Team IMPACT at the beginning of the semester. Now, through her internship, Katie has had the opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes work that makes those moments possible, including the work of social workers, case managers, and child life specialists who support every match and every family. “This internship has been very helpful in preparing me for my future as an aspiring LSW. Getting to experience the Fellow side as well as the internal side of Team IMPACT is very insightful,” she said. “Not only am I getting professional insight and experiences, but I am also getting genuine support from everyone at Team IMPACT.” 

Katie’s experience has reinforced what Child Life Specialists and Social Workers know and live every day: community is important. And Team IMPACT helps build that community for kids, families, and teams all over the country. “Child life and social work are extremely important. As we can see every day, people need people,” Katie said. “Social work acknowledges the struggles of all people and faces them from every angle. This is the basis of the work that happens at Team IMPACT. All youth should have access to community—and at Team IMPACT, they make sure it is available, accessible, and equitable.” 

This month, we celebrate the Child Life Specialists and Social Workers who advocate for children, support families, and build the communities that help kids not just cope but thrive. “I will take with me the importance of caring for all little humans,” Katie said. “They are just getting started in life—why not extend them the opportunity to thrive.” 

The post Katie Hickey, Team IMPACT Fellow and Student-Athlete Development Intern: Impacting the Future of Social Work  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Josh Rebholz is one of those people.

Josh currently serves as the Vice President for Capital Markets at The Dinerstein Companies, a nationally recognized real estate development firm specializing in multi-family and student housing. Before that, he spent more than 20 years working in intercollegiate athletics, most recently as the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director at UCLA. Josh is a former football student-athlete at Weber State University, so he knows firsthand the impact of being part of a team. And through all that, Josh has been a longtime supporter of Team IMPACT.

Currently serving on both the Team IMPACT West Coast Advisory Board and the Team IMPACT Athletics Advisory Board, Josh helps support Team IMPACT’s mission in his local community and in athletics departments from coast to coast. “My connection to Team IMPACT stems from my background in college athletics and my belief in the power that sports, especially team sports, can have in bringing joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging to kids who truly deserve it,” he said. “Equally as important to the positive impact Team IMPACT has on the children it serves, I believe strongly in the impact that Team IMPACT makes on the student-athletes who have the opportunity to be paired with children facing serious illnesses or disabilities.”

Like many in our community, Josh first learned about Team IMPACT through his network, giving a shoutout to his friend Jason Lublin who first got Team IMPACT on his radar. But what kept him involved was the authenticity of the mission and the lasting relationships formed through the program. “What immediately stood out to me was how genuine and impactful the mission is, connecting children facing serious medical challenges with college teams and giving them an incredible experience to be part of a team, while also allowing student-athletes the chance to make an impact on someone less fortunate,” Josh shared. For Josh, Team IMPACT is about so much more than the big wins—it’s about the deep connection and family that comes through team. “As someone who benefitted tremendously from being part of teams throughout my life, it really resonated with me. Team IMPACT doesn’t just create a moment of happiness; it creates lasting relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging during incredibly difficult times.”

One part of the Team IMPACT process that really stands out to Josh is watching a relationship grow from the first meeting with the team to Signing Day and then into a bond that lasts a lifetime. “Watching a child meet their team for the first time—seeing the excitement, the smiles, and how immediately they’re embraced—is something that never gets old,” Josh shared. “It’s also just as powerful to see the student-athletes recognize how much perspective and purpose these relationships give them. It truly goes both ways.”

It is through these person-to-person experiences that Josh has really gotten to know the program and love its mission even more. “Team IMPACT is important because it addresses something that often gets overlooked: emotional wellbeing and connection,” he said. “These kids spend so much time in medical environments that it’s easy for them to feel isolated. Team IMPACT gives them something to look forward to, a team that rallies around them, and a reminder that they’re not defined by their illness. That sense of belonging is incredibly powerful.” And that power transcends the field and bleeds into other parts of the lives of all those involved, from the kids, families, and teams to the communities, donors, and staff who bring the mission to life.

“Supporting Team IMPACT means supporting real, tangible impact. You can see the difference it makes on the children, their families, and the student athletes and coaches involved. It’s a mission rooted in empathy, community, and making a positive difference in a young people’s lives.

So why does Josh give?

“I choose to support Team IMPACT because it reminds me what sports are really about: dedication, overcoming adversity, and teamwork,” Josh said. “The organization is thoughtful, well-run, and genuinely committed to the kids and families it serves. I’m proud to be associated with a mission that brings so much positivity into people’s lives. Whether you’re an alum, fan, donor, parent, former student-athlete in high school or college, or simply someone who believes in giving back, Team IMPACT is a chance to support something that truly changes the lives for everyone involved.”

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