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.

It’s where he found his best friend. He was matched with Princeton Men’s Hockey through Team IMPACT in 2025. Since then, Grayson has embraced every opportunity to be part of the team. Living with congenital heart defects, he has undergone multiple lifesaving heart surgeries since infancy. Those early medical challenges have also brought developmental and social hurdles, making it difficult at times to connect with peers at their own age. 

Then he met Josh, and from the very first day on Princeton’s campus, something clicked.

“From the beginning of Grayson’s Team IMPACT experience, Josh has been wonderful,” Grayson’s family shared. “From the first time they met on Princeton’s campus, we knew they formed an instant bond.” 

That first meeting became the beginning of a friendship that continued to grow with every practice, every game, and every visit. 

Rather than waiting for Grayson to become part of the team naturally, Josh made it happen. He took the time to coordinate visits, organize opportunities to spend time together, and make sure Grayson was regularly surrounded by his teammates. 

“Josh was instrumental in immediately getting to know Grayson and arranging visits and events for Grayson to hang out with the team at least once a week or every other week. Josh was a great communicator with us and with Grayson.” 

For Grayson, consistency mattered. It meant knowing there was always another practice to look forward to. Another chance to visit the locker room before a game. Another opportunity to lace up his own hockey gear and skate alongside the team with Josh never far away. 

Whether it was Signing Day, skating at practice, or experiencing the excitement of game day from inside the locker room, Josh made sure Grayson wasn’t simply watching from the sidelines. 

He was part of the team. 

Their friendship quickly grew beyond hockey. 

The two discovered a shared love of Harry Potter and movies, creating conversations and inside jokes that strengthened their bond. More importantly, Josh appreciated Grayson exactly as he was. 

“Josh has provided Grayson with true friendship, belonging, and confidence,” his family said. “Josh shares Grayson’s love of Harry Potter and movies and appreciates Grayson for who he is… something Grayson needs when he has difficulty with his peers.” 

That acceptance has made all the difference. Every time Grayson arrives at a Princeton game, he immediately looks for Josh. And every time, Josh is just as excited to see him. “Whenever we go to games, Grayson seeks Josh out, and Josh always seems just so excited to see Grayson too. It is heartwarming.” 

It’s a simple exchange, but one that says everything. Because friendship isn’t about making someone fit in. It’s about making sure they know they already belong. Through every practice, every skate, every conversation about Harry Potter, and every enthusiastic greeting at the rink, Josh has become far more than a teammate. He’s become the role model, mentor, and friend Grayson needed.

“Josh’s character is very impressive, and we couldn’t be happier for him to be a role model for Grayson,” his family shared. “We could go on and on about all the things that make Josh deserving of the Teammate of the Year Award because he truly is the most deserving and has made everything about Grayson’s experience with Princeton hockey exceed all of our expectations. Grayson and our family cannot wait to see how their friendship grows. Josh is the best teammate we could ask for Grayson!” 

At Team IMPACT, the strongest friendships aren’t measured by goals scored or games won. They’re measured by the confidence they inspire, the belonging they create, and the reminder that everyone deserves someone who is genuinely excited to see them. 

For Grayson, that someone is Josh.

The post Friendship Series: Exceeding All Expectations — Grayson and Josh, Princeton Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

It’s about friendship. It’s about confidence. And it’s about finding a team that celebrates him exactly as he is. 

Matched with Connecticut College men’s basketball through Team IMPACT in 2024, Holden has found a second family alongside the team. Living with aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow failure disorder, Holden has spent much of his young life navigating challenges that no child should have to face. But on the basketball court, those challenges take a back seat to the friendships that have transformed his world. 

At the center of that transformation is his teammate, RJ. From the very beginning, RJ made it a priority to meet Holden where he was. Whether that meant shooting baskets together at practice, sitting beside him to explain what was happening during drills, or simply making sure Holden felt included, RJ’s patience and kindness helped create a friendship built on trust. 

“RJ has shown kindness and friendship throughout our journey,” Holden’s family shared. “He always meets Holden where he is and was the person who got Holden’s little sister involved and comfortable with the team.” 

RJ’s impact extended beyond Holden. Recognizing that Team IMPACT is about families as much as it is about children, RJ welcomed Holden’s little sister with the same warmth and enthusiasm, helping her feel like she belonged alongside the team. Before long, team dinners, events, and practices became experiences the entire family looked forward to together. 

Today, Holden and his sister are familiar faces around Connecticut College Men’s Basketball. They attend team dinners, cheer from the sidelines, and celebrate alongside the players, not as guests, but as members of the family. 

One of the most meaningful moments came when Holden was officially added to the team’s roster. For many children, seeing their name on a roster is a dream. For Holden, it was a powerful reminder that he belonged. 

“Holden was added to the official roster; the team and RJ continue to celebrate Holden for who he is, and it’s done wonders for Holden’s confidence.” 

That confidence has continued to grow in ways his family never expected.

Inspired by RJ’s encouragement, Holden challenged himself to complete a 5K alongside his teammates, his family shared. A moment that wasn’t about crossing the finish line first, but about believing he could do something difficult. 

“RJ has been like a big brother and has been Holden’s biggest fan,” his family said. “Holden was even empowered to do the 5K with his team to make RJ proud.” 

Sometimes the greatest teammates aren’t the ones who score the most points. 

They’re the ones who slow down, explaining the game. The ones who make sure siblings feel included. The ones who cheer the loudest from the sidelines and help someone believe in themselves just a little more than they did yesterday. 

RJ has done all of that and more for Holden. 

At Team IMPACT, friendship isn’t measured by statistics. It’s measured by confidence gained, families embraced, and the quiet moments that remind every child they are valued exactly as they are. 

For Holden, RJ hasn’t just been a teammate. He’s been a mentor, a role model, a biggest fan, and the kind of big brother every child deserves. 

The post Friendship Series: Friendship and Confidence, Exactly as You Are — Holden and RJ, Conn College Basketball appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Living with a heart condition, Boston has faced challenges that many children his age never have to think about. But since being matched with the California State University, San Bernardino Baseball team through Team IMPACT in 2024, he’s found something every child deserves, a place where he feels welcomed, celebrated, and included.

One teammate, Conner, helped make that feeling possible every step of the way. He has made it his mission to ensure Boston knows he isn’t just on the roster, but he is a key member of the team.

Whether it’s before the first pitch, during the game, or after the final out, Conner goes out of his way to make Boston feel special. Through simple acts of kindness and genuine friendship, he’s created moments that remind Boston he belongs alongside his teammates.

“Our teammate should win because they always make Boston feel special on the baseball field,” Boston’s family shared. “They have made my son feel like a part of the team!”

Sometimes, the biggest impact doesn’t come from grand gestures.

It’s found in the high fives after practice. The conversations in the dugout. The smiles shared between the innings. The intentional moments when someone takes the time to make another person feel seen.

That’s exactly what Conner has done for Boston, by welcoming him as a teammate rather than a visitor, Conner has helped create an environment where Boston can simply enjoy being a kid, laughing with friends, celebrating the team’s successes, and making memories that will last long after the season ends.

At Team IMPACT, that’s what friendship is all about.

It’s choosing to include someone without hesitation. It’s making room for another teammate in every huddle, every celebration, and every shared experience. It’s showing up consistently so that someone else knows they matter.

For Boston, Cal State San Bernardino Baseball has become more than just a team to cheer for.

It’s become another family.

And thanks to friends like Conner, every trip to the ballpark is a reminder that the best teams aren’t just built on talent but that they’re built on kindness, inclusion, and the friendships that make everyone feel like they belong.

The post Friendship Series: Part of the Team — Boston and Conner, Cal State San Bernardino Baseball 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.

Arianna was matched with Kent State field hockey through Team IMPACT in 2025. Since then, she has become an integral part of the team.  Living with spina bifida, autism, and epilepsy, Arianna is nonverbal, but her joy speaks volumes whenever she is surrounded by the people who have become like family.

As soon as the team enters the field, her face lights up.

“Arianna is a nonverbal 12-year-old who is loved by her Kent State teammates,” her family shared. “She just lights up when she sees her teammates play; she may not know what is going on the field, but she knows her teammates are out there.”

For Ariana, it’s never been about understanding every play. It is about knowing she is a part of something bigger, a team that celebrates her, includes her, and makes sure she always has a place to belong.

That feeling starts with teammates like Lucy.

Lucy goes above and beyond to ensure Arianna feels welcomed every time she is around the team. Whether it is introducing her to new players, inviting her into team traditions, or simply making sure she is included in every gathering, Lucy has helped create an environment where Arianna is never on the outside looking in.

“Lucy makes sure that Arianna is welcome,” her family shared.

That sense of belonging is woven into every experience the pair shares.

Arianna proudly goes through spirit tunnels, celebrates alongside teammates, joins post-game press conferences, signs autographs, and smiles for team photos. She is present for team events, embraced in every celebration, and recognized as more than a guest, but a valued member of Kent State field hockey.

These are the moments where Team IMPACT’s mission shines through. Inclusion isn’t just inviting someone to attend; it is making sure they have a role, a voice, and a place where they are genuinely celebrated.

For Arianna, this looks like Lucy making room for her in photos, pulling up a chair at press conferences, taking the time to build connections and make introductions, and ensure that Arianna feels the same warmth from every teammate, not just Lucy.

While these acts may seem small, they have an extraordinary effect. They create confidence, they create joy, and most importantly, they create a place where Arianna knows she is loved.

Arianna and Lucy have shown that the strongest teams aren’t defined by what happens during competition, but they are defined by how they make every teammate feel.

And when everyone belongs, everyone wins.

The post Friendship Series: Each Other’s Light — Arianna and Lucy, Kent State Field Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Since he was five years old, Colin has faced leukemia. Years of treatment, hospital stays, setbacks, and uncertainty have become a part of his everyday life. When he was matched with the University of Virginia’s men’s tennis team in 2023, he gained both teammates and lifelong friends.

At the center of that was Stef.

Stef was going through his own set of challenges this past season as well, redshirting due to an injury. While it would have been understandable for him to take a step back and focus on his recovery, Colin’s parents noted that he instead leaned into the match and made a huge impact on Colin’s life.

What set Stef apart for Colin was his resilience. No matter how many times Colin was forced to change a plan due to treatment, hospital visits, and the unpredictability that comes with leukemia, Stef always was ready to adapt. Stef made sure to meet Colin and his family where they were, whether it was organizing activities for them, or coming to visit Colin at his home where he feels safest, Stef created opportunities rather than waited for them.

“Stef truly cares,” Colin’s family shared. “He coordinates meetups where the team practices as well as at our home. He makes sure to check in on Colin, and since Colin relapsed, he checks in separately with me to see how is doing medically and when he may need more support. He goes above and beyond when he is carrying a heavy course load too. We deeply appreciate him and how much he makes Colin feel normal.”

Sometimes, the greatest acts of friendship happen quietly.

They’re found in the messages asking how treatment went, the extra effort to plan a visit, or the commitment to simply keep showing up. Even when life is busy.

For Colin, those moments have made an impact that extends far beyond the tennis court. During a recent conversation, Colin shared that being a part of the team has made him feel less anxious about his treatment.

“This was not prompted by us,” his family shared. “But it is true, and we have seen it with this last relapse. He handled adversity better, medical errors, blood draws, readmissions, and everything a little better. It means a lot that he attributes this to the team, as his lower anxiety level has made the last six months a lot easier for all of us.”

Friendship can’t take away cancer, but it can lessen fear. It can replace isolation with a sense of belonging; it can create a bond that rivals one like a family. Colin walks into treatment knowing that he has a family that cares about him, and that family is at the University of Virginia.

At Team IMPACT, friendship isn’t measured by wins and losses. It’s measured by every text, every visit, every game played together, and every moment someone chooses to show up. The strongest teammates aren’t defined by the time they spend competing; they’re defined by the way they care for one another through life’s toughest moments.

For Colin, that victory extends far beyond the court.

The post Friendship Series: Resilience On and Off the Court — Colin and Stef, UVA Tennis appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Now Charlotte, age 12, is a graduate on the Michigan field hockey team, and she remains a huge part of the team. Whether she is attending team hangouts, meals, games or practices, she is treated like family. At the center of it all is her teammate, Zoe.

“Zoe has been an incredible teammate to our daughter, Charlotte,” Charlotte’s family shared. “She works unbelievably hard to make sure that Charlotte is included in team events and gatherings, as well as planning lots of extra events and hangouts for Charlotte to spend time with the team.”

Zoe always makes sure to invite Charlotte to everything, going as far as organizing team activities that revolve around Charlotte’s schedule, so she can attend everything. Zoe and Charlotte took many photos together on the team’s media day this past fall and saves a seat right beside her for post-game autographs.

For Charlotte’s family, her reach goes far beyond what meets the eye. Zoe and the team’s genuine care for Charlotte have been instrumental in her transition to middle school. Giving her confidence and a sense of safety if she needs a place to fall back on.

“Zoe is the big sister that our daughter needs and surrounds her with an entire team of friends and sisters who value Charlotte’s presence” Charlotte’s family shared.

Whether it be on the field, or at media day, Charlotte is always included in team events; she considers Zoe and the team as her “best friends,” and she is so grateful for their presence in her life. This sisterhood shows us what Team IMPACT can create, a sense of security, belonging, and genuine care for one another.

The post Friendship Series: An Entire Team of Friends and Sisters — Charlotte and Zoe, Michigan Field Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

At the 2026 Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit in Boston, we had the privilege of recognizing three campuses whose Fellows have gone above and beyond to build a culture of belonging, advocacy, and impact throughout the past year.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Campuses of the Year!

Division I Campus of the Year: Kent State University

Kent State University has exemplified what it means to embrace the Team IMPACT mission. Through the leadership of Fellows Davanee McNairy (women’s lacrosse), Dionna Gray (women’s basketball), and Lucy Keeler (field hockey), the campus has cultivated an environment where student-athletes from across multiple teams have rallied together to create meaningful experiences for Team IMPACT children and families.

This past academic year, the Fellows at Kent State, with tremendous support from their Athletic Department, organized a highly successful Team IMPACT Field Day, lead Fellow fundraising efforts across campus, strengthened existing matches, and fostered meaningful engagement across campus, truly embodying the mission of Team IMPACT.

Whether bringing awareness to Team IMPACT on campus, supporting matched teams, or inspiring fellow student-athletes to get involved, these Fellows have demonstrated that lasting change happens when a community comes together. Their passion, collaboration, and commitment have made Kent State a shining example of what is possible through the Fellowship Program.

Division II Campus of the Year: Concordia University Irvine

Concordia Irvine has continued to build a strong culture of service and inclusion, led by Fellow Mattie Prior from the volleyball team.

Mattie’s leadership has helped strengthen Team IMPACT’s presence on campus while encouraging teammates and fellow student-athletes to embrace the life-changing relationships that define our mission. Mattie spearheaded the sunset beach 5K in line with Team IMPACT’s All In 5K, rallied other student-athletes to raise critical funds for Team IMPACT, and created new opportunities for meaningful on-campus interactions for families and teams. Through intentional leadership and a genuine commitment to creating belonging, Concordia Irvine has become a model for how one passionate leader can inspire an entire athletic department.

Division III Campus of the Year: Swarthmore College

At Swarthmore College, Fellows Liesel Blau (women’s soccer) and JoeEyiolowope (men’s soccer) have worked together to foster a campus-wide commitment to inclusion and community.

Their collaborative leadership has brought together teams across the athletic department while elevating Team IMPACT’s mission in meaningful ways. Together, Leisel and Joe demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity by coordinating Team IMPACT Awareness Games, hosting a successful Design FC community event, organizing a Team IMPACT lunch during DIII Week, and ensuring all Team IMPACT matches were celebrated throughout the school year. By building connections, encouraging participation, and championing opportunities for student-athletes to serve others, Liesel and Joe have helped create a lasting culture of impact that extends well beyond the playing field.

These awards recognize outstanding campuses and celebrate the student-athletes who choose to lead with empathy, purpose, and action.

The Team IMPACT Fellowship Program empowers student-athletes to become advocates for inclusion while developing leadership skills that will serve them long after graduation. This year’s honorees embody those values in every sense, demonstrating how athletics can be a powerful force for connection and positive change.

As we celebrate together at the 2026 Fellowship Summit in Boston, we’re inspired by what these Fellows have accomplished and even more excited for what’s ahead.

Congratulations to Kent State University, Concordia University Irvine, and Swarthmore College on being named our 2026 Campuses of the Year, and thank you to Davanee, Dionna, Lucy, Mattie, Liesel, and Joe for leading the way.

The post Celebrating Our 2026 Fellowship Campuses of the Year appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Elias lives with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but this does not slow down his energetic and bubbly personality in the slightest. When he joined the team in 2024, he quickly became a beloved member. Whether he is attending practices or cheering from the sidelines at games, Elias found a community that welcomes him with open arms.

The most influential figure in his experience is his teammate, Raghav.

Over the past two years, Raghav has become much more than a teammate to Elias. The pair has grown a relationship both on and off the field, their friendship rooted in fun, consistency, and support. They may train together, but Raghav always makes time off the pitch as well.

Elias understands the importance of the small moments in a friendship just as much as the big moments.

“He is my friend and he makes me laugh,” he shared.

Sometimes, it is just that simple.

Whether they are coloring, playing card games, or just spending time together, Raghav’s presence has become an important part of Elias’ Team IMPACT experience.

“Raghav has been an amazing guy with Elias and his brothers,” Elias’ family shared. “Not only is he a great player but a great friend for the last two years.”

The friendship extends beyond Elias and the team. From the moment they matched, Southwestern Men’s Soccer extended their family to include not only Elias, but his brothers as well.

When the brothers arrive on the field, the whole team embraces them with open arms, often clapping and cheering upon their arrival. These small moments may seem insignificant, but they create an environment where the family feels celebrated, valued, and a true part of the team.

The connections between the family and team are especially apparent in Elias’ nomination video for Raghav, where the brothers joined in to create a drumroll before announcing his name. The video captures the joy and spirit of the pair’s friendship.

Raghav has shown that being a teammate is more than what happens within the ninety minutes of the game. It is about spending the time building relationships and creating an environment where every team member feels special, and like they belong.

For Elias, this made all the difference in the world.

Most importantly, Raghav has given Elias something that every child deserves: a friend who makes him laugh, includes him, and reminds him that he belongs.

And for Elias and his family, this impact will extend long after the final whistle blows.

The post Friendship Series: “He’s my friend and he makes me laugh.” — Elias and Raghav, Southwestern University Soccer appeared first on Team IMPACT.