NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Yale University 5K Corral Head Coach for men's soccer Kylie Stannard, announced a new team member, signing 6-year-old Sebastian through Team IMPACT.
Sebastian, who has recently completed treatment for a rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday, October 13th, at the Tsai Field House. He will participate in many activities with the men's soccer team including games, practices, and other team events.
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, 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 Sebastian officially join the Bulldogs," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Yale University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Yale University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 9 years, matching 16 children across its women's volleyball, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's soccer, baseball, softball, women's swimming, men's hockey, and football teams.
"This program has been around for 116 years, so Sebastian is a piece of history here with the Yale men's soccer program," said Stannard. "He's been an amazzing support for us, and this is a long-term situation. We can't wait to have him around more and more."
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 over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 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.
