The Yale women's swimming and diving team has a very special addition to its roster. Nine-year-old Cassidy Clapp of Hamden, Conn., has joined the Bulldogs through a partnership with Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
 
"We are so excited to have Cassidy joining our team," said Jim Henry, the Robert J.H. Kiphuth Coach of Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving. "Her work ethic and positive energy will be an incredible addition. Most of all, Cassidy's love of swimming and this team brings joy to all of us. We are so happy to have her a part of the Bulldog swim and dive family."
 
Cassidy was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Sunday outside of the Payne Whitney Gymnasium, during which she signed her official letter of intent, met Handsome Dan and joined her new teammates in their pre-meet cheer. Cassidy's family was in attendance, along with members of the Yale Athletic department.
 
Now an official member of the Bulldogs, Cassidy will attend practices, meets and team functions.
 
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Cassidy join the Yale University family," said Danielle Hardee, Team IMPACT Regional Director of Programs, Northeast. "We cannot thank the Yale University swim and dive team, athletic department and campus community enough for making this such a memorable event."
 
Team IMPACT is the only U.S. nonprofit that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic medical diagnoses by matching them with a college athletic team. Their two-year therapeutic program complements a child's medical treatments, allowing the child to develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing.
 
Through participation in Team IMPACT's clinically informed program, children experience a true sense of belonging, resulting in increased empowerment, normalization, health promotion, and resilience. Families feel connected and supported as their child achieves individualized goals, while experiencing the joy of team camaraderie and inclusion; and student-athletes gain perspective and inspiration, as well as lessons in adversity and resilience.
 
Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. Team IMPACT has more than 1,200 teams across the country waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious illness or disability and could benefit from becoming a member of the team. To learn more, or if you know a child who may be interested, get in the game at www.teamimpact.org and @goteamimpact.