CAMBRDIGE, Mass. – Harvard softball is welcoming new members to the Crimson family, as Harvard signs nine-year-old Mae and 13-year-old Maia in partnership with Team IMPACT.

Mae, who lives with Down syndrome, officially signed with the team this semester at Harvard Stadium. Mae will participate in many team activities with Harvard softball over the next two years.

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.

Harvard and Team IMPACT have worked together over the last 15 years, matching 24 children across 17 Crimson programs.
"Partnering with Team Impact has been overwhelmingly rewarding for Harvard Softball," head coach Jenny Rohn said. "With Mae and Maia as teammates, our program continues to be a place where everyone is valued, included, and celebrated. Team Impact, Mae, and Maia remind us why we play, and the lasting impact we have on those around us."

"Team IMPACT is excited to see Mae and Maia join the Crimson," Amy VanRyn, Chief Program Officer at Team IMPACT said. "We are proud to partner with Harvard University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

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 4,000 children with 750+ 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.

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