SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The #11/13 Union College football team is proud to announce the addition of Caoimhghin Williams to the roster. The Dutchmen officially welcomed Caoimhghin (pronounced KEY-vin) to the team with his official signing day on Monday night at the O'Brien Center.

Williams, age 13, joins the team through the partnership of Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that partners children with serious and chronic illnesses with college athletic teams. The goal of Team IMPACT is to help children tackle the emotional trauma and social isolation that can be caused through a serious illness through a therapeutic program that complements their medical treatments.

"Caoimhghin embodies our team culture," said head coach Jeff Behrman. "He is someone that attacks every single day with his courage, his positive attitude, his resiliency, and his discipline. And he does that with an infectious smile."

As part of the recruiting process, children are matched with a team, go through a campus visit and introduction to the program, and participate in an official draft day.

Williams and the Union football team were actually matched this past spring, but delayed his draft day until Monday evening in a ceremony attended by his family and the entire football team. The date was significant since October 25 is World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day and took place during Spina Bifida Awareness Month.

"We waited a long time and we've been really patient," added Behrman. "We're so thankful that we're able to bring this relationship into our family."

As an official member of the team, Williams attends practices and games, and can often be found on the sidelines spreading joy through his smile and positive attitude.

"I know I speak for the group when I say I couldn't imagine this team without Caoimhghin, without his energy and his infectious smile," said senior Cam Adams, a member of the team's Leadership Council. "I know it may not seem this way on the surface, but he really has helped us come together as a team and battle through adversity. Seeing some of the trials and tribulations that he has fought through, it really inspires us to be better every single day, every single time we go on that field, every time we practice. There's no better feeling than knowing we have him on our sideline working with us day and night."

To learn more about Team IMPACT, check out their website here.