Loyola is first Atlantic 10 Conference program to form partnership with organization
CHICAGO (December 7, 2022) – Loyola University Chicago announced a new partnership with Team IMPACT, a national organization whose unique multiyear program matches children facing serious illness and disabilities with intercollegiate athletic teams across the country, on Wednesday. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbolic relationship between teams and children that is focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
With currently five matches on campus across various sports, the relationship between Loyola and Team IMPACT, the first of its kind for any Atlantic 10 Conference institution with the organization, began back in 2016 with the Ramblers’ men’s soccer program.
“Loyola University Chicago has been committed to Team IMPACT for years and we are so thrilled to be announcing our first school partnership in the city with this phenomenal campus community,” said Seth Rosenzweig, CEO of Team IMPACT. “Over our multi-year relationship, Loyola student-athletes, teams, and the athletic administration have demonstrated their passion for improving the lives of children across Chicago alongside our organization and we are excited to continue to build momentum together through this partnership.”
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Team Impact, an organization that shares our mission of serving others” Loyola Director of Athletics Steve Watson stated. “To see the impact that these invaluable relationships have on our student-athletes is truly heartwarming, and I’m confident that they will develop into lifelong friendships.”
This new agreement builds on the relationship, including enhanced opportunities for student-athletes through a Team IMPACT Fellowship program and development opportunities through curriculum-based training on topics such as diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and professional development. In addition, Loyola will host multiple promotions throughout the year including spotlighting Team IMPACT at select games.
“It is really exciting that Loyola is partnering with such a life-changing organization,” Loyola women’s soccer junior Alaina Abel, one of three Loyola Team IMPACT Fellows, commented. “Team Impact allows us to have a positive influence on a child while also learning a new meaning of family. The values of Team Impact closely align with our Jesuit values here at Loyola and provide us the opportunity to all win together.”
Team IMPACT team members officially sign with their team and participate in many activities with their team over a two-year period, including games, practices and other team events.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT’s unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disabilities 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 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
Read Loyola Athletics’ release at https://loyolaramblers.com/news/2022/12/7/general-loyola-athletics-and-team-impact-announce-partnership.aspx.