PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College head coach Jim Crowley announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Arianna Taft through Team IMPACT. 
 
Arianna, who is in remission from Wilms Tumor, a form of kidney cancer, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 22 on campus at the Ruane Friar Development Center. She will participate in many activities with the 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 Arianna officially join the Friars," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Providence College, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
Providence College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 14 children across its men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's hockey, women's dance, men's swimming, and men's lacrosse teams. 
 
"It is a great day in Friartown," Crowley said. "Ari is a special person, and we are excited and fortunate to have her and her family join our program. Team IMPACT is a fantastic organization and we are grateful for this opportunity."
 
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 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.
 
Media Contacts
For Providence College: Jennifer Rynearson, jrynears@providence.edu
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, kdepaolo@teamimpact.org