SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University cheerleading team announced the signing of 12-year-old Maya Thompson on Saturday afternoon at a press conference at Heiges Field House

Maya will be present at Raider games throughout the season. She was presented with some Team Impact gear and other items at her signing event held Saturday.
 
The partnership was arranged through Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that provides an extended support network to children living with serious and chronic illnesses by matching them up with a local college athletic team.
 
Maya was born with a vascular malformation of the tongue, which is essentially a benign tumor. Over time, it has increased in size and her family pursued many types of treatment and surgical options. She experiences challenges in daily activities, her diet, as well as pain and discomfort. She is an inspiration to many and hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other little girls just like her. She loves to be active and especially loves cheerleading, she is often dancing all around her home! 

"We are honored to officially recognize her as a part of the Shippensburg University Raider Athletics family.' said head coach Crystal Collier-Walker.