PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College swimming and diving head coach
John O'Neill announced a new team member today [May 6], signing 11-year-old Evan Vaudry through Team IMPACT.
Evan, who has spinal muscular atrophy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday at the Ruane Friar Development Center. He will participate in many activities with the swim and dive team over the next two years including meets, practices and other team events.
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities 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 Evan 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 11 children across its men's basketball, dance, men's and women's hockey, men's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, swim and dive, and women's volleyball teams.
"Our team members and staff are excited to welcome Evan to our program and look forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season," Coach O'Neill said.
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.
Media Contacts
For Providence College:
Jen Rynearson,
jrynears@providence.edu
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo,
kdepaolo@teamimpact.org