EASTON, Mass. (October 26, 2022) – Stonehill College Softball head coach Ali Maloof announced a new team member, signing 14-year-old Claire Dempsey from Plymouth, Massachusetts, through Team IMPACT.
Claire, a young girl with Cerebral Palsy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex on campus. [video link]. Claire marks the fifth partnership between Stonehill and Team IMPACT. She will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.
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Claire is joined by her mother Sarah, step-father Pete, her two siblings, and Skyhawk SB players Brochu and Nardelli |
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.
Claire received her number 25 jersey upon signing, an official team autographed Stonehill softball, and Team IMPACT "Letter of Intent.", accompanied by her mother Sarah, step-father Pete, and her two siblings. Helping Claire on her big day and to acclimate to her new team are team advocates: senior Courtney Brochu (Scarborough, Maine / Scarborough) and sophomore Emily Nardelli (North Attleboro, Massachusetts / North Attleboro).
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Claire officially join the Skyhawks," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Stonehill, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.
On Claire's signing day, head coach Ali Maloof had some welcoming words for Dempsey.
"Thank you to Claire and her family, she obviously has already made an impact on the team. The girls love her, she loves the girls. Not only is she making an impact on us, hopefully, we are making an impact on her."
Stonehill College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 23 children across its men's ice hockey, women's field hockey, baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, dance, women's volleyball, cheerleading, and football teams.
"We're excited to finally have her sign on the dot and get her officially on the team!" said Maloof.
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.
Stonehill finished their 2022 season with a 15-23 record (11-15 NE10) which marked a 10-win improvement and is the second-largest turnaround in program history under Maloof in her first season. Freshman pitcher, Skylar Brandemarte (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham High School) and sophomore catcher, Alexandra Hammond (Windham, Maine/Cheverus) were both named to the NE10 All-Conference Third Team last season, and Brandemarte was also named to the All-Rookie. Stonehill started its transition to NCAA Division I as members of the Northeast Conference (NEC) in July, with the softball team commencing its first Division I season during the spring semester.
Media Contacts
For Stonehill College: Tatianna Carbonel, tcarbonel@stonehill.edu
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, kdepaolo@teamimpact.org
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