Joey Team Impact Signing Day Photo Album
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Joey signing his Team IMPACT 'Letter of Intent" (Photo Courtesy: Saylor Murphy). |
EASTON, Mass. (March 29, 2022) – Stonehill College head coach Jim Reddish announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Joseph "Joey" Valadao-Casey of nearby Stoughton through Team IMPACT.
At the age of 1, Joey was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic disease of the esophagus, and multiple food allergies. He was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday, March 25 on-campus. He will participate in many activities with the men's soccer team over the next two years, including games, practices, and other team events.
"We know he is going to be a great fit for our team," said Aidan O'Sullivan. "We know Joey's gonna help us win some games this upcoming season!"
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multi-year 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 Joey officially join the Skyhawk family," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "Stonehill College, and the entire campus community, has been dedicated to our program since 2012. We are proud to be official partners forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes for so many families in the Greater Boston area."
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Joey playing on the field with one of his new teammates, Aidan O'Sullivan (Photo Courtesy: Saylor Murphy). |
Stonehill College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 24 children across its baseball, cheerleading, men's and women's basketball, football, dance, track and field, men's ice hockey, men's and women's soccer, field hockey, softball, and women's volleyball teams.
"Obviously, a special day here on campus, not something we usually get to do every day," said Reddish. "You know, it's been a great year with a lot of new players but there was something missing from this team, and after a big search, and a few visits to campus it became quite clear that Joey is what we're looking for at Stonehill."
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 65,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
