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EASTON, Mass. – Stonehill College Softball head coach Ali Maloof announced the signing of a new team member, 8-year-old Maggie Mendonca from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, through Team IMPACT.
Maggie, a young girl who faces a constant battle with severe epilepsy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex on campus. Maggie marks the sixth partnership between Stonehill and Team IMPACT. She will participate in a variety of fun 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.
Maggie received her number 16 jersey upon signing, an official team-autographed Stonehill softball, and a Team IMPACT "Letter of Intent.", accompanied by her parents, Ashley and Paul Mendonca, grandparents, Paul and Cindi Damon, and sister Leona Mendonca. Maggie was assisted on her big day by members of Stonehill SAAC and student-athletes on the softball team: juniors Caroline Green (Brockton, Mass. / Brockton) and Emily Nardelli (North Attleboro, Massachusetts / North Attleboro).
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On Maggie's signing day, head coach Ali Maloof had some welcoming words for Stonehill's newest signee.
"We are very excited and blessed to have Maggie join our Skyhawk family this fall. Maggie has brought smiles to all our faces in such a short time, and we couldn't be more thankful. Maggie and her family fit like that last puzzle piece you always look for. We believe she and her family will bring us the best of luck with their support and positivity. We are so excited to continue getting to know Maggie and see how much she will impact us as a program, and we hope to impact her just as much!"
Stonehill College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 12 years, matching 24 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.
Stonehill College Athletics will be officially unveiling its Team IMPACT wall on the second floor of the Sally Blaire Ames Sports Complex on Wednesday, December 6. The Team IMPACT matches from the other varsity sports programs along with friends, families, coaches, student-athletes, and representatives of Team IMPACT will all be in attendance for the special event.
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.
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