PHILADELPHIA (September 25, 2024) – Today, Holy Family University announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Riley Carroll through Team IMPACT. 
 
Riley, who is battling diagnosis Pilocytic Astrocytoma Giloma, officially signed with the team on Wednesday at Holy Family's Campus Center. She will participate in many activities with Holy Family Women's Lacrosse, including games, practices and other team events, over the next two years.
 
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multi-year 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. 
 
"Partnering with Team IMPACT and welcoming Riley and her family into our team is exactly what our program has been missing," said Head Coach Marisa Ongaro. "Being given the opportunity to inspire growth and independence in a child facing serious illness or disability will enhance our team culture and synergy. As a university, it aligns with our mission by incorporating Family, Respect, Service and Responsibility. I can't wait to watch our players and Riley grow their relationships over the next two years."
 
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 3,000 children with 750+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.