PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brown University head men’s water polo coach Felix Mercado announced a new team member, signing seven-year-old Shea Mathewson through Team IMPACT.
Shea, who has cystic fibrosis, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Saturday, September 10th on-campus. He will participate in many 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.
“Team IMPACT is excited to see Shea officially join the Brown Bears,” said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. “We are proud to work alongside Brown University, their athletic department and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
Brown University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 8 years, matching 13 children across its baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, gymnastics, men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s swimming, men’s tennis, and men’s water polo teams.
“We have been waiting for this for a while, with COVID interrupting some stuff, it was a really special day,” said Mercado. “My assistant coach JJ Addison did a great job of setting everything up. Having him do the signing and having him be a part of the introductions, I am super happy for Shea and everyone involved that we were able to make this happen.”
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.
Release courtesy Brown University Athletics Communications
