Fifteen Years, 4,500 Kids, One Powerful Idea: College Athletes Are Changing Everything

When Team IMPACT paired its first child with a college hockey team back in 2011, nobody predicted it would spark a nationwide movement that would touch the lives of over 4,500 kids facing serious illness and disability. Fast forward to today, and the Boston-based nonprofit has quietly built something remarkable: a network spanning more than 850 colleges and universities across all 50 states, engaging over 112,500 student-athletes in a mission that redefines what it really means to belong.

The magic here isn’t complicated, but it’s profound. Kids don’t just attend games from the sidelines—they become official team members. They show up to practices, sit at team dinners, celebrate wins, and build friendships that extend far beyond the court or field. CEO Krissie Kelleher said it best:“Fifteen years ago, we set out with a simple but powerful belief that no child should ever be sidelined by illness or disability.”

The real story lives in the specifics. Take Blake Mesenberg, a hockey player at Miami University in Ohio, and Liam, a 16-year-old managing a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and developmental delays. Liam never had a group of friends before joining the team—birthday parties weren’t even a thing. Blake changed that. For Liam’s 16th birthday, Blake and the entire team made sure it was unforgettable. Months later, Liam still talks about that night. More importantly, Liam now knows he has someone he can call whenever he needs to talk, whether Blake’s home for the holidays or away on summer break.

What often gets overlooked is the flip side: student-athletes gain something irreplaceable too. They learn empathy, leadership, and perspective in ways no classroom can teach. They’re not volunteering for a resume line—they’re genuinely showing up for someone. That changes you.

As Team IMPACT marks its 15th anniversary with national and local activations throughout 2026, the organization is calling on supporters, schools, and community partners to help expand its reach. More kids deserve to know what it feels like to be truly part of something. The network is already massive, but there’s still room to grow.