University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Sign Gabby As Part of Team Impact
1/10/2022 5:36:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. – The University of Connecticut women's hockey head coach Chris Mackenzie announced the signing of Gabby as the newest member of the Huskies women's ice hockey team. Gabby comes to UConn through a partnership with Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious illnesses and disabilities through the power of a team.
"We are so excited to welcome Gabby to our team. She is already like family to us, and embodies everything that we look for in a person apart of this program. We can't wait to have her for the second half of our season and beyond," said MacKenzie.
Gabby was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Monday, January 10, during which she signed her official letter of intent. Gabby's family was in attendance, along with her new teammates and members of the UConn athletic department. Now an official member of the UConn women's ice hockey team, Gabby will attend practices, games and team functions.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Gabby officially join the Huskie family," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are grateful for the UConn athletic department, coaching staff and campus community for their commitment to this program while creating lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between UConn student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT is the only U.S. nonprofit that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious illnesses and disabilities by matching them with a college athletic team. Our two-year therapeutic program complements a child's medical treatments, allowing the child to develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing.
Through participation in Team IMPACT's clinically informed program, children experience a true sense of belonging, resulting in increased empowerment, normalization, health promotion, and resilience. Families feel connected and supported as their child achieves individualized goals, while experiencing the joy of team camaraderie and inclusion; and student-athletes gain perspective and inspiration, as well as lessons in adversity and resilience.
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. Team IMPACT has more than 1,200 teams across the country waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious illness or disability and could benefit from becoming a member of the team.
To learn more, or if you know a child who may be interested, get in the game at www.teamimpact.org and @goteamimpact.
