University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Sign Luke and Will as Part of Team Impact
9/14/2022 5:31:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT MEN'S HOCKEY SIGNS
LUKE AND WILL DISTEFANO THROUGH TEAM IMPACT
STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut head men's ice hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh
announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Luke DiStefano and 10-year-old Will DiStefano through Team IMPACT.
Luke and Will, who have immune system disorders, were officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Wednesday, September 14th at the Freitas Ice Forum. They will participate in many activities over the next two years, 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 Luke and Will officially join the Huskies," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside the University of Connecticut, their athletic department and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
The University of Connecticut has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 8 years, matching 21 children across its baseball, men's and women's basketball, field hockey, football, men's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball teams.
"It's an exciting day for our program," said Cavanaugh. "We are really excited to have Luke and Will apart of our program and can't wait for them to be with us on campus and at the XL Center for games."
"On behalf on the team, we are honored and super excited to have you guys apart of our program," said senior captain Roman Kinal. "Our program has a reputation of bringing in people who are hardworking, respectful, and who don't let any challenge define them, and we think you guys fit all those qualities."
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.
Media Contacts
For the University of Connecticut: Bill Peterson, william.peterson@uconn.edu
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, kdepaolo@teamimpact.org
