University of Connecticut Athletics
Volleyball Signs Impact Player Marley
8/15/2025 2:14:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut head volleyball coach Ellen Herman-Kimball announced a new team member, signing 10 year-old Marley Starling through Team IMPACT.
Marley was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday August 15 at the UConn Volleyball Center. Marley will participate in team activities, 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.
The University of Connecticut has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 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 women's volleyball teams.
"Today is a special day for our program because we get to welcome an incredible human being, Marley, to our UConn volleyball program," said head coach Ellen Herman-Kimball. "Marley reminds us that being a great teammate is about showing up for each other in every way possible. We are so excited for the memories we will make together, the laughs we will share, the ways we will grow as a team with Marley with us. We are so honored to welcome Marley and her entire family into ours."
"Marley has brought a contagious smile to the team every time we see her," said senior setter Ayva Cebollero. "We are so extremely proud to have a new member of the UConn volleyball team."
"We can already tell Marley is going to bring so much joy and style to our team," said junior setter/defensive specialist Maggie Carley. "We can't wait to make more memories with Marley as our teammate, and we are blessed to call her one of us."
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 over 3,800 children with 800+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 96,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
