Erin Hamlen, head coach of the Merrimack College women’s ice hockey team announced on Friday, Oct. 4 a new team member, 13-year-old Faith through Team IMPACT.
Faith was officially introduced at a signing day press conference in the Gallant Pavilion in Lawler Arena. She 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 Faith join the Warriors,” said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. “We are proud to work with Merrimack College, their athletic department and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
Merrimack has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 13 years, matching 35 children with teams including soccer, volleyball and lacrosse.
“We are so excited to welcome Faith and her family to our team,” said Hamlen. “Faith has already brought an enthusiastic amount of energy and laughter to our team. We can’t thank Team IMPACT enough for its help matching us with this incredible teammate. We’re looking forward to having Faith as our seventh player at our games and know that she’s going to inspire us all to achieve greatness.”
