PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence College head coach Craig Stewart announced a new team member, signing 9-year-old Jacoby Mercier through Team IMPACT.
Jacoby, who has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Monday, August 22n.d at the Ruane Friar Development Center. He will participate in many activities with the men’s soccer 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 Jacoby officially join the Friars,” said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. “We are proud to work alongside Providence College, their athletic department and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
Providence College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 11 children across its men’s basketball, dance, men’s and women’s hockey, men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, swim and dive, and women’s volleyball teams.
“We’re really excited to partner with Team IMPACT and officially welcome Jacoby to the Friar Family,” said Coach Stewart.
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 Providence College: Jen Rynearson[email protected]
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, [email protected]