Teammate of the Year 2024

Teammate of the Year

The relationships between our kids and student-athletes are the backbone of our program—and those friendships deserve to be recognized.

Meet our Teammates of the year

We received incredible nominations from dozens of kids around the country. The submissions were funny, creative, and heartwarming, truly showing the special friendships that happen at Team IMPACT.

We are proud to announce our five finalists for this year’s Teammate of the Year:

Addison & KD, Winthrop University Softball
Mason & Michael, Pennsylvania College of Technology Basketball
Mason & TJ, Western New England University Lacrosse
Nick & Isaac, Purdue University Northwest Hockey
Reilly & Wil, University of Utah Basketball

Congratulations to our finalists, and thank you to all our incredible kids who submitted nominations. Now it’s time to vote for the winner! Now until Wednesday, March 20, watch the submission videos from our five finalists, read their quotes, look at their photos, and vote on who you think deserves to win Teammate of the Year.

The winner and a guest—as well as their nominating teammate and a guest—will receive a trip to Boston for Team IMPACT’s annual Game Day Gala on April 20, 2024. Good luck!

Addison & KD, Winthrop Softball

KD has always made Addison feel welcome and makes sure she speaks to her whenever we see each other. KD is a great role model for not only Addison, but our other children as well. KD had our family dress up in group costumes for Halloween and even went trick-or-treating with us. She also spent Thanksgiving with us. Our relationship with KD will continue beyond Team IMPACT, and for that, we are grateful!”

Mason & Michael, Penn College Basketball

“Michael has sent Mason Happy Birthday video and attended his Heartiversary Celebration. Michael went on PA Live News with Mason for a special feature about Mason joining the team through Team IMPACT. Michael also got his vision checked during blindness awareness month in his special MasonStrong t-shirt to spread awareness. Mason sees with his heart, and that is why he loves Michael so much. The kindness Michael has makes him a game changer player. I believe the bond they have is what Team IMPACT is all about!

Mason & TJ, Western New England Lacrosse

TJ should win Teammate of the Year because he is the epitome of what a great teammate should be. Since day one he immediately formed a special bond with Mason. They are always texting each other and trying to make plans for their next adventure. When Mason was in the hospital or going through testing, TJ takes the time to play video games with Mason so he can keep his mind off his medical troubles. TJ has been a shining light in a very dark year for Mason and as parents—we could not be any more grateful. TJ and the boys even showed up to Mason’s school to cheer him on for his swim team tryouts. They also went shopping together to buy gifts for Toys for Tots. TJ and the Golden Bears are not just teammates to Mason—they are his Lax Bros. They have made a friendship that will last a lifetime. We are forever grateful for TJ, Team IMPACT, and the Golden Bears team.”

Nick & Isaac, Purdue Northwest Hockey

“Isaac is an amazing teammate and friend. Isaac takes Nick aside for warm ups before the game. At practice he’s the goalie that Nick loves to try to score on. Isaac is always available with a hug and motivating word when Nick is having a rough time. Their relationship has developed so much, and Isaac is such an upstanding young man that Nick asked him to be his Confirmation Sponsor (they both have the same Confirmation name!). Isaac is the role model that we as parents want for our child. Nick had to interview Isaac for his Confirmation and we were so impressed with Isaac’s answers and influence on Nick. He talked about the importance of always showing up and working hard and staying positive, even when you are frustrated or disappointed. Nick and Isaac hang out outside of hockey enjoying lunch, music, and attending Nick’s favorite theater event together – The Spongebob Musical. When the team won the championship for the first time in club history, Isaac immediately shared the trophy with Nick. Isaac is a genuine, caring, influential young man who not only deserves this nomination for his involvement and influence on Nick, but on other kids as well. Isaac worked with Nick’s special needs basketball coach to coordinate an event at the college for the kids to play for the crowd at half time of the men’s and women’s basketball games. He is working with organizations in the school to provide programs for special needs kids and adults in the community to promote inclusion and camaraderie. Isaac is Nick’s biggest cheerleader at basketball games and track meets.

Reilly & Wil, Utah Basketball

Wil and Reilly connected right away the first time we met the team. After practice, Reilly was introduced to the team and he was immediately at ease. Finding out that Reilly loves music and dancing, they put on a song and he and the team had an impromptu dance party and Wil was right there with Reilly in the middle of it. Since Reilly was matched with the Runnin’ Utes as pre-season was underway, we have not had an opportunity to spend time with the team outside of practices and games, but despite not having a lot of time during the season Wil has gone above and beyond to connect with Reilly. Wil always finds Reilly after each home game and will greet him with a big hug, and will bring him back to the locker room for the postgame remarks and time with the team. When Reilly has special occasions or is not feeling well, Wil will send special video messages that encourage Reilly and let him know he and the team are behind him. Wil and Reilly share a special bond in that Wil has been injured and unable to play this season, and Reilly shares a true understanding with him of how hard it is to not be able to do the things they love as Reilly has had to sit out on certain activities while he has been in treatment. Wil has a big heart and has really made a difference in all our lives with how he has welcomed Reilly and our family as part of the Runnin’ Utes. We are thankful for this opportunity to nominate Wil and show him our appreciation for being a inspirational person in Reilly’s life.”

Vote for the 2024 Teammate of the Year!

Voting for Teammate of the Year is now closed. Please check in Monday to see our winner!

See our other Teammate of the Year Nominations

This year, we received dozens of incredible nominations from around the country. Every submission was unique and special—just like every friendship in our program. We are so proud of the relationships that are built at Team IMPACT. Thank you to all our families who shared their special friendships.

Click the photos below to watch each Team IMPACT teammate’s nominating video.