New York, NY (April 29, 2026) — Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams, today announced an official partnership with Columbia University Athletics. This collaboration formalizes a longstanding relationship and creates new opportunities to expand the program’s reach across Columbia’s campus and athletic community.
“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Columbia Athletics,” said Krissie Kelleher, Team IMPACT CEO. “The Columbia community has already shown a strong commitment to our mission, and together we can create more opportunities for children and student-athletes to experience the power of belonging and team.”
Columbia University Athletics has historically welcomed more than 15 children through Team IMPACT matches, integrating them into varsity teams where they gain a sense of belonging, confidence, and support. Through this expanded partnership, the organizations will build on that momentum by increasing the number of matches and deepening engagement across campus in the years ahead. Together, our goal is to match at least 80% of Columbia University’s varsity sports teams with children through Team IMPACT.
“This partnership reflects the values at the heart of Columbia Athletics,” said Peter Pilling, Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education. “We are proud of the relationships we’ve built through Team IMPACT and look forward to expanding our involvement and welcoming even more children into our teams.”
Columbia University Athletics will formally celebrate the partnership during a Team IMPACT Awareness Day when the Columbia softball team hosts Harvard on Saturday, May 2, at 12:30 p.m. The event will bring together student-athletes, matched children, and their families to celebrate the relationships formed through the program and to raise awareness for its continued growth.
Team IMPACT matches children with college athletic teams, where they become official team members—attending practices and games, building relationships, and gaining a support system that extends beyond the playing field. The experience also shapes student-athletes, strengthening empathy, leadership, and perspective.
As Team IMPACT and Columbia University Athletics look ahead, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience while making a lasting difference for children and their families.
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 4,000 children with 800+ colleges and universities in 50 states, impacting more than 95,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.